Pharmacist in Charge

JOB TITLE: Pharmacist in Charge

SUPERVISED BY: Chief Pharmacy Officer

STATUS: Exempt, Full-Time

Via Care Community Health Center

JOB SUMMARY

The Pharmacist in Charge (PIC) holds primary regulatory and operational responsibility for all pharmacy functions within the FQHC setting. This leadership role oversees pharmacy compliance, staff supervision, medication management programs, and quality improvement initiatives. The PIC serves as the designated responsible pharmacist under California Board of Pharmacy regulations and ensures the department operates in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. In addition to regulatory oversight, the PIC provides advanced clinical pharmacy services, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes, and leads pharmacy-based population health and grant-supported programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the designated Pharmacist in Charge as defined by the California Business and Professions Code and the California Board of Pharmacy; maintain all required PIC notifications and documentation.
• Ensure pharmacy operations comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including DEA regulations, HIPAA, California Pharmacy Law, and HRSA/FQHC requirements.
• Maintain and update pharmacy policies and procedures to reflect current regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Oversee controlled substance accountability, recordkeeping, and diversion prevention programs; coordinate DEA inspections and reporting.
• Manage pharmacy permits, licenses, and renewals, including facility and personnel licensure.
• Serve as the primary contact for California Board of Pharmacy inspections, audits, and inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with Board of Pharmacy, DEA, and 340B requirements
• Ensure proper storage, handling, labeling, and disposal of all medications in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Oversee controlled substances handling and documentation
• Maintain records for audits and inspections
• Serve as point of contact for regulatory agencies
• Supervises Pharmacy Technicians, Pharmacy Interns and all other ancillary personnel working in the Pharmacy. Maintains a safe, efficient and productive workflow in Pharmacy work areas.
• Provides drug information to the physicians, staff and patients of all medical centers.
• Assists programs instituted by the Pharmacy department to increase the efficiency or cost-effectiveness of patient care.
• Prepares and dispenses medication in order to fill Physicians’ prescriptions; weighs, measurers and mixes drugs and other medicinal communes, filling bottles or capsules with the correct medication.
• Performs pharmacist tasks including compounding, drug therapy reviews, verification, and medication management. Reviews, interprets and accurately dispenses prescribed medications when necessitated by workload.
• Counsels patients on prescriptions. Provides information to patients and to medical and nursing staff regarding medications.
• Reviews prescriptions for accuracy, dosage and possible toxicity or interaction affects; supervises and inspects all prescriptions filled by the pharmacy technician or other pharmacists.
• Provides information to the pharmacy and/or nursing staff on potential drug interaction and potential adverse drug reactions.
• Advises the medical/nursing staff regarding proper storage for prescription medication
• Is responsible for the direct procurement of all medication, preparations, and general supplies for the pharmacy, acknowledging and maintaining receipt, disposition, and inventory maintenance of all medications and other pharmaceutical supplies.
• Supervises and teaches Pharmacy School Students assigned to Via Care Pharmacy Department
• Ensures the pharmacy operates in accordance to regulations, company policies and standards. Assists pharmacy manager with establishing procedures that promotes the efficient workflow of the pharmacy including assigning roles, coordinating activities and soliciting employee suggestions. Responsible for the opening and closing of the pharmacy and shift change duties
• Follows-up with medical providers’ offices to clarify prescribed medications, dosages, refills, interactions and allergies to suggest alternative medications, and answer medical provider questions
• Maintains current knowledge and skills related to pharmacy and healthcare by reading pharmacy related journals, company publications, and communications. Maintains awareness of developments in retail and management and pursues best practices that would enhance performance.
• Oversee day-to-day pharmacy operations, ensuring efficient workflow, patient safety, and high-quality service delivery.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate pharmacy staff, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and interns.
• Develop and maintain staffing models to ensure appropriate pharmacy coverage across all operating hours.
• Establish performance standards and conduct regular performance reviews; address personnel matters in collaboration with HR and the VP of Pharmacy.
• Lead pharmacy department meetings and maintain effective communication across the interdisciplinary care team.
• Manage pharmacy inventory, procurement, and formulary, including oversight of the 340B drug program to maximize savings and ensure compliance.
• Monitor and manage pharmacy budget, identify cost-reduction opportunities, and report on key financial and operational metrics.
• Implement and evaluate quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives within the pharmacy department.
• Oversee medication error reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning.