Lead Pharmacist

California Department of Health Care Access and Information; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Health Care Access and Information seeks a Lead Pharmacist in Sacramento to provide technical guidance, SME support, and policy insights to the PPPB team, CalRx program, and OHCA leadership. The role researches and analyzes strategies to lower drug costs, assesses complex pharmaceutical issues, and prepares reports for departmental action under federal and state policy.

Hybrid telework is available; permanent, full-time position with a salary range of $7,857 to $11,365

Qualifications

• Lead Pharmacist provides technical assistance and expertise to PPPB, CalRx, and OHCA leadership.
• Evaluates strategies to make drugs more affordable and accessible in California.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance and subject matter expertise to PPPB, CalRx, and OHCA leadership.
• Research, evaluate, and analyze strategies to reduce drug costs and improve access.
• Prepare verbal and written reports and recommendations for departmental action.
• Monitor regulatory and policy impacts on pharmaceutical matters.

Job description

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-519920

Position #(s): 441-600-7994-XXX

Working Title: Lead Pharmacist

Classification: PHARMACEUTICAL CONSULTANT II, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES (SPECIALIST)

$7,857.00 - $11,365.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Sacramento County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

California's Department of Health Care Access and Information works to ensure that healthcare is available where Californians need it most. With offices in Sacramento and Los Angeles, we strengthen the state's healthcare system through facility construction, expanding the health workforce, and providing vital health information. Our diverse team upholds the values of professionalism, innovation, equity, and service. We provide tools and support to help you start, build, or transition your career while making a meaningful impact for all Californians.

The Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) has three primary responsibilities: slowing health care spending growth, monitoring health system performance, and assessing market consolidation. OHCA was created in an effort to slow rising health care spending, and the work of this office will make a tangible difference in making health care more affordable. If you believe that all Californians should have access to health care and be able to afford it, then join the OHCA team.

HCAI is committed to building an inclusive work environment that promotes diversity, where employees are appreciated and feel comfortable being their authentic selves. We value our employees' skills, experience, and unique perspectives because they enrich our workforce and make us stronger. We embrace and support a culture of equitable opportunity, empowering our employees to advance health care access and information for the diverse populations we serve across California.

To learn more about HCAI, visit: http://HCAI.ca.gov/

Department Website: http://HCAI.ca.gov/

Job Description And Duties

This bulletin is being reposted. If you previously applied, it is not necessary to reapply.

This bulletin is being posted as until filled. The job control will remain open, and applications will be reviewed (e.g. every two weeks until filled).

Under the direction of the PPPB Assistant Deputy Director, the Lead Pharmacist provides technical assistance, subject matter expertise, and pharmaceutical industry guidance to the PPPB team, CalRx program, and OHCA leadership. This role researches, evaluates, and analyzes strategies to make drugs more affordable and accessible in California. The incumbent is expected to have the skills to assess highly complex pharmaceutical issues, consider regulatory and policy impacts, and perform ongoing monitoring and analysis. As needed, the Lead Pharmacist will develop both verbal and written reports and recommendations to support PPPB, OHCA, and for departmental action related to federal and state policy.

Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) hours each month. For more details about PLP 2025, visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Special Requirements

This position is subject to the Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests filing requirements, which requires disclosure of certain personal economic interests as determined by the Conflict of Interest Code of the Department of Health Care Access and Information. Pursuant to Government Code section 81008, Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests is public record and will be made available for public inspection.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).