Ohio Pharmacy Services Chief - Mental Health Administrator 6 (PN: 20038196)

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 65,436 - 93,539; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health is seeking a Chief of Ohio Pharmacy Services in Columbus, a role responsible for overseeing all pharmacy operations across the state. This executive position will ensure compliance with federal laws and maintain policies for quality standards in pharmaceutical services.

Ideal candidates will hold a degree in business administration and have leadership experience in pharmacy. The position offers an hourly pay range of $47.50–$67.90 and opportunities for advancement based on performance.

Qualifications

• At least 12 months of experience in program and policy development.
• At least 12 months of training in budgeting and spending.
• At least 6 months of training in manpower planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead all pharmacy and administrative operations for OPS.
• Oversee pharmaceutical distribution services.
• Develop and manage the State of Ohio’s pharmaceutical contract portfolio.

Skills

Mental Health

Pharmacy

Regulatory compliance

Interviewing

Medical terminology

Education

Completion of undergraduate core program in business administration/management sciences

Job description

Job Overview

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is seeking an experienced, visionary leader to serve as the Chief of Ohio Pharmacy Services (OPS). This executive-level role oversees all statewide pharmacy operations—including inpatient, outpatient, and wholesale distribution services—and ensures that OPS fulfills its mission to support Ohio’s behavioral health system, correctional institutions, youth services, and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all pharmacy and administrative operations for OPS, including Inpatient Pharmacy, Outpatient Pharmacy, and the OPS wholesale distribution warehouse.
• Direct statewide planning, development, and marketing of OPS services in alignment with Ohio Revised Code 5119.44 and the Department’s strategic priorities.
• Oversee pharmaceutical distribution and services provided to:
  • DBH regional psychiatric hospitals
  • Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) facilities
  • Department of Youth Services (DYS) facilities
  • Community agencies participating in the DBH Community Medication Program
  • Additional state, county, and local partners
• Develop and manage the State of Ohio’s pharmaceutical contract portfolio.
• Implement purchasing and distribution strategies that ensure cost‑effective, compliant, and uninterrupted access to medications statewide.
• Ensure all OPS operations meet federal and state laws governing pharmacy practice, drug distribution, controlled substances, and pharmaceutical recordkeeping.
• Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and quality standards for inpatient, outpatient, and distribution operations.
• Supervise managers of Central Pharmacy Inpatient (CPI), Central Pharmacy Outpatient (CPO), the Pharmacy Service Center (PSC), and all other OPS operations.
• Oversee budget development, payroll, accounts receivable/payable, and financial performance.
• Review forecasting, cost analyses, financial statements, and cash‑flow reports.
• Lead hiring, performance evaluations, leave approvals, and organizational structure recommendations.
• Collaborate with state agency partners to provide clinical leadership for pharmaceutical services.
• Collaborate with physicians and healthcare teams to promote optimal patient outcomes.
• Prepare and review medical, administrative, and operational reports.
• Represent DBH at meetings, conferences, and stakeholder engagements.
• Respond to inquiries from clinicians, public officials, and the general public.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Deputy Director.

Position Qualifications

• Completion of an undergraduate core program in business administration/management sciences.
• At least 12 months of experience in program and policy development for an operational unit or program of a firm or agency, including monitoring implementation.
• At least 12 months of training in budgeting and spending, or at least 12 months of experience determining budgetary needs and spending for an operational unit or program of an agency or firm.
• At least 6 months of training in manpower planning, or at least 6 months of experience scheduling personnel for adequate coverage and making staff projections.
• At least 3 months of training in employee training and development, or at least 3 months of experience writing training materials or conducting training.
• Primary job skill: Mental Health.

Technical Skills

• Pharmacy
• Regulatory compliance
• Interviewing
• Medical terminology

Professional Skills

• Attention to detail
• Developing others
• Leading others
• Responsiveness
• Verbal communication
• Written communication

Additional Salary / Appointment Information

Unclassified per ORC 124.11 (A)(9). This is an hourly position and is exempt from the bargaining units, with a pay range of $47.50–$67.90 per hour on the E1 Exempt Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (flexible schedule). Unless required by any applicable union contract and/or requirements of the Ohio Revised Code, the selected candidate will begin at Step 1 of the pay range schedule listed above, with an opportunity for a pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance and then a yearly raise thereafter.

Location

United States of America—Ohio—Franklin County—Columbus

Schedule

Full‑time, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

Union

Exempt from Union