PHARMACIST

State of Arkansas; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 118,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Arkansas seeks a licensed Pharmacist to deliver pharmaceutical services at the Arkansas State Hospital in Little Rock. This 24/7 behavioral health facility requires dispensing medications, counseling patients, and ensuring safe medication practices.

Required is a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and a valid Arkansas Pharmacist License. The role focuses on medication management, patient safety, and regulatory compliance within a government hospital setting.

Qualifications

• Pharmacist must have Pharm.D. degree from an accredited school.
• Experience in state government or public health settings is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of pharmacology, therapeutics, and legal regulations.

Responsibilities

• Dispense prescribed medications accurately with correct dosage and instructions.
• Verify prescriptions for completeness and regulatory compliance.
• Manage medication inventory according to storage and handling guidelines.
• Monitor patient medication profiles for interactions and contraindications; take action as needed.
• Maintain thorough records of dispensed medications, counseling, and adverse drug reactions.

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Anticipated Starting Salary: $118,399.01

Position Number: 22109084
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: October 29, 2026

This position is located at the Arkansas State Hospital, a 24/7 behavioral health facility, in Little Rock.

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Position Information

Class Code: MPA01P

Pay Grade: MED09

Salary Range: $118,399 - $175,231

Job Summary

The Pharmacist is responsible for providing pharmaceutical services within a state government facility. This includes dispensing medications, providing medication therapy management, ensuring the safe use of pharmaceuticals, and advising patients and healthcare professionals on proper medication use. A valid Arkansas pharmacist license is required to practice in this role.

Primary Responsibilities

Dispense prescribed medications accurately, ensuring proper dosage, form, and instructions for administration.Verify prescriptions for completeness, authenticity, and appropriateness, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.Manage medication inventory, ensuring proper storage, handling, and maintenance of medications in compliance with regulatory guidelines.Monitor patient medication profiles for potential drug interactions, allergies, or contraindications, and take appropriate action to prevent adverse effects.Provide medication counseling to patients and/or caregivers, explaining proper medication use, side effects, interactions, and any special precautions.Maintain accurate and detailed records of medication dispensed, patient counseling, and any adverse drug reactions reported.

Knowledge and Skills

Extensive knowledge of pharmacology, therapeutics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmaceutical law.Strong understanding of drug interactions, side effects, and contraindications.Ability to accurately interpret and apply clinical guidelines and pharmacological principles to patient care.Ability to explain complex medication regimens in simple, clear terms for patients and caregivers.Understanding of relevant state and federal pharmacy laws, including the Controlled Substances Act, HIPAA, and the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.Knowledge of compliance standards for record-keeping, patient privacy, and medication safety in a healthcare setting.

Minimum Qualifications

A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy school is required.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

Must hold a valid Pharmacist License issued by the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy.OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.