Pharmacy Automation Lead

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre; Union (NJ); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is seeking a Pharmacy Automations Lead to enhance pharmacy automation and technology. The ideal candidate will oversee automation systems, provide training, and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines, contributing to quality improvement and operational success. This role requires a deep understanding of pharmacy operations and project management in a healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in a hospital pharmacy setting.
• Good understanding of automated repackaging and distribution systems.
• Experience with project management in a LEAN environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide training on medication management systems and automation for pharmacy staff.
• Monitor pharmacy inventory levels and systems for accuracy.
• Facilitate the implementation of enhancements and updates to existing systems.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Project management

Organizational skills

Education

Registered Pharmacy Professional

Tools

MEDITECH

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Job Title

Program & Department

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre -> Pharmaceutical Services -> Pharmacy

Regular / Temporary

Regular

Full / Part Time

Full-Time

Temporary End Date (Anticipated)

Union

Non Union

Requisition Close Date

Salary Plan / Job Grade

$45.20 - $52.96 ( NU_07 )

Job Posting Reason

Current Vacancy

Job Summary & Requirements

Position Summary:

• The Pharmacy Automations Lead is a member of the pharmacy team and acts as an expert resource on the development, implementation, integration, customization, management, evaluation and continuous improvement of pharmacy automation and technology. Additionally, the Pharmacy Automations Lead works in collaboration with the Regional Digital Health team regarding the optimization of the pharmacy information system (MEDITECH), automation and technology through the design and implementation of quality improvement changes, the development of tools and refinement in workflows.
• The Pharmacy Automations Lead oversees all levels of pharmacy automation including, but not limited to, automated dispensing cabinets, IV robotics, automated packaging machines, automated verifiers, automated high density storage systems, medication carts, barcode scanners, labelling software, and interface engines.
• The Pharmacy Automations Lead uses in-depth knowledge of project planning processes and change management to support automation and technological updates across the department.
• The Pharmacy Automations Lead reflects the mission, vision, and values of RVH, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
• The Pharmacy Automations Lead participates in the procurement, development, implementation, integration, customization, management, evaluation, and continuous improvement of systems, automation, and technology.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Registered Pharmacy Professional an asset, in good standing with the Ontario College of Pharmacists

Experience:

• Minimum five (5) years of experience in a hospital pharmacy setting
• Knowledge and understanding of pharmacy operations and automation
• Good understanding of automated repackaging and distribution systems, computerized unit dose including sterile and non-sterile compounding
• Experience with MEDITECH EXPANSE modules related to pharmacy
• Experience with project management in a LEAN environment
• Familiar with the components of hospital information systems and how each module interfaces with pharmacy
• Sound problem solving, communications (oral and written), conflict resolution and decision-making skills
• Ability to identify issues, suggest improvements and measure success
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software
• Demonstrate commitment to the professional growth and development of self and others
• Demonstrate commitment to the concepts of Continuous Quality Improvement
• Highly motivated team player with the ability to collaborate across disciplines/departments/programs
• Positive Change Agent
• Ability to perform multiple tasks and work under pressure
• Contribute to a strong teamwork environment
• Skills and ability to understand impacts to workflow, patient, families and clinicians
• Excellent attendance, punctuality, and employment record
• Strong understanding of pharmacy regulatory bodies such as Ontario College of Pharmacists, Accreditation Canada, and National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) standards

Responsibilities:

• Provide training on medication management systems, automation, and technology for new pharmacy staff as applicable:
  • Train new staff on functionality of systems as appropriate
  • Train new staff on downtime procedures
• Provide ongoing education relating to medication management systems, automation and technology as applicable:
  • New functionality
  • New procedures
  • Procedure reminders
• Assist users as needed with technical support and application on-boarding
• Resource to pharmacy staff regarding functionality and procedures as they related to medication management systems, automation, and technology
• Ensure pharmacy systems are compliant with and support regulatory guidelines
• Provide data from medication management systems to the pharmacy leadership team in a format suitable to support decision making. Including:
  • Drug utilization
  • Inventory management
  • Medication incidents
  • Productivity/workload
• Generate reports required for quality assurance purposes as requested
• Monitor pharmacy inventory levels and systems for accuracy
• Facilitate and participate in interface testing and end-to-end functionality as required
• Facilitate and participate in the implementation of enhancements and updates to existing systems, automation and technology.
• Monitor systems to timely identify system issues related to software, interfaces, and hardware, as well as systems impacts on patients safety and workflow/productivity. Work with vendors to find a solution to issues identified or escalate for further support.
• Maintain oversight over all automation purchases, server upgrade, service agreements, enhancements, and end-of-life dates in order to schedule appropriate upgrades or RFP processes for replacements.
• Pharmacy point of contact during scheduled and unscheduled downtimes
• Manage service levels for automation and technology (submit tickets, field calls, document, coordinate and oversee repairs and preventative maintenances). Meet with automation vendors monthly to ensure timely and relevant information and communication.
• Review transactions rejected by interfaces. When possible, edit/correct the transactions(s) and/or affected databases to facilitate completion of the transaction.
• Design and implement quality improvement changes and assist pharmacy leadership in advancement of pharmacy automation and technology
• Participate in the evaluation of emerging technologies that support the enhancement of Pharmacy Services at RVH.
• Participate in the development and revision of policies and procedures related to medication management and automation.
• Attend relevant meetings and committees.
• Collaborate and promote effective communication between pharmacy staff and Regional Digital Health on all necessary issues
• Provide onsite and remote support as required for automation and technology
• Other duties, as required

Equity & Inclusion
RVH is committed to recruitment and selection practices anchored in principles of equity and inclusion that contribute to an anti-oppressive, respectful, and culturally safe workplace.

We invite applications from individuals who belong to groups that have been historically marginalized on the grounds identified by the Ontario Human Right Code, including but not limited to race, disability, age, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, family or marital status, and status as a First Nation, Métis, or Inuk person.

Accommodations
RVH is dedicated to ensuring every applicant has a fair and equitable opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities throughout our recruitment and selection process. We are continuously working to create an accessible, barrier-free process, and recognize each applicant’s needs are different.

We encourage applicants with a disability or circumstance that could be supported with an accommodation to contact People Recruitment [e-mail].

If you are interested in this position, please apply online before 11:00 p.m. EST on the Requisition Close Date. If there is no close date listed above, the requisition will remain open until filled.