Pharmacy Purchasing Specialist

University of Maryland Medical System Corporation; Largo (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maryland Medical System Corporation is seeking a Pharmacy Purchasing Specialist to manage procurement of medications and supplies, optimize costs, and ensure timely delivery while complying with state and federal regulations. Responsibilities include inventory management, recalls, and adherence to department policies.

Strong knowledge of medical informatics, order-entry systems, and BCMA systems is preferred, along with 2 years of purchasing experience and Maryland Technician

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 2 years of purchasing experience.
• Maryland Technician Registration required.

Responsibilities

• Assesses medication levels and supplies, procures medications from approved vendors, verifies shipments, and processes payments.
• Identifies shortages and provides prompt alternatives with pharmacist collaboration to ensure patient care continuity.
• Manages recalls and expirations, rectifies issues, and communicates with appropriate stakeholders.
• Maintains knowledge of medical informatics and regulatory compliance related to purchasing and procurement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Prioritization

Accountability

Compliance awareness

Pharmacy IT systems

Seek guidance

Problem solving

Communication

Professional development

Best practices

Meeting participation

Customer service

Team collaboration

Policy development

Operational awareness

Organizational values

Education

High School Diploma

Maryland Technician Registration

CPhT Certification

Some college

Tools

Order-entry systems

Automated dispensing devices

Bar-code packaging devices

BCMA systems

Clinical integrated systems

Job description

Job Summary

The Pharmacy Purchasing Specialist is responsible for procuring medications and pharmacy supplies by managing inventory levels, identifying and addressing medication recalls, placing purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations, while optimizing cost-effectiveness and minimizing waste within a pharmacy setting; carries out rules and regulations pertaining to the professional policies of the department and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations.

Job Requirements

The Pharmacy Purchasing Specialist is responsible for procuring medications and pharmacy supplies by managing inventory levels, identifying and addressing medication recalls, placing purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations, while optimizing cost-effectiveness and minimizing waste within a pharmacy setting; carries out rules and regulations pertaining to the professional policies of the department and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations.

Specific responsibilities will be documented and retained internally by the Department of Pharmacy.

Primary Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities performed.

• Assesses medication levels and supplies, procures medications from approved vendors, verifies accuracy of shipments and processes payments. Contacts the appropriate party to review discrepancies and initiate resolution.
• Identifies medication shortages and provides prompt alternatives and communication in collaboration with the pharmacist to ensure minimal disruption in patient care.
• Manages medication recalls, expirations and properly rectifies issues. Communicates with the proper individual as appropriate.
• Uses general knowledge of medical informatics including order-entry systems, automated dispensing devices, bar-code packaging devices, bar-code medication administration (BCMA) systems, clinical integrated systems and system/application maintenance in the performance of daily duties; is engaged in ensuring regulatory compliance related to purchasing and procurement.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Prioritizes work responsibilities and manages multiple demands.
• Demonstrates an awareness of self-responsibility and accountability for own professional practice.
• Adheres to all best practice standards and guidelines within scope of professional practice and follows all hospital policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Maintains competency in work- and pharmacy-related technology and applications and supports orientation and/or training of team members when appropriate.
• Seeks validation of knowledge base, skill level, and decision making as necessary and assertively seeks guidance in areas of question.
• Practices effective problem identification and resolution skills as a method of sound decision making. Accepts change as a part of the problem-solving process.
• Demonstrates effective communication methods and skills, using lines of authority appropriately.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, workshops, in-service meetings, etc.
• Identifies the extent of the health system’s adherence to best practices and guidelines relevant to medication management.
• Attends hospital and departmental meetings as required.
• Utilizes appropriate customer relations skills when interacting with patients, their families, visitors, team members, and others, to ensure all customers are treated with respect and dignity.
• Represents the department on hospital committees, professional associates, and community organizations where appropriate.
• Participates in the development of policies, procedures, and guidelines pertaining to medication use and management.
• Maintains knowledgeability of the daily operations of UMMS, including the Pharmacy Department, through active engagement and awareness of departmental communications via mailbox, bulletin boards, or email.
• Maintains knowledgeability of the mission, vision, and values of UMMS.

Education & Experience - Required

• High School Graduate or equivalent.
• 2 years of purchasing experience.
• Maryland Technician Registration.

Education & Experience - Preferred

• Some college.
• Hospital experience.
• National Certification (CPhT).