Lead Pharmacist

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.

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Working Conditions

HCAI is committed to fostering a flexible, inclusive, and high-performing work environment that supports both operational excellence and employee well-being.

HCAI is housed in a state-of-the-art building outside of downtown off Interstate-5. Enjoy a great work environment with many amenities, including FREE PARKING and fully equipped pay-per-charge electric vehicle charging stations. HCAI is close to many dining and shopping choices.

HCAI supports a hybrid telework schedule for many positions, consistent with operational requirements.  Telework schedules are only available for CA residents. The telework policy is subject to change, and additional in-office days may be required and/or minimal notification may be given to report to the worksite if an urgent need arises.

Visa Sponsorship: HCAI is not an E-Verify employer and does not provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of appointment.

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.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• At least 1 year of experience in health care pharmaceutical spending related issues, including cost drivers, utilization patterns, or budget impact analysis.
• At least 1 year of experience evaluating pharmaceutical access and patient outcomes, such as formulary impact, equity considerations, or clinical effectiveness.
• Experience with internal and external stakeholders such as state and federal agencies, external working groups, and private purchasers of health care.
• Experience in health care policy related issues.
• Experience reviewing state and federal laws, regulation and policy.
• Knowledge of managing competing priorities and completing tasks in a timely manner.

Benefits

In addition to competitive public employee wages and a comprehensive benefits package, our employees enjoy meaningful and interesting work that supports access to healthcare.

To learn more about benefits for State employees, visit the Salary and Benefits page on the  CalHR Benefits Website .

University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) employees may qualify to transfer their current and previous employment credit to State of California employment through CalPERS. Human Resources can help with this process upon employment or you can reach out to CalPERS for inquiries at Show phone number.

Additional Application Requirements

To be considered for this vacancy, please complete all applicable fields on the application form, including a list or description of previous/current work experience in the duties performed section. The application should also clearly demonstrate the candidate’s ability to meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification.

Any documents you submit for a job vacancy such as your state application, resume, cover letter, educational transcripts, etc. SHOULD NOT include ANY confidential information e.g. Social Security Number (SSN).

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your high school or college/university transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts may be accepted during the application process; however, submission of official transcripts may be required prior to appointment.

Foreign Degrees or Transcripts – Applicants with foreign degrees or transcripts who wish to apply that coursework toward meeting the minimum qualifications of the classification must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which his/her foreign coursework is equivalent. HCAI accepts foreign transcript evaluations completed by agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing or by current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)  must be submitted to apply for this position.The SOQ is a separate document that must have the applicant's Name and Job Control number noted on the top right corner. Responses must be typed and limited to two pages, in Arial font not smaller than size 11. Please address the following and include the questions in the SOQ:
  1. Describe how your knowledge, skills, experience, and education qualify you for this position.
  2. Describe and provide examples of your experience with how prescription drugs are influencing the ability of health plans and providers to manage health care costs and improve affordability for consumers.
  3. Describe and provide examples of your experience in staying informed of current drivers of pharmacy spending, such as entry of new drugs, market and supply chain dynamics, and changes in state and federal laws, regulations, and policies.

  
  To support fair hiring, applicants should prepare their application materials using their own knowledge, experience, and skills. Your responses should show your own qualifications and work history. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools should only be used responsibly.