Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (Remote)- Care Management Team

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist

UPMC Health Plan is hiring a full-time Clinical Pharmacy Specialist to support the Care Management team within the Pharmacy Services department. This is a work-from-home position, working Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. This is a remote position.

Registration as a registered pharmacist (RPh), in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or eligibility for licensure by examination or reciprocity is required.

The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist provides clinical pharmacy expertise to the development, implementation and management of the pharmacy benefit. The clinical pharmacist assists in the management of pharmacy utilization and provides expertise in managing member care. These services will be provided in compliance with state and federal regulations, NCQA, standards, the mission, policies and procedures of Health Plan and Pharmacy Department. Individual should demonstrate professionalism and commitment to meet UPMCHP goals and objectives.

Responsibilities:

The Care Management Pharmacist is primarily responsible for:

• Managing and evaluating therapeutic drug interventions and other clinical pharmacy programs for the purpose of controlling pharmacy trend and improving pharmacy quality measures, including member and provider interventions, and evaluating outcomes for these programs, as well as considering comprehensive research projects.
• Regularly interacting with interdisciplinary care teams to help best coordinate care for our members. Provide innovative and applicable ideas in clinical program development, utilization management, formulary management, provider education, therapeutic substitution, MTM/DUR, and/or improvements in programs and edits that already exist, including improving operational efficiencies, developing new clinical edits, and developing new quality improvement initiatives. Implement these new ideas or improvements as approved, while also considering outcomes of the programs.
• Develop and conduct Drug Utilization Review (DUR) activities, Medication Therapy Management (MTM), and other integrated programs with medical management. Create, develop, maintain, and enhance clinical reporting programs, including but not limited to physician specific reporting, alternative prescribing programs for utilization, assigned client plans, etc.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Administrative: Participate in meetings, committees, and work groups both internally and externally as assigned. Maintain a solid understanding of the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, DPW, CMS and the National Committee for Quality Assurance, specifically as they relate to the expectations of pharmacy operations. Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements of clinical functions.
• Communication: Foster and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external customers. Communicate pharmacy information as appropriate to members, employer groups, and providers. Develop communication materials to providers, including discussions regarding formulary changes/adherence, health education, medication compliance, and trend management.
• Teaching and Education: Mentor students and assist in precepting for the residency program (if applicable).
• Special Skills/Ability to Interact: Have ability to function independently, but support team concept. Behavior denotes reliability as demonstrated by prompt attendance and timeliness completing designated workload and follow-up. Conveys and maintains professional image while interacting with coworkers, providers, and clients. Honor client and patient confidentiality.
• Provide innovative ideas for new and existing clinical program development, utilization management, formulary management, provider education, and therapeutic substitution programs. Work with employer clients, account management, and sales in meetings as assigned to improve the understanding of the pharmacy benefit, as well as offering recommendations.
• Develop and revise various formularies for each line of business including sending communications, training of identified departments, updating all brochures, updating appropriate websites, and submitting change forms. Review new drugs in a timely manner and submit change forms as appropriate. Research adequately and be properly prepared for all P&T Committee meetings, ensuring all recommendations for both new drugs and new policies are appropriate and have been discussed with subject matter experts.
• Present these assignments succinctly and at a suitable pace, and answering relevant questions.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy, and/or Doctor of Pharmacy Degree (Pharm.D.) from an accredited U.S. School of Pharmacy.

Experience in pharmacy benefit management, insurance, managed care preferred and be knowledgeable in therapeutic interventions and other cost containment programs.

Effective communication skills, both written and oral.

Must have strong analytical ability and organizational skills.

Computer literacy for pharmacy programming, word processing, data management.

Assessment of job related skills and competency will be reviewed annually via daily functioning, job-related documentation, department based competency programs, and continuing education activities.

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran