Pharmacy Inventory Specialist, Outpatient Department

Overview

The Pharmacy Inventory Specialist, at Merrimack Valley Outpatient Department provides commercial inventory support to the Specialty Pharmacy Department under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. The Pharmacy Inventory Specialist, MVOPD is responsible for all pharmacy inventory related activities within the pharmacy, including coordination of inventory transfers between MVOPD and satellite locations. The Pharmacy Inventory Specialist, MVOPD takes primary responsibility for bi-annual inventory preparation, as well as stock maintenance, rotation, cycle counts, outdates, and recalls. The Pharmacy Inventory Specialist, MVOPD maintains inventory-related metrics and reporting and participates in the management of third-party inventory management systems.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Practices in accordance with all federal (e.g., Drug Supply Chain Security Act), state, and DFCI and Joint Commission policies, regulations, and standards.
• Performs daily returns-to-stock, cycle counts and ensures on-hand accuracy of all Rx and OTC inventory.
• Responsible for all pharmacy iventory related activities such as commercial drug storage within the pharmacy.
• Provides support for such storage at satellite locations, auditing inventory transactions, reviewing short-dated drugs to ensure proper handling and stocking, etc.
• Oversees appropriate inventory rotation, removal and return of expired products, damages, recalls, and saleable returns (in cooperation with Purchasing Specialist when needed).
• Ensures that the main pharmacy areas are kept well organized and coordinates physical inventory counts.
• Maintains inventory-related metrics and reporting including month-end report, inventory volumes, etc.
• Participates in the management of third-party inventory management systems (e.g., contact with vendor representatives, tracking and scheduling all preventative maintenance, super user for all inventory related technology, including drug storage/dispensing equipment, responds when technology is not working properly and triages as appropriate, etc.).
• Provides assistance and training to staff on the appropriate storage of products, and whether such products are appropriate to be broken open. Uses notes within the Pharmacy Dispensing System to help staff identify proper handling of products.
• Receives inventory accurately in Pharmacy Management System and maintains invoice documents appropriately.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for transfers of inventory between OPD satellite locations.
• Identifies products for staff that require special handling due to their hazardous nature and trains staff on such handling.
• Leads the orientation and training of all pharmacy staff for inventory related policy, procedures, and technology.
• Leads the orientation and training of all inventory-related processes including the use multiple inventory systems (e.g., Parata, Carousel). May conduct site visits to remote locations to ensure inventory process are being followed and providing hands-on re-training as necessary.
• Works with the Outpatient Pharmacy team to identify gaps in processes and any specific drug or supply related issues. Works in coordination with the Purchasing Specialist to identify issues with data in our inventory management systems at all locations.
• Provides cross-coverage to Purchasing Specialist role and other Outpatient Pharmacy Department areas when necessary (e.g., production, drop-off, pickup, etc.).
• Maintains all inventory logs and forms (borrow logs, invoice tracking logs in Teams, nicotine employee sales) related to inventory management.
• Coordinates with Purchasing Specialist to ensure proper inventory par levels are maintained on site and provides support to other sites when needed.
• Attends monthly OPD and weekly MM meetings related to inventory management.
• Leads one special project per year.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to adjust work time and schedule to meet daily demands in fast-paced environment.
• Ability to utilize pharmacy technology systems and Microsoft Suite of programs. (intermediate Excel and Visio).
• Knowledge of inventory management control systems.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot issues and assist in resolution or escalation to the appropriate resource.
• Ability to treat all others (fellow pharmacy staff, patients, nurses, providers, support personnel, etc.) with the utmost professionalism and respect.
• Ability to effectively work within a collaborative team-focused environment.
• Participate in department meetings and functions to promote a successful and efficient pharmacy workgroup.
• Ability to train and orient new staff.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills (ability to analyze information objectively and make a reasoned judgment).
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to utilize references and/or drug information references.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education:
High School or GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred.

Minimum Experience:
5 years of experience with outpatient or retail pharmacy inventory as a pharmacy technician or similar role (preferably in health system outpatient pharmacy) required, or 2 years of experience as DFCI outpatient pharmacy technician level 2, 3, or 4 (or equivalent experience in a similar institution).  Experience with current OPD systems/ technologies (e.g. Parata, Carousel, and/or Enterprise Rx) preferred.

License/Certification/Registration:
Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy Registration as a Pharmacy Technician required.  National Pharmacy Technician Certification (PTCB) required.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.  

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).