Automation and Controlled Substance Specialist - Full-Time -DCMC

Position Objective:

The Specialist is responsible for successful operation and utilization of medication management and distribution technology throughout the AAHS organization, including automated dispensing cabinets, inventory management technology, and drug repackaging systems. This position provides oversight of controlled substance distribution systems, and assures compliance with applicable federal and state regulations

Essential Job Duties:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assists Lead Automation and Controlled Substance Specialist (LACSS) as needed to accurately maintain formulary and system databases for automated dispensing cabinets (ADC), unit dose packaging machines, and inventory management systems.

• Ensures safe use of automated dispensing cabinets by completing 4PTS investigations, following safety recommendations/guidelines, identifying areas for improvement and successfully implementing plans to address any issues as requested. Successfully triages and investigates problems reported by customers and ensures their satisfactory resolution.

• Fully understands the utility and application of available reports to ensure appropriate optimization of all automated systems. Provides ongoing ADC optimization to best utilize cabinet space and decrease waste due to expired medications. Directs relevant reports to appropriate parties regarding billing, overrides, outdated medications, and user practices.

• Assists LACSS as needed to provide leadership and project management for all upgrades, expansions, and platform changes for all Pharmacy technology, directing interactions on behalf of the hospital with all vendor software and hardware specialists

• Maintains user databases for automated dispensing systems, inventory management systems, and unit dose machine according to hospital and departmental security guidelines.

• Works closely with Inpatient Operations Manager and LACSS to orient and train newly hired pharmacy staff by providing clear and accurate instruction. Develops and maintains orientation/training documents for both pharmacy and nursing staffs for all relevant systems and processes. Manages pharmacy staff training and performance as pertains to correct use of medication automation systems.

• Completes daily reviews of narcotic discrepancies and conducts narcotic audits as scheduled in order to successfully identify suspicious activities or errors. Develops and successfully implements plans to address sources of error and/or opportunities for diversion. Distributes Monthly Diversion Report to Nursing Supervisors under the direction of the Operations Manager - Inpatient.

• Assists LACSS as needed to accurately maintain appropriate controlled substance records and ensures that expired and wasted controlled substances are processed as required by DEA regulations and AAMC policies and procedures.

• Assists LACSS as needed to ensure that controlled substance storage areas throughout AAHS, including those within the Pharmacy, are inventoried monthly, per Maryland Board of Pharmacy regulations.

• Participates in departmental or Hospital committee or Quality Improvement Team applying Lean principles at least annually. Completes at least one leadership or development course applicable to new technology, pharmacy regulations or other course related to specialist work annually.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

Required Minimum Education. The minimum level of education for this position includes:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Required Minimum Experience:

• Five (5) years’ experience as a pharmacy technician.

• Excellent problem solving skills and the ability to work independently.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills required as well as advanced computer and typing skills.

• Previous experience with pharmacy database maintenance/management preferred.

• Vendor management experience preferred.

Required License/Certifications:

• Valid Registration as Pharmacy Technician by the Maryland Board of Pharmacy.

• PTCB Certification

Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands:

There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will not be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

Physical Demands – Medium

Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as deemed necessary.

Pay Range
$28—$35 USD

Luminis Health Benefits Overview:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan (with employer match for employees who work more than 1000 hours in a calendar year)
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Assistance Benefits
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Paid Holidays, Disability, and Life/AD&D for full-time employees
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Programs and more
*Benefit offerings based on employment status

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