Pharmacist III

Job Purpose

The incumbent is responsible for professional and supervisory work in the field of Pharmacy. Work is performed with a high level of independence in accordance with Professional Standards and is reviewed by the Manager through inspections, meetings, audits and reports. The Pharmacist III is also expected to coordinate activities, supervise and train members of the Pharmacy team.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assists in the organising, planning and directing of all activities of the pharmacy services at the hospital or in an assigned area in the Community Health Services.
• Assists in the administration of the Central Stores.
• Supervises a large group of subordinates engaged in dispensing drugs and performing related duties.
• Supervises the storage of pharmaceutical supplies.
• Advises medical officers on the availability of suitable alternative drugs when items are not available.
• Prepares duty rosters of Pharmacists and the Student Pharmacists.
• Inspects and reports on stocks of narcotics and antibiotics kept at private pharmacies and at other private premises where they are stored, sold or distributed, and on all drugs kept at public institutions.
• Investigates the demand for dangerous drugs and prepares import and withdrawal certificates for the releases of same.
• Plans and assigns responsibilities to junior staff including training employees, and directing work, and complaint resolution.
• Facilitates the patient’s access to and interaction with support agencies and health services within the healthcare system.
• Consults other health professionals as appropriate and adjust the proposed care plan accordingly.
• Identifies and addresses patterns of unusual drug prescribing and usage including possible diversion or drug misuse.
• Identifies the occurrence of a medication incident, adverse drug event or close call and respond effectively to mitigate harm and prevent reoccurrence.
• Keeps abreast of current trends and practices in pharmaceutical care.
• Serves as a Drug Information Officer to other health professionals.
• Participates in organised initiatives for disaster, pandemic and emergency preparedness.
• Conducts both patient and peer education activities.
• Communicates with sensitivity, respect and empathy.
• Conducts interpersonal interactions, including conflict management, in a professional manner.
• Collaborates with team members to determine and achieve team goals and objectives.
• Applies principles of professional development including development including assessing own learning needs and developing a plan to meet these needs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of professional Pharmacy.
• Knowledge of Pharmacy Board Ordinance and related Ordinances.
• Knowledge of Pharmaceutical Supplies.
• Ability to prepare and dispense drugs and pharmaceutical products.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, other employees and the public.
• The ability to demonstrate proficient ability to directly supervise in a manner consistent with the required Policies and Procedures.
• The ability to understand and value individual differences and to consider these differences when working with others.
• The ability to maintain inventory and other records and to prepare reports.
• The ability to maintain a level of sensitivity and flexibility for the diverse needs and perspectives of others.
• The ability to maintain professionalism and mental soundness in the delivery of good customer service to every patient.
• The ability to take personal accountability to identify, respond to and act on service needs, maintaining a focus on the patient/stakeholder.
• The ability to demonstrate proficient use of technological skills by use of the Microsoft Office Suite. Additionally, the applicant must demonstrate the ability to quickly and proficiently learn to use health specific software programs and any other handheld or technology tools as required for completing job tasks.
• Must demonstrate proficient ability to understand, apply, and interpret an extensive array of information, variables, and instruction where only limited standardization exists to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an Accredited College or University in Pharmacy.
• Postgraduate certification in a related specialty would be an asset.
• Registration as Pharmacist with the Pharmacy Board of Trinidad & Tobago.
• At least five (5) to seven (7) years post-internship experience
• Any equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.

Special Requirements:

• Willing to work overtime, public holidays and weekends as requested:
• The incumbent is required to perform Emergency On-call duties based on an On-call roster as directed by the Essential Service Industry Standards for a 24-hour Health Care System.
• The incumbent is also required to work in a shift environment covering 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Maintains the confidentiality of patients’ information at all times.

We thank you for your interest in Tobago Regional Health Authority but unsuitable applications will not be acknowledged.