Couchiching Family Health Team Pharmacist

Job Description

Couchiching Family Health Team
Position: Full-Time Pharmacist, with Benefits
Reports to: Manager, Chronic Disease
(5 days/week, 40 hours)

Position Summary:
As a key member of the Couchiching Family Health Team (CFHT), and an integral part of an interdisciplinary health care team, you will delivery pharmacy care in accordance with FHT policies and professional practice standards. You will provide counselling on medications/medication issues to individuals, families and groups, provide consultation to physicians and other health professionals on medication-related issues, participate in the development and operation of various chronic disease management and prevention programs at CFHT, mentor pharmacy students from University of Toronto and University of Waterloo. The Pharmacist will apply an anti-oppressive lens in supporting diverse patients, including those facing systemic barriers.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Counselling
• Provide individual medication counselling to individuals, families or groups as required
• Provide medication reviews, counselling to patients with newly diagnosed or complicated conditions, development of medication schedules for patients/caregivers, etc.
• Provide telephone consultations/counselling/follow-ups to patients, family members as required
• Present relevant information to small groups of patients/caregivers regarding medication issues in specific conditions/disease states
• Facilitate linkages with community pharmacy as required
• Develop individualized medication care plans in collaboration with physicians and other health care practitioners
• Actively participate in interdisciplinary teamwork

Programs and Services
• Participate in program implementation, development, and continuous quality improvement to achieve specific CFHT goals, specifically focusing on diabetes, smoking cessation, osteoporosis, heart failure, COPD, geriatric syndromes and mental health initiatives as needed.
• Actively participate in clinical programs and services (including occasional evenings)
• Follow other protocols which may be required for management of chronic disease states

Staff Education
• Provide consultations to physicians and team members – in the format of drug information questions, group presentations or 1-1 academic detailing – with current information and guidelines on new medications, contraindications, therapeutic use of medications, and other information to assist in the provision of quality, evidence-based care to patients
• Present on specific therapeutic topics (e.g. patient-focused academic detailing, problematic issues related to prescribing) as needed
• Provide reminders and alerts regarding drug-related issues and problems and initiates the process to manage with drug withdrawals, warnings and advisories as needed

Developing Policies & Procedures
• Develops/revises policies and procedures related to medication use (e.g. processes related to drug prescribing, handling of samples, administration of medications, documentation)
• Actively participate in various CFHT committees, including but not limited to Quality Improvement committee, Diabetes committee, clinical program committee as needed. Complete other appropriate committee duties in a timely manner.
• Establish policies to allow for consistent and uniform procedures regarding management of medications that have been discontinued or had indications or contraindications significantly changed so as to impact on patient care
• Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of medical directives

Professional Development
• Practice within the scope and according to the standards of practice of the Ontario College of Pharmacists
• Maintain standards of confidentiality and privacy
• Provide service reports and statistical reports as required by CFHT and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
• Review progress and revise job description/programs as required
• Maintain professional competence and skills through ongoing continuing education (conferences/CE events, study participation, courses)

Related Considerations/Duties
• Model the values and philosophy of CFHT
• Demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm towards the principles of the interprofessional/collaborative models of care
• Provide mentorship and additional skills training for co-workers and students
• Maintains current knowledge of accepted operating policies and procedures
• Participate in staff meetings
• Participate in established performance evaluation process and professional development goals
• Develop, update and maintain education resources
• Work in compliance with Health and Safety laws adhering to safe work practices and procedures established by CFHT
• Other duties as required

Skills/Knowledge Requirements
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Understanding of community resources
• Clinical skills in assessment, program planning, implementation and evaluation
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making and time management skills
• Outstanding interpersonal skills
• Ability to work and excel in an interprofessional team environment
• Superior verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to be open and non-judgmental
• Demonstrated knowledge of culturally responsive care, ability to work across difference and experience, supporting equity-deserving patients
• Proficient in the use of computer hardware and software
• Prior knowledge and experience of electronic medical records an asset
• Willingness to update knowledge and skills through various means including technology-based opportunities, courses, workshops and conferences
• Understanding of the goals, structures, policies and procedures of CFHT

Language Skills
• English required; Second language not required but would be an asset

Education/Specific Job Requirements
• Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy from a recognized university
• Active registration (Part A) with the Ontario College of Pharmacists
• Expertise in practicing Pharmaceutical Care, including activities such as conducting medication histories, identifying medication-related problems, generating care plans, monitoring care plans, documenting in the medical chart and communicating or collaborating with interdisciplinary care teams
• Additional training or credentialing in pharmacotherapy (e.g. Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, Certified Diabetes Educator, Certified Respirator Educator, etc.) is considered an asset
• Ability to work evenings if required
• Police Record/Vulnerable Sector Check
• It is a condition of employment that you receive the necessary vaccinations to protect against infection of COVID-19, or any similar infectious diseases, which may be recommended by governmental and public health authorities from time to time

Experience
• Community or hospital pharmacy residency or equivalent clinical experience in either setting is required
• A minimum of one (1) year clinical experience as a pharmacist, preferably in community-based health care