POSITION PURPOSE: The Pharmacist is responsible to compound and dispense medications following prescriptions issued by physicians, dentists, or other authorized medical practitioners. The role is responsible for safe and efficient methods for coordination of established pharmacy policy concerning drug patient care and provides clinical drug information to meet the needs of the patient, nurse and physician.

This document describes the work that should normally be done.  It should be borne in mind that no frame of reference is in itself complete and the use of one’s initiative and discretion must always be a guiding factor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following are specific responsibilities and contributions critical to the successful performance of the position:

• Reviews and interprets physicians’ orders for appropriateness relevant to other departments (e.g., drugs for diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests) to ensure that overdoses or under-doses have not been prescribed and that interactions, incompatibilities or toxic compounds will not result from the combination of medications. Ensures that drugs are appropriately labeled, stored and utilized according to physicians’ instructions.
• Dispenses prescriptions to outpatients in accordance with hospital policy and in conformance with regulations and laws dealing with the class of prescription; counsels patients about their medications and maintains an accurate, up-to-date patient profile.
• Provide Quality Professional Customer Service at all times.
• Provide consultation on prescription and non- prescription medications for storage, dosage, side effects and drug interactions.
• Provide advices on selection of Over-The-Counter medications to treat common illnesses such as flu, cold sores, or headaches
• Educate patients on proper handling of medical devices such as blood pressure monitor and glucose meters.
• Compound medications for both external and internal use.
• Maintains necessary controls with respect to audited controlled drugs and alcohol; prepares controlled drug requests for delivery by a technician to the designated nursing unit and ensures that the order is accurate; processes returns as necessary. 
• Monitor patient medication compliance and over -usage patterns.
• Supervise pharmacy staff members including pharmacy technicians, pharmacy cashiers, etc.
• Proper management of patient records and pharmacy files.
• Maintain appropriate inventory on pharmaceutical and medical supplies.
• Identify patient’s drug-related problems and effectively communicate with physicians or other relevant healthcare practitioners.
• Provide specialized education and help to patients in the management of chronic health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
• Revise and implement policies and procedures, ensure the operation of the pharmacy in compliance with the guidelines and standards of the Pharmacy Council, Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica and the Ministry of Health.

SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS:

• In addition to performance of the essential functions above, this position may be required to perform a combination of other supportive functions, to be solely determined by the supervisor based upon the particular requirements of Fontana Limited.

Other:

• In order to properly service our clients, you may be required to work outside of our scheduled business hours.
• Timely execution of duties in keeping with pre-arranged schedule.
• Care and diligence in protecting the organization’s assets.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
Working Environment / Physical Activities:

• Considerable physical activity. May require handling strong smelling medications.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear.

EXPERIENCE; EDUCATION OR CERTIFICATION

• A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant discipline, from a recognized tertiary institution
• Certification in Pharmacology.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in a similar position
• Must be a Licensed Registered Pharmacist.
• Knowledge of Pharmacy operations
• At least three (3) years post qualification experience in a retail pharmacy.
• Certificate in Supervisory Management 

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Ability to work carefully, methodically and accurately.
• A positive attitude to continued learning.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Sharp analytical skills and scientific aptitude.
• Ability to prepare routine administrative paperwork.
• Conscientious, motivated and willing to learn.
• Good interpersonal skills and a caring and sympathetic manner.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to communicate (verbal, listening, writing) and manage well at all levels of the organization and with staff at remote locations essential.
• Must be detailed oriented and a multitasker with superb organizational skills.
• Must possess a high level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency.
• Must have strong internal and external customer service skills.
• Ability to teach others.
• Willingness to demonstrate lateral service and support in a cooperative and pleasant manner for the overall good of the company.

Personal Characteristics

• Excellent interpersonal and team skills, extremely collegial.
• Outstanding communications skills, written and oral.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness and good judgment.
• Self-motivated; Hands-on, leads by example.
• Values diversity of thought, backgrounds and perspectives.
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining vigilant attention to detail.
• Integrity/ethics beyond reproach.
• Constantly looking to apply best practices.
• Predisposition to mentor and subsequently increase responsibilities as team develops.