General Job Information

We are excited in your interest to join DC Health (The District of Columbia Department of Health), a nationally accredited Public Health Department (https://phaboard.org/). DC Health is focused on providing the essential public health services (10 Essential Public Health Services) necessary to protect and promote the health of all people in all communities and remove systemic and structural barriers that have resulted in health inequities through the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals (PH Core Competencies.)

Come see where your knowledge, skills and abilities are appreciated, developed, and rewarded as you play a vital role in DC Health achieving its Strategic Priorities:

1) Promote a culture of health and wellness
2) Address the social determinants of health
3) Strengthen public-private partnerships
4) Close the chasm between clinical medicine and public health and
5) Implement data driven and outcome-oriented approaches to program and policy development.

Bring your professional career to Washington, D.C., the most dynamic and diverse city in the country. With its proximity to major museums, world class parks, entertainment, and restaurants, increasing job opportunities and the seat of the federal government, the District of Columbia continues to be ranked in the top 10 of thriving city indicators where you can live, work and play. We look forward to reviewing your candidacy, be well and good luck!

Introduction

This position is located int he Department of Health (DC Health), Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA). The incumbent performs assigned pharmaceutical inspections and investigations for the Department of Health, Heath Regulation and Licensing Administration, Pharmaceutical Control Division. The Mission of PCD is to protect the health and safety of the residents in the District of Columbia and its visitors from exposure to sub-standard pharmaceutical services and products.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will serve as an experienced pharmacist and clinical resource whose assignments require extensive experience in the total pharmacy operations including drug selection, regulatory requirements, dispensing, drug preservation and drug information; health facilities meet and continue to meet established requirements for the District of Columbia licensure and certification under Title XVIII and XIX. The incumbent will interpret and evaluate the provision and delivery of pharmaceutical services regarding the manufacture, distribution, procurement, packaging, storage, security, handling, dispensing, preparation, sale, accountability, and disposal of drugs, biological, and cosmetics in all categories of pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, long term care, methadone treatment programs, and mental and other related medical and health care programs. The incumbent ensures compliance with state and federal laws, regulations and the standards of practice set forth by recognized pharmaceutical associations (American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists, National Board of Pharmacy, National Pharmaceutical Association and the American Pharmaceutical Association). The incumbent works in conjunction with the District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy in matters related to the provision of pharmaceutical services; investigates consumer complaints and other allegations of wrongdoing related to the provision of pharmaceutical service; co-ordinates the destruction of scheduled drugs with those persons authorized to handle controlled substances. Prepares clear and concise reports delineating the observations and findings and provides adequate documentation in the process of performing assigned duties and responsibilities.

The incumbent keeps abreast of development in pharmaceutical control, drug abuse and prevention, medical devices and other related medical and health fields through the continuous review of literature pertaining to the clinical and regulatory aspects of subject matter and by attending and/or participating in conferences, seminars, initiates, continuing education classes and meetings; acts as a resource person for Directors of Pharmacies, Pharmacists-In-Charge, Clinical Managers and other authorized handlers of pharmaceuticals, which also includes researchers, teaching institutions, animal clinics, wholesalers and distributors. Assists in the preparation of proposed legislation to update and correlate regulatory procedures regarding pharmaceutical services and related medical and health services within the District of Columbia. Reviews all institutional Policy and Procedures for compliance with regulatory standards of care. Serves notices citing violations and conducts follow-up for compliance with abatement directions. In those cases that involve recalcitrant persons, may recommend legal action or administrative remedies. Incumbent may participate as a witness in court procedures. The incumbent will serve as a consultant/advisor to the D.C. Board of Pharmacy, Metropolitan Police Department; and the Mayor's Advisory Committees in Alcoholism and on Drug Abuse Prevention. The incumbent will participate in conferences with officials at health care facilities that will enable facilities to qualify for certification as providers under Titles XVIII and XIX.

Qualification and Education

Basic Requirement: Applicant must have a doctoral degree in Pharmacy that is recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (external link) (ACPE) or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (external link) at the time the degree was obtained.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicant must possess at least one (1) year of specialized professional pharmacy experience that is equivalent to the grade 13 or its non-District equivalent. Specialized experience which is directly related to the line of work of this position and has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Pharmacy work requires knowledge of the use, clinical effects, and composition of medications, including their chemical, biological, and physical properties. Examples of specialized experience includes: dispensing medications prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and providing information to health practitioners and patients about proper usage of medications and side effects; evaluating medication use patterns and outcomes for patients in hospitals or managed care organizations; performing administrative, consultative, or staff advisory work for a medical facility's pharmacy program; planning, monitoring, and evaluating programs and regiments; and researching medical literature and/or clinical medication information to provide accurate response to inquiry.

Licensure and Certifications

Applicants must have passed the North American Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). Applicants must be licensed to practice pharmacy in a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States Licensure as a Pharmacist pursuant to the Title 3 Chapter 12 of the DC Code to provide pharmaceutical services in the District of Columbia.

Working Conditions/ Environment

The work environment involves everyday risks of discomforts with normal safety precautions in pharmacies, hospitals, methadone clinics, penal institutions, building and remodeling sites, etc. Safety precautions are often necessary on field trips, i.e., accompaniment of an escort or guard, hardhat, temporary removal from hostile environment. The work area is climate controlled, well lighted and ventilated.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Monday-Friday 8:15am-4:45pm

Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0660-14

Duration of Appointment: Career Service (Permanent) Appointment

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 2725 and you may be required to pay an agency service fee (dues) through direct payroll deduction.

Position Designation: This position has been designated as Security Sensitive. Pursuant to section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations; in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying security sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and tests:

(a) Criminal background check;
(b) Traffic record check (as applicable);
(c) Consumer credit check (as applicable);
(d) Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test; and
(e) post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.