Supervising Pharmacist, Correctional Health Services OTxHU - NYC Health + Hospitals

New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation

Outposted Therapeutic Housing Units Program (OTxHU)

Since 2016, Correctional Health Services (CHS) has been the direct provider of health care in the New York City jails. Deeply committed to human dignity and patient rights, CHS is part of the NYC Health + Hospitals system and is a key partner in the City’s efforts to reform the criminal-legal system. Our in-jail clinical services include medical, nursing, and mental health care; pharmacy services; substance-use treatment; social work; dental and vision care; discharge planning; and reentry support.

Given the high visibility of this initiative, we are seeking the highest caliber health care professionals in key clinical services to staff our Outposted Therapeutic Housing Units (OTxHU). To be located in three NYC Health + Hospital acute care facilities, the OTxHU is a pioneering approach to safely increasing access to high quality clinical care for patients in custody who have complicated health conditions. OTxHUs will bridge the gap in the continuum between care provided in the jails and inpatient hospitalization, with admission to and discharge from the OTxHU in accordance with a patient’s clinical needs. CHS will be the primary health care providers on these units and the NYC Department of Correction will provide security and custody management.

The OTxHU at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue in Manhattan will be the first of this unique, groundbreaking project to open with a planned completion date as early as the end of 2024. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a passionate and motivated team providing care to some of the City’s most marginalized, vulnerable people.

*To help support continuity of operations and care, staff selected to work in the OTxHU may also be required to work in CHS locations within the jails. Additionally, while CHS seeks the most qualified individuals for these positions, preference will be given to equally qualified, internal candidates.

Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Director of Clinical Pharmacy, the Supervising Pharmacist is professionally responsible for the overall administrative, clinical and drug distribution activities of a satellite pharmacy. S/he performs related functions to assure the safety and quality of drug therapy which includes adherence with all federal, state and Correctional Health Services regulations and policies. Must to able to travel and work on Rikers Island and any other future borough -based satellite facilities.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensure proper functioning of the pharmacy as it relates to the assignment of duties, monitoring activities and the checking and approval of all functions performed by graduate pharmacists, technicians and assistants.
• Enters drug orders and/or utilizes CPOE to enter drug orders. Retrieves data from the computerized pharmacy profile system.
• Prepares, checks and dispenses all medications using accepted standards of pharmacy practice and departmental policies for unit dose, carry, out-patient and nursery distribution systems. Checks all work done by the pharmacy technician prior to dispensing. All carry medication bags are initialed by the approving pharmacist.
• Reviews and interprets all drug orders with regard to the patient profile, the formulary system, dosages, dosage schedules, routes of administration, rationale of therapy, incompatibilities, therapeutic duplications and any other ramifications in drug therapy prior to dispensing.
• Monitors and follows-up on patient drug therapy including compliance. Consults and follows-up on any problems/questions including non-formulary drug orders, adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, side effects, incompatibilities, etc. with the medical team.

Department Preferences

Ability to walk and/or stand for extended periods.

May be required to help push and/or pull medication carts weighing up to 300 lbs and lift up to 35 pounds when needed.

Attention to detail, strong understanding of medication safety practices, and ability to implement and oversee safety protocols within a jail setting.

In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical regulations specific to correctional facilities, attention to detail, and the ability to manage compliance and regulatory issues.

Leadership, strategic thinking, and proficiency in managing pharmacy operations and staff.

Strong communication skills, ability to manage patient interactions with inmates, and efficient workflow management.

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, as well as with NYC DOC staff
• Flexible disposition

Corporate title Qualifications

1. Possession of a valid NY State license to practice pharmacy.
2. Two (2) years of post-licensure experience; or
3. Completion of a post-graduate specialty residency or fellowship program; or
4. Current Pharmacy Board Certification.