Staff Pharmacist (Permanent, Full-time)

Location: Edmonton, AB

Overview:

Reporting to the Director, Pharmacy Services, based out of ARTA's head office in Edmonton, the Staff Pharmacist will serve as an expert resource who provides direct support to ARTA members and the Member Services team by answering complex questions regarding the ARTA prescription plan pricing, policies, and programs.

The Staff Pharmacist will collaborate with pharmacy staff in the performance of day-to-day dispensary operations and the performance of strategic member health programs and services offered by the pharmacy, delivering the highest quality service to ARTA members.

Life at ARTA:

The Alberta Retired Teachers' Association (ARTA) is a vibrant organization made up of over 32,000 retired educators and like-minded professionals and is served by an equally engaged team of staff. Created by teachers, we are an Alberta-based not-for-profit linked by a common purpose - to ensure a healthy, active, engaged, and vibrant lifestyle for our members in their retirement.

Our culture encourages our members and our employees to live an enhanced quality of life. As a Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice, office perks include a staff wellness program, generous time off, and professional learning opportunities. This culminates in a workplace where we can thrive together.

A rapidly growing organization, ARTA provides an environment where individual contribution is expected and teamwork is encouraged, and where our core values are of the utmost importance. If you have a strong passion for making a difference in people's lives, are a creative team player, and enjoy building strong relationships with those around you, then we invite you to apply to join our exciting organization.

What you will do:

Member Services

• Provide expert advice and guidance on managing pharmacy related benefits in person, over the phone, or through secure communication channels.
• Advise on complex transitions to the ARTARx plan.
• Answer Member inquiries and determine coverage eligibility in areas such as prescription and over-the-counter drugs, diabetes supplies, and intra-joint injectables.
• Advise on maximum Allowable Cost (MAC), and Least Cost Alternatives (LCA) pricing policy.
• Work in direct collaboration with health care providers and patients to coordinate and review special authorization and conditional-lite (i.e., step therapy) prescription coverage requests.
• Coordinate with claims adjudication group to follow up on special authorization and/or coverage issues.
• Advise on MAC and or LCA exception requests.
• Support the navigation of coordination of benefits with Government Seniors Benefit Plans on high-cost medications and diabetes supplies.
• Support ARTA members with escalated prescription medication coverage issues, directly or indirectly through support of ARTA member services phone staff.
• Provide support to the ARTA Director, Pharmacy Services.

Pharmacy

• Be a leader in our pharmacy environment that supports professional practice at fullest scope under Alberta legislation.
• Work in collaboration with health care providers to review prescription orders for clinical appropriateness and patient safety.
• Support the achievement of customer health goals and business growth with superior clinical service.
• Supervise the pharmacy team members in the dispensing operation of ARTARx in accordance with ACP's Standards of Practice and Provincial legislation.
• Lead in the performance of health promotion programs and services that promote the achievement of member health goals and knowledge.
• Chronic health conditions education seminars and articles.
• Travel and preventative vaccination programs and services.
• Provision of health care plans and medication management and appropriate follow up consultation.
• Ensure customer privacy in distribution of medications and provision of clinical services.
• Prescription and over-the-counter inventory management.
• Support the future of the pharmacy profession, as a practicum site for University of Alberta Pharmacy program.
• Other reasonable duties as required.

What you will have:

• Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or PharmD, with authorization to administer drugs by injection and Additional Prescribing Authority.
• Registration in good standing with ACP.
• Previous pharmacy experience in community or hospital. Experience in a central fill, or mail-order pharmacy an asset.
• Strong interpersonal, decision-making and leadership skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills and a strong sense of professionalism.
• Superior organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Computer proficiency in KROLL Pharmacy Management system is considered an asset.
• Previous experience with vial and/or pouch filling pharmacy automation an asset.

Due to the vulnerable population we serve, employees are encouraged to follow public health recommendations, including staying up to date with vaccinations such as flu and COVID-19. However, vaccination is not a condition of employment.