At Houston Methodist, the Pharmacy Inventory Management Coordinator position is responsible for coordinating areas of inventory control, storage, and distribution of pharmaceuticals in the storeroom and/or other medication storage areas. This position maintains effective controls against diversion of prescription drugs, is responsible for disposition of all pharmaceutical purchases, coordinates the processes involving activities of other personnel assigned to the work area, and serves as a role model/mentor for pharmacy storeroom personnel. This position works collaboratively with Supply Chain to meet the health system's goals and objectives.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with other health care professionals as needed for problem resolution and/or achievement of identified patient specific goals.

• Develops educational/training materials pertaining to Inventory Control within the Department of Pharmacy or remote stock locations.

• Coordinates daily workload fluctuations with respect to staffing assignments and work output. Oversees processes and activities involving technical staff assigned in the area. Provides input to management on employee performance and development needs.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Discusses with medication service representatives, new products and pricing. Informs Supply Chain staff of pharmaceutical/ supplies pricing offers and bids.

• Participates in committees as assigned. Serves as the liaison between Pharmacy and other departments on purchasing and inventory related issues. Participates in the System Purchasing Group.

• Identifies and helps to resolve operational and clinical service issues by working with pharmacists and technicians to achieve patient care goals related to medication supply. Calls other areas and institutions, fills out expedite forms and/or borrow-loan forms correctly, and communicates with others on the shift and within the work area regarding medication acquisition.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinates the complete cycle of drug purchasing process to include ordering, receiving and returns of medications. Collects and reports data for quality improvement and productivity for inventory areas according to departmental standards.

• Maintains inventory control and recommends medication par levels in all work areas. Monitors activities for effective controls against diversion of prescription drugs.

• Coordinates all activities and processes surrounding semi-annual physical inventory, including appropriate personnel scheduling, physical counts of all inventory, and post-inventory analysis and reconciliation.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists Supply Chain with monitoring and ensuring correct pricing information on contracted pharmaceuticals/supplies; as well as annual bid/primary wholesaler selection process.

• Participates in developing the department's annual budget as it relates to projected increases in pricing and/or incorporation of new contracts. Helps to maintain budget costs by achieving department goals and objectives.

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supports automated technology systems used within the hospital and related areas with inventory control management. Assists management with initiating changes/ improvements to workflow.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Pharmacy Inventory Management Coordinator.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in relevant business field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Two years of experience consisting of any of the following combination: pharmacy inventory management, distribution, and/or inventory control

• Experience in a hospital inpatient pharmacy preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• LPHT - Licensed Pharmacy Tech - State Registration -- Texas Pharmacy Technician Registration

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Possesses proficient computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, but not be limited to, work processing software applications such as: spreadsheets, databases, word processing, etc.

• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers

• Must demonstrate ability to note trends and monitor inventory levels to meet the patient needs

• Demonstrates the ability to provide staff development conferences for the professional and technical staff relevant to inventory controls

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional Yes
• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group - As one of the nation’s leading hospitals and academic medical centers Houston Methodist has brought together some of the nation’s leading experts in multiple specialties to serve our patients.  As part of Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group (HMSPG), these specialists not only provide excellent clinical care, but are on the forefront of research, developing leading-edge technologies and treatments, and teaching the medical pioneers of tomorrow.  This combination of clinical service, research and academics ensures patients have access to the latest in treatments and technologies while providing the best in comprehensive patient care.  Established as a non-profit corporation and certified by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, HMSPG enables physicians to maintain autonomy with respect to their clinical practice while growing their practice within an academic environment.