County of Alameda

Under general direction of the Pharmacy or Medical Director, the Senior Clinical Pharmacist performs professional pharmaceutical services in medication education, and utilization with emphasis in the field of mental health.  The Senior Clinical Pharmacist also assists in coordinating, delivering, and monitoring pharmacy and medication services to mental health and alcohol and drug programs for the Health Care Services Agency Alameda County Behavioral Health (ACBH) and their clients. This position assists in the monitoring of medication prescribing and performs related work as required.  

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

An incumbent in the class of Senior Clinical Pharmacist, ACBH has clinical experience working with mentally ill clients and extensive training and knowledge in psychotropic medications. The class of Senior Clinical Pharmacist, ACBH is distinguished from the next lower class of Pharmacist, ACBH in that the former may provide direct care services as an individual practitioner, prescribe under a scope of practice, and functions as a lead in coordinating and monitoring pharmacy services for Alameda County Behavioral Health, whereas the Pharmacist, ACBH position is the entry level position in this series and can only provide assistance under close supervision while learning the field of psychotropic medications and the treatment of psychiatric illnesses.

NOTE:    The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Interviews and examines clients to perform comprehensive and/or targeted medication evaluations to assess the effects, safety, tolerability, and adherence to medication therapy; discuss symptom management and other effects; adjust, administer and/or order laboratory tests or medication therapy as necessary.
2. Assists the Pharmacy Director in developing clinical and non-clinical pharmacy programs, quality improvement projects, or services.
3. Provides clinical and pharmacological consultations with ACBH and contracted healthcare staff on medication regiments of clients with psychiatric and/or chronic medical conditions.
4. Develops both formal and informal educational programs on medication related topics for ACBH and contracted healthcare staff and their trainees.  Training and education may include, but is not limited to, general psychoeducation for health conditions or medications, medication utilization, preferred dosage forms, evidence-based medication therapy, medication safety, and other medication related topics.
5. Assists the Pharmacy Director in the development and revision of medication use policies and procedures.
6. Provides lead coordination of ACBH Medication Monitoring Program using the ACBH Practice Guidelines.
7. Monitors and oversees psychotropic prescribing patterns including monthly usage, dosing and cost data for long-range planning and cost analysis.
8. Acts as a liaison with drug company medication and Patient Assistance Programs (PAP) by generation of medication reports, patient assistance applications, and quarterly medically indigent adult (MIA) pharmacy monitoring of medications.
9. Conducts Medi-Cal site certification reviews regarding medication storage.
10. Compiles and maintains accurate records and files regarding psychotropic medications and prepares periodic and special statistical or narrative reports as assigned by the Pharmacy Director.
11. Participates in ongoing Continuing Medical Education (CME) Programs for all ACBH staff and contracted providers.
12. Coordinates the Adverse Drug Reaction reporting system.
13. Provides work direction and assists in training at least one licensed professional pharmacist or trainee.  
14. Keeps informed of new medications and innovations in the psychiatric pharmaceutical field, maintains awareness of current literature and information for ACBH staff, serves as a resource for the professional staff, and answers technical pharmaceutical questions.

EITHER I

Experience:  

The equivalent of one (1) year of full-time experience as Pharmacist, ACBH in the Alameda County classified service.          

OR II

Experience:  

Two (2) years of professional level experience as a pharmacist working with mentally ill clients.  

OR III

Education:  

Completion of a pharmacy residency or a fellowship program (psychiatric training program is preferred).  

OR IV

Education:  

Possession of a Board of Pharmacy Specialties Certification; Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP) is preferred.  

License:  

Possession of a valid California Registered Pharmacist.

NOTE:    The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:  The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.  

Knowledge of:

• Psychiatric pharmacy practice.
• Psychotropic and physical medications.
• Disease states treatment options, focusing on major mental illness and co-occurring disorders.
• Pharmacy Benefit Management Services and reimbursement.
• Cost benefit analysis.  

Ability to:

• Evaluate clinical data.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Prioritize, plan, and organize.
• Analyze and problem-solve.
• Educate.

AB:po  4/24/09

Newspecs: 5645.doc

CSC Date:  5/20/2009

NLB:sa Revised/Retitled 12/22/2020

Old Title: Senior Pharmacist, Behavioral Health Care Services

CSC Date: 01/27/2021

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.