Clinical Pharmacist Specialist

Position Summary

The Clinical Pharmacist Specialist provides clinical pharmacy services for psychiatric/behavioral health patients, including medication optimization, therapeutic monitoring, interdisciplinary team participation, education, and formulary stewardship.

Provides comprehensive pharmaceutical care to patients of all ages through integrated medication distribution, clinical pharmacy services, and drug information support. This role works collaboratively with medical and nursing staff to promote high-quality, safe, appropriate, and cost-effective medication management.

The Clinical Pharmacist Specialist develops and maintains a specialized clinical pharmacy practice in a designated area, which may include nutrition, emergency medicine, critical care, oncology, anticoagulation, infectious disease, ambulatory care, NICU, or pediatrics. The position also serves as a resource for patients, families, and healthcare professionals and provides mentorship and education to pharmacy technicians, students, interns, and residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and dispense medication orders according to established policies, procedures, and protocols, including medication order verification and entry.

• Oversee pharmacy personnel involved in the preparation and dispensing of medications.

• Ensure compliance with USP requirements for sterile compounding.

• Monitor medication therapy for drug-drug interactions, contraindications, drug-food interactions, allergies, and appropriate dosing.

• Promote safe, appropriate, and cost-effective medication therapy in accordance with established protocols.

• Participate in antimicrobial stewardship initiatives and support medication management programs.

• Collect medication histories and facilitate medication reconciliation.

• Respond to Code Blue and Rapid Response Team (RRT) events for critical care and emergency medicine.

• Participate in formulary management and adherence to established policies and procedures.

• Provide accurate and timely drug information to medical staff.

• Educate staff, patients, and family members regarding medication-related topics.

• Accurately document clinical activities and interventions.

• Identify and report suspected adverse drug reactions and medication errors in a timely manner.

• Maintain professional licensure, required certifications, and competency for the role.

• Promote patient safety and compliance with National Patient Safety Goals and other applicable regulatory standards.

• Serve as a mentor and trainer for new employees, students, interns, and residents.

• Participate in the Residency Advisory Committee (RAC).

• Participate in department meetings, daily huddles, and departmental initiatives.

• Support department and organizational goals focused on improving patient care and operational performance.

• Maintain dashboards and key performance indicators related to the assigned specialist service line.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

Experience

For new hires, candidates must meet one of the following:

• Completion of a PGY-1 pharmacy residency; or

• Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy (BCPS); or

• More than five years of pharmacy experience, with more than 50% of practice during those years as a clinical pharmacist.

Licensure & Certification

• Maryland pharmacist license required, or eligibility to obtain Maryland licensure.

• Pharmacists obtaining Maryland licensure through reciprocity must obtain a Maryland pharmacist license within four months of hire.

• Newly graduated pharmacists pending Maryland licensure must obtain Maryland licensure within four months of their graduation date or date of hire, whichever is later.

• Pharmacists pending Maryland licensure must work under the supervision of a Maryland-licensed pharmacist and may not perform pharmacist acts until licensed.

• BLS, ACLS, and/or PALS certification may be required based on the assigned service line and must be obtained within one year of employment, as applicable.

• Board Certification Specialist (BCS) certification is required within three years if not already obtained.

• KATA or other Lean certification must be obtained within one year.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Sound professional judgment and the ability to assume responsibility for patients' medication therapy.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Ability to manage frequent interruptions and adapt to changing workloads and schedules.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively with pharmacy staff, physicians, nurses, patients, and families.

• Ability to lead and support staff pharmacists.

• Strong teaching, mentoring, and training skills.

• Commitment to patient safety, quality improvement, and professional development.

Why Join This Team?

This is an opportunity for a clinical pharmacy professional to take an active role in medication management, patient safety, interdisciplinary collaboration, education, and continuous quality improvement while developing specialized clinical expertise in a designated practice area.

Caring for Our Team

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the 1st of the month following date of hire, along with life insurance, & short and long-term disability coverage. Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one, and we also provide a 401k plan, an education assistance program, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, adding even more value to your role.

Happy to Help

At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.