Behavioral Health Pharmacist (CP/CQCT) - Project

Full Job Description

Behavioral Health Pharmacist (CP/CQCT) - Project

71108563

This is a project position funded through 06/30/2028.

Help shape statewide behavioral health pharmacy policy by leading innovative programs that expand access to and facilitate coordination of behavioral health conditions, including medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in jails and correctional settings and for those enrolled in Apple Health.

The Behavioral Health Pharmacist partners with state leaders, corrections, and community providers to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and ensure evidence-based care across Medicaid and other public programs.

This is a primarily telework position for Washington residents who enjoy policy-focused work, collaboration, and using data to drive meaningful systems change.

All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.

About the division:

The Health Care Authority’s mission is to provide high quality health care through innovative health policies and purchasing strategies.

The Clinical Quality and Care Transformation Division (CQCT) is responsible for designing and implementing clinical policy, conducting oversight and monitoring of all clinically related programs, and communicating with stakeholders, providers, plans, and delivery system partners on clinical activities and issues.

Clinical policy and operations include leading the state in care transformation and supporting HCA programs.

The Prescription Drug Program’s vision is to provide access to affordable, evidence-based medication by designing and delivering high quality, evidence-based pharmacy programs through collaborative and innovative prescription drug purchasing strategies.

Our goal is to empower each other to provide exceptional services to our customers.

About the position:

The Behavioral Health Pharmacist reports directly to the Assistant Chief Pharmacy Officer and supports the entire Prescription Drug Program to achieve its vision of delivering high quality, evidence-based pharmacy programs by creating, leading, and implementing innovative and effective pharmacy policies.

Within this unit, the Behavioral Health Pharmacist is responsible for creating, leading, implementing, and evaluating new behavioral health pharmacy programs and reviewing and adjusting existing pharmacy programs to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and maximize value for the Medicaid program and the residents of Washington.

The Behavioral Health Pharmacist is able to achieve their goals through their knowledge of and experience with clinical pharmacy and pharmacy systems operations.

This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site.

The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA.

Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA has currently suspended the ability to support out-of-state telework.

Requirements

Some of what you will do:

• Consult with Chief Pharmacy Officer, CQCT Leadership, and DBHR Leadership on new clinical strategies to improve access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in jails and correctional facilities
• Represent CQCT Pharmacy in meetings with internal and external stakeholders relating to technical assistance to jails and correctional facilities, including communications with DBHR, jails, correctional facilities, pharmacies, state agencies, and the DEA
• Collaborate with the MOUD in Jails program in DBHR and with the Third-Party Administrator for the MTP 2.0 Re-entry initiative, serving as the primary contact for the Prescription Drug Program in pharmacy-related issues for jails and correctional facilities
• Actively participate in MTP 2.0 Re-entry Initiative around integrating the Apple Health benefit to eligible populations in jails or other correctional facilities
• Specialize in state and federal regulations and best practices regarding the practice of pharmacy, especially around the drug procurement, storage, distribution, and administration in jails and correctional facilities
• Be knowledgeable about Medicaid (Apple Health) pharmacy program management, including the Apple Health preferred drug list, drug billing and reimbursement, 340b, and other factors that impact jails and correctional facilities
• Be able to work with jails to ensure policies and procedures are developed and implemented correctly to ensure success of the program, including coordination with community pharmacies and other care that occurs after release
• Review and analyze data to ensure successful implementation and uptake of medications in jails and correctional facilities
• Critically evaluate medical research and make coverage recommendations on strategies for new and emerging technologies including drugs, devices, and technologies to include latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field of pharmacy.
• Make individual prescription drug coverage decisions for complex inquiries, complaints, and appeals when necessary.
  

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will possess the following:

Pharmacy Doctorate degree from an accredited school of pharmacy recognized by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and one (1) year of the required experience below.

The required experience includes:

• Valid unrestricted Pharmacist license in Washington State (or ability to obtain license within 6 months of hire).
• Professional experience with substance use disorder, opioid use disorder, medications for opioid use disorder, or other similar behavioral health fields.
• Ability to evaluate drug literature and make accurate independent conclusions regarding clinically significant results.
• Ability to research, evaluate and draw conclusions from published literature and internal and external data.
• Ability to create recommendations that are supported by facts and analyses.
• Ability to independently design, develop, and produce research reports and analyses that can be presented to external stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret and apply rules, laws, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently in writing and verbally at interpersonal and public speaking levels.
• Ability to effectively communicate and motivate associates at all levels of the organization and from clinical and non-clinical backgrounds.
• Ability to take action to learn and grow.
• Ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Must remain up to date with annual continuous education requirements.

Note: Successful completion of an American Society of Health Systems Pharmacist accredited residency program or fellowship may substitute year-for-year of work experience.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in health care related field (in addition to Pharmacy Doctorate).
• One year of experience with pharmacy in jails, correctional facilities, or justice-involved populations.
• Familiarity of health care delivery systems, health access to low-income populations, and the health insurance industry.
• Knowledge of the principles of evidence-based medicine, clinical drug research, the elements of good study design, ability to evaluate medical literature and make accurate independent conclusions using clinically significant results.
• Understanding political and stakeholder issues related to prescription drug initiative

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the required qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification.

To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
• Current resume

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Additional Information

About HCA:

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery.

Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
• And free parking!

Notes:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency.

HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission.

Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.

Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description.

Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply.

If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov.

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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