The Pharmacy Inventory Specialist is responsible for coordinating workflow and services related to drug and equipment/supplies receiving and stocking processes. Activities include but are not limited to the following responsibilities: purchasing, inventory, distribution and record keeping for medications for the Pharmacy Department, initiating purchase orders for pharmaceuticals and supplies, receiving and distribution of supplies, processing purchase requisitions, authorizing payment for wholesaler invoices, maintaining adequate inventory levels, providing inventory action and communication relative to shortages, recalls, alternative product source and selection. Serves as a resource person for product availability and vendor information. Collaborates with hospital departments and other hospitals within the system as necessary for medication ordering, inventory, distribution and record keeping.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates the receiving of all inventory, drugs, and IV solutions and distributes newly received stock to the proper storage location
• Reconciles receiving discrepancies and mismatches with the distributor for reimbursement.
• Conducts physical counts of inventory during the receiving process and resolves any discrepancies
• Coordinates the return of expired medication to the designated reverse distributor and monitors expiry dates within the pharmacy storeroom
• Maintains pharmacy inventory by checking pharmaceutical stock to determine inventory level, anticipating needed medications and supplies, placing and expediting orders as directed by the Pharmacy Supply Chain Manager.
• Maintains responsibility for borrow and loan systems from other hospitals.
• Maintains responsibility for tracking replenishment dispenses to the local Emergency Medical Services.
• Monitors and manages inventory on an ongoing basis for opportunities for enhanced inventory turns and decreased expired medications.
• Generates purchasing and inventory reports as requested by departmental leadership.
• Maintains oversight of emergency supplies.
• Assist in resolving/managing backorders, shortages or recalls and securing acceptable product alternatives when necessary. Evaluates and adjusts par levels in response to ongoing utilization, shortages, waste and critical needs.
• Continually reviews and analyzes operations recommending and implementing operational changes that will increase the efficiency and level of service of the pharmacy in collaboration with Pharmacy Supply Chain manager.
• Participates in the recruitment, retention, performance enhancement of subordinate staff in collaboration with Pharmacy management team members.
• Participates in the development of tools and standards to establish and improve competency levels of the pharmacy technician, student, and support staff including orientation of new employees, in-service training, and competency assessments.
• Maintains pharmacy information systems, electronic drug dispensing system technology and other computerized or automated hardware and software used in the procurement, preparation or distribution of pharmaceuticals and related supplies.
• Maintains all purchase records, invoices, receipts, and inventory control records. Performs all similar and related duties assigned including occasional Pharmacy Purchasing Office coverage.
• Maintain ability and knowledge to perform all work areas periodically in cases of resource shortages.