Manager – Specialty Pharmacy

Location: Mercy Northwest Arkansas

Overview

The Manager–Specialty Pharmacy is responsible for the coordination, oversight, and implementation of Specialty Pharmacy Services at the assigned location. This leader ensures full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations across Mercy Pharmacy Services (MPS) Company 80 sites. The role is responsible for identifying potential or existing drug‑related issues, taking proactive action to prevent or resolve them, and partnering closely with medical staff to develop and implement pharmaceutical protocols. This position also supports the development and ongoing management of specialty pharmacy systems and workflows.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient, visitor, and coworker information and comply with all HIPAA Privacy Rule standards.
• Adhere to Mercy and departmental policies related to risk management, safety, medication use, security, fire safety, and infection control.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Use internal and external data to continuously improve pharmacy operations.

Pharmacy Services

• Direct the development, implementation, and ongoing management of specialty pharmacy services; monitor program performance and report to pharmacy leadership.
• Lead initiatives involving technology, staffing models, scheduling, and formulary management that enhance pharmacy service levels.
• Develop and implement targeted pharmacy operational practices that improve patient care, safety, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Coordinate identification, resolution, and communication of pharmacy operational issues with other departments.
• Provide Medication Therapy Services, including patient assessment and clinical recommendations regarding medication selection, dosing, scheduling, contraindications, and interactions.
• Collaborate with medical staff to clarify orders and optimize drug therapy.
• Develop and update policies, procedures, and training materials for pharmacy programs and pharmaceutical care.
• Coordinate 340B pharmacy programs at eligible sites.
• Align specialty pharmacy services with Ministry‑wide initiatives.
• Provide accurate drug information to physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
• Ensure compliance with REMS programs and Limited Distribution Drug (LDD) requirements, including enrollment, renewals, training, and reporting.
• Ensure all coworkers are trained on REMS/LDD risks, monitoring, dispensing, and documentation requirements.

Orientation, Training & Development

• Participate in the orientation and training of pharmacists, technicians, residents, students, and technical support staff.
• Develop and present educational materials to enhance pharmacy coworkers’ knowledge and skills.
• Respond to complex pharmacy operations inquiries.
• Maintain professional competence through ongoing development and involvement in activities that advance pharmacy practice.
• Monitor pharmacy operational performance through monthly review of financial statements.

Quality, Performance Improvement & Regulatory Compliance

• Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives, especially those related to medications and pharmacy operations.
• Review and verify the work of pharmacy coworkers to ensure accuracy, compliance, and completeness.
• Ensure compliance with Board of Pharmacy requirements and other accrediting or regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrate understanding of patient and workplace safety principles by preventing errors, reporting concerns, and supporting safe practices.
• Maintain knowledge of DME POS, HIPAA, OSHA, and other regulations guiding pharmacy and healthcare operations.
• Track and audit compliance with all applicable jurisdictional laws and regulations.
• Respond to detected risks, incidents, or compliance concerns and take corrective action to prevent recurrence.

Leadership

• Delegate appropriately and hold coworkers accountable to policies, standards, and expectations.
• Promote a positive, healthy work environment that supports clinical excellence and strong training practices.
• Participate in hiring, performance management, evaluations, and staff development.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures that support pharmacy operations.
• Give and receive constructive feedback in a timely manner.
• Serve as a role model and mentor to pharmacy staff.
• Participate in departmental and regional budgeting processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and/or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

Licensure:

• Eligible for or possess current applicable state Pharmacist licensure(s)

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in an ambulatory or retail pharmacy setting
• Minimum of 3 years of management experience

Certification:

• State Board of Pharmacy Medication Therapy Services Certificate (where applicable)

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong clinical knowledge across all age groups served
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to demonstrate empathy, warmth, and professionalism
• Strong investigative, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent judgment, attention to detail, and follow‑through
• Ability to manage stress, adapt to change, and maintain awareness of how decisions affect others