Pharmacy Quality Assurance Technician

The Quality Assurance technician is responsible for: conducting audits and inspections of UCSF care areas where medications are stored and used; documenting and summarizing findings of inspections and submit reports to pharmacy and patient care area managers; assuring compliance through reporting with all applicable California Board of Pharmacy, The Joint Commission (TJC) and California Department of Health Services (CDPH) requirements, rules, and regulations, pertaining to medication security/storage in those areas; Must also submit regular trend reports of findings to the Pharmacy Department and participate in medical staff committees as requested.

The Quality Assurance technician will work with members of the Medication Safety and Compliance team, as well as pharmacy leadership, to participate in ambulatory and inpatient quality improvement initiatives.

Applies acquired skills and professional concepts to quality data analysis and / or improvement projects of small to medium size and intermediate scope and complexity.

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Working knowledge of Quality Improvement (QI) standards, clinical chart review and abstraction, and regulatory requirements.
• Working knowledge of QI models, tools, and techniques, including data collection, aggregation, abstraction, analysis, and reporting.
• Strong attention to detail, demonstrated organizational skills, and the ability to complete projects and tasks in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, including the ability to quickly assess problems and develop multiple options for effective and timely resolution.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with clinical and technical staff, as well as representatives of external regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex clinical and technical information verbally and in writing, including preparing reports, presentations, and documentation.
• Working knowledge of administrative and business software applications, as well as specialized applications used for quality data management.
• Strong analytical skills and scientific aptitude, with critical thinking abilities to challenge conventional practices and recommend innovative, industry-leading improvements.
• Knowledge of relevant information systems or the aptitude to learn new computer software applications.
• Minimum of two (2) years of hospital experience.
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel to various locations throughout the greater San Francisco area.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of relevant Pharmacy Department, medical center, and University of California (UC) policies and protocols, including medication storage, safety, patient privacy, and treatment.
• In-depth knowledge of applicable federal and state pharmacy laws and regulations.
• Experience or specialized training in Medication Safety projects and regulatory compliance activities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Associate''s degree in a healthcare profession, completion of a Board of Pharmacy-approved Pharmacy Technician Training Program, or equivalent experience.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Current California Board of Pharmacy Technician License, active and in good standing.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.

%

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

90

Yes

Unit Inspections

• Completes monthly unit inspections of inpatient care area med rooms
• Completes quarterly clinic unit inspections
• Revises and maintains policies and procedures for conducting inspections and the procedures for licensed clinics for drug storage, ordering and destruction
• Reviews audit report prior to exit care area with nursing and clinic management
• Submits and reviews inspection reports to pharmacy leadership
• Advises care area personnel on best practices with medication storage and handling
• Trends and reports out on historical audit data
• Coordinate other pharmacy staff in assisting with conduction of unit inspections
• Precept pharmacy students during inspections, providing guidance and oversight as needed

Measurement:

• Completion of audits on time
• Completion of dashboards and improvement projects
• Education and communication of medication safety improvements

10

Yes

Quality Improvement

• Participates in collaborative interdisciplinary practice through active participation in hospital and ambulatory committees

• Coordinates interdepartmental and intradepartmental medication safety activities, including the Medication Error Reduction Plan (MERP) as they relate to policy and procedures

• Compiles and analyzes historical data from unit and clinic inspections and makes recommendations for improvement

• Assists in preparing reports of patient care and safety data to appropriate internal departments and outside agencies.

Measurement:

• Participation in policy development, deployment and education

• Attainment of department goals and objectives

• Coordination of medication safety assessment and improvement

• Analyzes and interprets data of moderate complexity and summarizes statistical findings

• Develops corresponding reports, dashboards, and presentations

• Assists with developing action plans

• Applies acquired skills and experience to identify statistical trends and issues in patient care and services

• Contributes to moderately-complex projects in assigned clinical areas to assist with investigation of problems, and the development and monitoring of corrective actions

• Under general supervision, coordinates the management of data and documents between Quality and other departments

• Assists in researching best practices and in developing proposals for improvements in the data collection processes

100%

(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.

%

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

90

Yes

Unit Inspections

• Completes monthly unit inspections of inpatient care area med rooms
• Completes quarterly clinic unit inspections
• Revises and maintains policies and procedures for conducting inspections and the procedures for licensed clinics for drug storage, ordering and destruction
• Reviews audit report prior to exit care area with nursing and clinic management
• Submits and reviews inspection reports to pharmacy leadership
• Advises care area personnel on best practices with medication storage and handling
• Trends and reports out on historical audit data
• Coordinate other pharmacy staff in assisting with conduction of unit inspections
• Precept pharmacy students during inspections, providing guidance and oversight as needed

Measurement:

• Completion of audits on time
• Completion of dashboards and improvement projects
• Education and communication of medication safety improvements

10

Yes

Quality Improvement

• Participates in collaborative interdisciplinary practice through active participation in hospital and ambulatory committees

• Coordinates interdepartmental and intradepartmental medication safety activities, including the Medication Error Reduction Plan (MERP) as they relate to policy and procedures

• Compiles and analyzes historical data from unit and clinic inspections and makes recommendations for improvement

• Assists in preparing reports of patient care and safety data to appropriate internal departments and outside agencies.

Measurement:

• Participation in policy development, deployment and education

• Attainment of department goals and objectives

• Coordination of medication safety assessment and improvement

• Analyzes and interprets data of moderate complexity and summarizes statistical findings

• Develops corresponding reports, dashboards, and presentations

• Assists with developing action plans

• Applies acquired skills and experience to identify statistical trends and issues in patient care and services

• Contributes to moderately-complex projects in assigned clinical areas to assist with investigation of problems, and the development and monitoring of corrective actions

• Under general supervision, coordinates the management of data and documents between Quality and other departments

• Assists in researching best practices and in developing proposals for improvements in the data collection processes

100%

(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)