Position Summary

The Staff Pharmacist is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient dispensing of prescription medications through a specialty mail-order pharmacy model. This role ensures compliance with federal and state pharmacy regulations, provides clinical oversight of medication therapy, and delivers exceptional care and support to patients managing complex and chronic conditions.

Working closely with pharmacy technicians, patient service representatives, inventory staff, and pharmacy leadership, the Staff Pharmacist helps establish operational workflows, maintain accreditation standards, and support the successful launch and growth of Emerald Specialty Pharmacy.

Key Responsibilities

Prescription Verification & Dispensing

• Review and verify prescription orders for accuracy, clinical appropriateness, and potential drug interactions.
• Ensure prescriptions comply with state, federal, and pharmacy-specific regulations and policies.
• Perform final verification and approval of dispensed medications.
• Supervise pharmacy technicians involved in prescription processing and preparation.

Clinical Review & Patient Care

• Conduct drug utilization reviews (DUR) and identify potential therapeutic concerns.
• Consult with prescribers regarding medication optimization, clarifications, and therapy recommendations.
• Provide patient counseling and education, particularly for specialty medications and chronic disease therapies.
• Support medication therapy management and adherence initiatives.

Regulatory Compliance & Accreditation

• Maintain current knowledge of pharmacy laws, regulations, and industry best practices, including DEA, FDA, HIPAA, and state Board of Pharmacy requirements.
• Support pharmacy licensing, accreditation, and audit readiness activities.
• Ensure proper handling and documentation of controlled substances.
• Participate in internal, external, and accreditation-related audits.

Operational Excellence

• Collaborate with pharmacy technicians, inventory personnel, and shipping teams to support efficient workflow management.
• Use pharmacy management systems and technology platforms to oversee prescription processing and patient records.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and patient experience.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new pharmacy processes and procedures.

Quality & Patient Safety

• Promote a culture of patient safety and continuous improvement.
• Document and report medication errors, adverse events, and quality concerns in accordance with established procedures.
• Participate in quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy.

Licensure

• Active pharmacist license in good standing.
• Ability and willingness to obtain additional state licenses as business needs require.
• Eligibility to support multi-state pharmacy operations.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of pharmacy experience required.
• Specialty pharmacy, mail-order pharmacy, or high-volume pharmacy experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working within accreditation standards such as URAC or ACHC preferred.
• Experience supporting startup operations, process improvement, or implementation activities is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of pharmacology, specialty medications, drug interactions, and clinical best practices.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking capabilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Effective communication skills with patients, providers, pharmacy staff, and cross-functional partners.
• Proficiency with pharmacy technology platforms and pharmacy management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt, innovate, and embrace change.

What Success Looks Like

The ideal candidate combines clinical excellence with an entrepreneurial mentality. You are energized by the opportunity to help build something new, comfortable navigating ambiguity, and committed to creating an excellent experience for patients and providers alike.

You are a collaborative team member who values innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement, and you are excited to help shape the future of Emerald Specialty Pharmacy.

Work Environment

• Pharmacy distribution and office environment.
• May require prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
• Occasional lifting of packages up to 20 pounds.
• Flexible schedule may be required during implementation, launch, accreditation, or peak-volume periods.

Ready to help build the future of specialty pharmacy? Join Emerald Specialty Pharmacy and be part of a team creating innovative, patient-centered pharmacy services that make a lasting difference.

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay range is $118,506 - $177,758. The position is eligible for an annual incentive bonus (variable depending on company and employee performance).

The pay range for this position takes into account a wide range of factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, skills, seniority, performance, travel requirements, internal equity, business or organizational needs, and alignment with market data. At Blue Cross of Idaho, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top range for the position. Compensation decisions are dependent on factors and circumstances at the time of offer.

We offer a robust package of benefits including paid time off, paid holidays, community service and self-care days, medical/dental/vision/pharmacy insurance, 401(k) matching and non-contributory plan, life insurance, short and long term disability, education reimbursement, employee assistance plan (EAP), adoption assistance program and paid family leave program.

We will adhere to all relevant state and local laws concerning employee leave benefits, in line with our plans and policies.