Pharmacist Investigator (DOH4705)



Pharmacist Investigator (DOH4705)

Salary

$8,318.00 - $9,414.00 Monthly

Location

Spokane County - Spokane Valley, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

DOH4705

Department

Dept. of Health

Division

Washington State Board of Nursing (WSBON)

Opening Date

10/04/2019

Closing Date

10/17/2019 11:59 PM Pacific

Description


Department of Health Logo and employees having fun at work.
 
The Opportunity

As the Pharmacist Investigator, you'll represent the Department of Health and the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) and directly contribute to the mission of the organization to protect public health and safety by conducting investigations of alleged violations of law and rule by health care professionals and pharmaceutical firms. You'll use specialized knowledge to assess the licensees' compliance with complex laws and rules.  This position will also provide pharmacy clinical expertise to the Department, law enforcement agencies, and other state and federal agencies.

This is a permanent full-time Pharmacist Investigator position within the Division of Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA), Office of Investigative and Legal Services located in Spokane Valley, WA.

About HSQA

The division of HSQA is responsible for oversight of Washington State's health care delivery system which includes licensing and regulating over 380,000 health care professionals and 7,000 facilities. HSQA also works closely with communities and local health partners to build strong health systems and prevention programs across the state to help ensure communities have access to good health care and emergency medical services. Learn more about HSQA.

The goals of the Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) division are identified in its 2017-2018 Strategic Plan (hereafter referred to as "Strategic Plan") and are three-fold: Improve people's health, deliver exceptional service, and strengthen organizational health.


About DOH and our Employer of Choice Initiatives

Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works with federal, state, tribal, and local partners to help people in Washington stay healthy and safe.  Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide education to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies. To learn more about the agency, visit our websiteDOH Infographic, and see what it's like to Work@Health!
 
DOH is a great place to work and has implemented several "Employer of Choice" initiatives, including:
 
  • We are committed to diversity and inclusion. DOH fosters an inclusive environment that encourages all employees to bring their authentic selves to work each day. We strive to hire, develop, and retain a competent and diverse workforce that is reflective of the customers we serve.
  • We have an engaging Wellness@Health program which offers programs that support healthy behaviors and work/life balance. Our program provides wellness education, access to healthy food, physical activity classes, stress relief, and many other resources to support a healthy you.
  • We support a healthy life/work balance by offering flexible/alternative work schedules, and mobile and telework options.  (Depending upon job duties.)
  •  We are making exciting steps towards modernizing our workplace by providing motivating and inspiring workspaces that promote creative thought, innovation, and collaboration among co-workers.
  • We have an Infant at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of breastfeeding newborns and infant-parent bonding.  Eligible employees who are new mothers, fathers, or legal guardians can bring their infant (6 weeks to 6 months) when returning to work.  (Depending upon job duties and work location.)
 

Secretary Wiesman with an infant at work and the modern office space.


What will you be doing? – Duties include:

• Independently and expertly performing a wide-range of investigations of alleged violations of drug law and rules by health care professionals and pharmaceutical firms.

• Providing expert consultation regarding pharmacy practice, drug law and rules, appropriate acquisition and distribution of drugs and health care related best practice.

• Preparing an investigative plans: based on the allegations, identifies facts to make a reasonable determination, identify witnesses, sequence of steps of the investigation, and identifying needed evidence, and where the evidence can be obtained.

• Interviewing respondents, complainants and witnesses. Collecting, reviewing and investigating data and information gathered through observation, interview and assessment.

• Auditing health care, business, government, and financial records.

• Writing and serving subpoenas and other legal documents.

What we're looking for

Success in this position requires one to be a team player, defined as having a driving passion for the work, bringing humility to their job and people interactions, and understanding how their words and actions affect others.

Required Qualifications

• An active license to practice pharmacy in Washington State.

• Three (3) or more years of experience as a pharmacist.

• A Pharmacy Preceptor credential or ability to obtain within three months of hire.

Note: 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 but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

*Prior convictions for felonies or attempted felonies defined as a "most serious offense" (RCW 9.94A.030 (32)); "sex offense"; "violent offense" (RCW 9.94A.030 (54)); crime involving prescription drugs, including controlled substances (RCW 69.41 and RCW 69.50), theft or robbery (RCW 9A.56), or other crimes of dishonesty, as referenced in Washington Evidence Rule 609(a)(2), are directly related to an employee's ability to perform investigation duties essential to this position.

Desired Qualifications 

• Experience in the practice of hospital, retail or long term care Pharmacy.

• Experience conducting inspections or surveys.

• Knowledge of state requirements (rules & regulations) for regulated facilities/entities.

Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions
 With or without an accommodation, I am willing and able to:

• Work indoors, at a desk/workstation the majority of a workday, in an open office environment with possible conversation and other noise distractions.
• Work at a tobacco-free campus and environment.
• Occasionally work in excess of 40 hours per week and/or to adjust normally scheduled hours, which may include evening and weekends.
• Travel 3 or more days a week. Willing and able to legally operate state vehicle and/or privately owned vehicle or provide appropriate alternate transportation.  Willing to travel up to 300 miles in a day and stay overnight when work schedule demands.  Overnight stays will occur as needed.
• Legally operate a state or privately owned vehicle or provide alternative transportation.
• Work in a fast-paced/stressful environment with multiple priorities and competing deadlines. 
• Lift and move objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Interact and work with customers, some of whom may be frustrated or distressed in a positive, friendly and supportive manner that meets the needs and standards of the office and the agency. 
• Maintain confidentiality regarding information accessed or discussed while performing the duties of the position.

This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is an equal opportunity employer.  DOH strives to create a working environment that is inclusive and respectful.  It is our policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of our workforce.

If you have questions, need alternative formats or other assistance please contact Skyler Jones at (360) 236-4408, skyler.jones@doh.wa.gov, or TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6384 or 7-1-1. Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages).


Application Process

Intrigued? We'd love to hear from you.  Click "Apply" to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:

1. A letter of interest, describing how you meet the specific required qualifications for this position.
2. A current resume.
3. Three (3) or more professional references, to be included in your profile. Please include at least one supervisor, peer, and (if you have supervised staff) a subordinate.

Note: Do not attach transcripts or other documents that are not requested in the Application Process, or that are password protected.  These type of documents cause errors when downloading application materials and will not be forwarded to the hiring supervisor. Veterans, please feel free to attach a copy of your DD214.

 
 

Supplemental Information

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in-full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.

Education and experience selected, listed and/or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the detailed applicant profile submitted.
 
This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification within the agency.
 

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Where did you first hear about this employment opportunity?
  • a. DOH Employment Site/Job Alerts
  • b. DOH Employee
  • c. Friend or Acquaintance
  • d. Indeed
  • e. LinkedIn
  • f. Careers.wa.gov site
  • g. Job Fair – if selected, answer Question 2
  • h. Other – if selected, answer Question 2
02
If you selected "g" or "h" to Question 1: LIST where you first heard about this employment opportunity.
03
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status)?
  • Yes
  • No
05
I have read and I understand the Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions that are listed in the job posting and I am willing and able to accept these conditions if offered and accept the position.
  • Yes
  • No
06
I've confirmed that the only documents attached to this application are my cover letter, resume and references (if not included in the application). Documents not requested in the Application Process will not reviewed. Veterans, feel free to attach your REDACTED DD-214.
  • a) Yes, I've confirmed that the only documents I've attached to this application are my resume, cover letter and references. If I attached a DD-214 the social security number has been redacted.
  • b) No, I've included attachments that are not requested in the Application Process.
07
All responses and statements on this application and any other materials I have submitted to apply for this position are true and complete to the best of my knowledge; and I understand that the state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading responses are cause for rejection of this application or dismissal of employment.
  • Yes
  • No
08
I understand that 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 but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
  • Yes
  • No
09
SELECT ALL THAT APPLY: I have the licensure and experience in the following: responses are cause for rejection of this application or dismissal of employment.
  • a. An active license to practice pharmacy in Washington State
  • b. Three (3) or more years of experience as a pharmacist.
  • c. A Pharmacy Preceptor credential or ability to obtain within three months of hire.
  • d. NONE of the above.
10
If you selected "a" Question 9: LICENSURE – LIST your Pharmacist license number, state issued, date issued and expiration/renewal date, and complete name that license was issued under (for verification purposes).
11
SELECT ALL THAT APPLY: I have experience in the following:
  • a. Experience in the practice of hospital, retail or long term care Pharmacy.
  • b. Experience conducting inspections or surveys.
  • c. Knowledge of state requirements (rules & regulations) for regulated facilities/entities.
  • d. NONE of the above.

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact