The Pharmacist Lead – Specialty & Infusion Operations is responsible for the operational, clinical, regulatory, andfinancial oversight of specialty pharmacy and ambulatory infusion pharmacy services. This role includes oversightof specialty and infusion services delivered within a licensed outpatient retail pharmacy, supporting prescriptiondispensing within the pharmacy, including specialty medications and sterile and non-sterile compounded therapies,and contributing to both patient care and organizational revenue generation. This position serves as the designatedpharmacy lead for specialty medications, infusion therapy programs, specialty and infusion-specific patient accesssupport functions, and related 340B optimization opportunities. The role operates in close collaboration with theDirector of Outpatient Pharmacy for program strategy and performance, and with the Pharmacist-in-Charge toensure compliance with pharmacy operations, regulatory requirements, and dispensing standards. The PharmacistLead collaborates with providers, nursing, pharmacy operations, revenue cycle, and informatics teams to ensuresafe, compliant, and patient-centered medication management while supporting organizational growth andsustainability. This position provides direct patient care, oversees specialty and infusion pharmacy workflows, leadsquality improvement initiatives, and serves as a subject matter expert for specialty medications, infusion therapies,payer requirements, and medication access programs.
Essential Functions:
Outpatient Pharmacy Operations
Oversees daily operations of specialty and infusion pharmacy services within thelicensed outpatient pharmacy, including prescription processing, verification, dispensing, and patient counseling.Ensures safe and efficient workflow for specialty and infusion-related medications, including sterile and non-sterilecompounded products in accordance with USP <797> and <800> standards.Maintains regulatory and operational compliance with all dispensing, labeling, and documentation requirements.Optimizes staffing models, workflow design, production capacity, and inventory mangement to support prescriptionvolume, patient access, and financial performance.Partners with the Pharmacist-in-Charge to ensure alignment with pharmacy-wide policies, regulatoryrequirements, and operational standards. Functions within the licensed pharmacy under the supervision andregulatory authority of the Pharmacist-in-Charge.Supports general outpatient (Class A) pharmacy operations, including medication fulfillment, dispensing workflows,and pharmacist coverage as needed.
Specialty Pharmacy Program Management
Oversees specialty pharmacy operations, including medicationprocurement, prescription fulfillment, dispensing, patient onboarding, refill management, and adherencemonitoring.Develops and maintains specialty medication workflows and service standards; monitors adherence, turnaroundtimes, patient retention, and financial performance; and coordinates with manufacturers, specialty distributors,and payer organizations to support medication procurement and reimbursement processes.Oversees specialty medication procurement strategy, including sourcing through wholesalers, specialtydistributors, and 340B channels; manages inventory levels, product selection, and purchasing decisions to optimizecost, reimbursement, and product availability; and partners with supply chain and finance teams to supportcontract optimization and margin performance.
Infusion Pharmacy Program Management:
Leads and is accountable for pharmacy-related aspects of ambulatoryinfusion services, including oversight of sterile compounding activities and preparation of infusion medications inaccordance with USP <797> and <800> standards, storage, inventory management, and administration support.Ensures compliance with USP <797>, USP <800>, state and federal regulations, and accreditation standards;collaborates with nursing leadership on infusion workflows, scheduling, and monitoring processes; and supportsimplementation of new infusion therapies and service line expansion.
Clinical Leadership:
Provides clinical oversight and advanced practice leadership for specialty and infusionmedication services; reviews and verifies medication orders for appropriateness, safety, and compliance; developstreatment plans, monitoring parameters, and clinical workflows; collaborates with providers and nursing staff tooptimize therapy outcomes; serves as a resource for complex medication questions; and monitors adverse drugreactions, infusion reactions, and medication safety events.
Medication Access and Financial Stewardship:
Partners with medication access, prior authorization, and medicationassistance teams, as well as revenue cycle functions, to support specialty and infusion-specific patient accesssupport functions and improve therapy initiation and continuity of care.Identifies opportunities to maximize 340B program benefits while maintaining compliance; monitors drugutilization trends; optimizes inventory management strategies; assists with specialty and infusion contractinginitiatives; and participates in budget development and financial performance reviews.Quality and Regulatory Compliance: Ensures compliance with Texas State Board of Pharmacy regulations, USP<797>, USP <800>, 340B Program requirements, accreditation standards, and organizational policies andprocedures.Leads quality assurance and improvement initiatives, participates in audits and corrective action planning, andmonitors medication safety indicators and regulatory requirements.
Leadership and Team Development:
Provides Provides functional oversight of pharmacy operations within specialtyand infusion services, including workflow accountability and performance expectations.Provides day-to-day leadership and guidance for pharmacists, technicians, and support staff assigned to specialtyand infusion services. Assists with onboarding, training, competency assessments, and performance development;promotes a culture of patient-centered care, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement; and leadsdepartment projects and strategic initiatives.
Informatics and Program Development:
Collaborates with pharmacy informatics and EMR teams to optimizespecialty and infusion workflows.Assists with build, maintenance, and optimization of medication protocols, order sets, and documentation tools;uses data analytics to identify opportunities for growth, operational improvement, and enhanced patient outcomes;and supports implementation of new technologies and service offerings.
Patient-Centered Medication Management:
Provides direct patient care and supports safe, compliant, and patient centeredmedication management for specialty and infusion therapies, including patient education, monitoring,adherence support, and coordination with multidisciplinary care teams.
Program Sustainability and Growth:
Serves as the operational and clinical leader responsible for developing asustainable specialty and infusion pharmacy program that improves patient access, health outcomes, andorganizational financial performance.
Performance Indicators and Operational Reporting:
Monitors key indicators including specialty prescription capturerate, medication adherence, prior authorization turnaround time, infusion prescription volume and growth,dispensing turn around time, patient satisfaction, 340B savings and optimization, medication safety event rates,refill compliance, revenue and margin performance, and regulatory and accreditation readiness.Support Class A pharmacy operations, including medication fulfillment, dispensing workflows, and pharmacistcoverage as needed.Performs any other duties as needed to drive the vision, fulfill the mission, and abide by the values of thisorganization.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Strong knowledge of specialty medications and infusion therapies. Knowledge of payer requirements, prior authorization processes, and medication access programs Knowledge of USP <797>, USP <800>, and sterile compounding requirements. Understanding of 340B Program operations and compliance. Ability to analyze operational and financial data. Strong problem-solving and project management skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to build collaborative relationships across multidisciplinary teams. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Education:
Licenses/Certifications:
Work Experience:
CommUnityCare Health Centers is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) corporation providing primary care health services to the medically underserved. For over 30 years, we served as the Community Health Centers, operating as a department of the City of Austin. In March 2009, we became CommUnityCare, operating independently from the City. CommUnityCare is proud of its past history of service to the community and looks forward to continuing to provide great care. Our vision as CommUnityCare is to increase access to care and to expand our range of services.
CommUnityCare operates 25+ health center locations in Travis County and central Texas. We offer comprehensive primary care services for the entire family including: family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, women's health services, behavioral health services, nutrition education, pregnancy and parenting centering programs, specialty services such as cardiology, dermatology, pulmonology and dental care.
