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PHARMACIST

Date: Jul 24, 2025

Req ID: 51416

Location:

LITTLE ROCK, AR, US, 72202

Category: STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT

Anticipated Starting Salary: $118,399.01

Position Number: 22181851

County: Pulaski

Anticipated Starting Salary: $118,399.01

Position Summary

The Pharmacist will function as the PBM Division Manager. The PBM Division Manager organizes and monitors all PBM-related complaints, licensing, and renewal activities. The Manager also oversees a small professional staff and serves as the Division’s primary point of contact for pharmacies, PBMs, and other state agencies and government officials. Knowledge of pharmacy operations and pharmacist responsibilities are critical to the management of the department and the assessment of incoming complaints from pharmacies. Success in this role hinges on exceptional organizational discipline, the ability to navigate an evolving regulatory landscape with minimal oversight, and strong interpersonal skills that foster cooperation among internal and external stakeholders. A PharmD is required to ensure fluency in PBM operations and terminology related to pharmacy operations.

This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available.

Education and Professional Work Experience

Minimum Qualifications

A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy school is required.

Preferred Qualification

+ A PharmD, RPh, or equivalent experience and education.

+ Exceptional organizational skills.

+ Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

+ Working knowledge of Arkansas PBM statutes, rules, and regulations.

+ Proficiency with common business technology and Microsoft Office Suite.

+ Working knowledge of pharmacy operations, inventory management, and point-of-sale adjudication.

+ Knowledge of the contracting chain between drug manufacturers, pharmacy services administrative organizations, PBMs, health plans, and pharmacies.

+ Knowledge of emerging developments within the retail pharmacy industry regarding PBMs and health plans.

+ Knowledge of compliance standards for record-keeping, patient privacy, and medication safety in a healthcare setting.

Required Certificates

Must hold a valid Pharmacist License issued by the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

+ Extensive knowledge of pharmacology, therapeutics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmaceutical law.

+ Strong understanding of drug interactions, side effects, and contraindications.

+ Ability to accurately interpret and apply clinical guidelines and pharmacological principles to patient care.

+ Ability to explain complex medication regimens in simple, clear terms for patients and caregivers.

+ Understanding of relevant state and federal pharmacy laws, including the Controlled Substances Act, HIPAA, and the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

+ Knowledge of compliance standards for record-keeping, patient privacy, and medication safety in a healthcare setting.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

+ Maintain and refine the PBM complaint tracker; assign investigations; set timelines; and ensure timely responses to complaints.

+ Oversee end-to-end licensing cycle for all PBMs operating in Arkansas.

+ Report to and assist PBM General Counsel and Director in developing procedures and workflows for PBM complaints.

+ Lead and develop a small team of specialists; delegate work to match skills and regulatory goals; and oversee implementation projects that streamline operations.

+ Collaborate with PBM General Counsel and Director on rulemaking, bulletins, and hearing preparations as the regulatory landscape evolves.

Position Information

Job Series:Pharmacists

Classification:Pharmacist – Career Path

Class Code:MPA01P

Pay Grade:MED09

Salary Range:$118,399 - $175,231

Job Summary

The Pharmacist is responsible for providing pharmaceutical services within a state government facility. This includes dispensing medications, providing medication therapy management, ensuring the safe use of pharmaceuticals, and advising patients and healthcare professionals on proper medication use. A valid Arkansas pharmacist license is required to practice in this role.

Primary Responsibilities

Dispense prescribed medications accurately, ensuring proper dosage, form, and instructions for administration. Verify prescriptions for completeness, authenticity, and appropriateness, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. Manage medication inventory, ensuring proper storage, handling, and maintenance of medications in compliance with regulatory guidelines. Monitor patient medication profiles for potential drug interactions, allergies, or contraindications, and take appropriate action to prevent adverse effects. Provide medication counseling to patients and/or caregivers, explaining proper medication use, side effects, interactions, and any special precautions. Maintain accurate and detailed records of medication dispensed, patient counseling, and any adverse drug reactions reported.

Knowledge and Skills

Extensive knowledge of pharmacology, therapeutics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmaceutical law. Strong understanding of drug interactions, side effects, and contraindications. Ability to accurately interpret and apply clinical guidelines and pharmacological principles to patient care. Ability to explain complex medication regimens in simple, clear terms for patients and caregivers. Understanding of relevant state and federal pharmacy laws, including the Controlled Substances Act, HIPAA, and the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Knowledge of compliance standards for record-keeping, patient privacy, and medication safety in a healthcare setting.

Minimum Qualifications

A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy school is required.

Licensure/Certifications

Must hold a valid Pharmacist License issued by the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Nearest Major Market:Little Rock