Investigational Pharmacy Services Coordinator

The University Health Network, where "above all else the needs of patients come first", encompasses Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, West Park, and the Michener Institute of Education. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of ground breaking firsts and a purpose of "Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning", the University Health Network (UHN), Canada's largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 16,000 employees, more than 1,200 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

Union: Non-Union
Site: Toronto General Hospital
Department: Pharmacy
Reports to: Clinical Manager
Work Model: On-Site
Hours: 37.5 per week
Salary: To commensurate with experience and consistent with UHN compensation policy
Status: Permanent Full-Time
Closing Date: November 22, 2024

Position Summary

The University Health Network Pharmacy Department requires an Investigational Pharmacy Services (IPS) Clinical Research Coordinator to work across the Multi Site IPS teams. The incumbent will be an integral part of the department, working with the multidisciplinary team, and the external stakeholders with the UHN Research framework to support and enhance Pharmacy support for studies conducted at University Health Network.

The IPS Coordinator will use their clinical pharmacy, communication and technical skills to oversee Pharmacy workflows, enhance efficiencies and implement consistencies across sites where possible with overall study processes from initial CAPCR reviews to dispensings and closures. The Coordinator will work closely with all team members and external partners to gather and analyze information regarding clinical practices/workflows and business processes; base decisions on input from team members; modify, develop and document policies and procedures that will support best practices; and act as a liaison between all parties involved in IPS activities as it relates to cross site consistencies.

The IPS Coordinator will participate in support activities, process and workflow analysis, system enhancements and data analysis. The energy, enthusiasm, and dedication of this individual will allow the Investigational Pharmacy Services teams to contribute to the successes of Research at UHN. The IPS Coordinator will guide and support team members, monitor progress and direct focus on team tasks, provide clear direction and communication, create a positive and productive work environment, and continuously strive to improve team performance and efficiency. They will act as a liaison between the team and upper management, ensuring that the needs and concerns of the team are effectively communicated and addressed. Ultimately, their goal is to lead by example and empower their team to reach their full potential.

Duties

• Provides clinical and operational support in collaboration with team and leadership ensuring adherence with best practices
  • Leads, mentors and coaches on day-to-day work, helps prioritize, directs activities, defines and evaluates the workflows and processes
  • Monitors the workflow to ensure efficiency and consistency, in keeping with departmental or team objectives.
  • Supports, encourages and provides direction to staff, ensures that staff maintain an organized and efficient work area.
  • Manages escalations from end-users as they occur
  • Serves as a Working Group or Committee member when needed and provides input and advice on process improvements.
  • Maintains expert knowledge of required regulations, SOPs and systems
  • Provides day to day support and management of systems and applications, including complex and/or escalated issues that arise
  • Responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance and patient safety with respect to the medication ordering, verification, dispensing and administration processes
  • Responsible for implementing applicable required operational practices and complying with the Clinical trials regulatory requirements, medication management standards of Accreditation Canada and the Ontario College of Pharmacists
  • Supports other UHN teams with workflows where Clinical research requires support for investigational products
  • Leads current and future state process analysis and flow
  • Analyzes and interprets requirements and expected outcomes to produce clear recommendations that drive and support research standards and organizational targets
  • Assists with workflow issues and provides guidance and expertise in implementing changes required by the department
  • Communicates with external partners when needed to ensure that ongoing business, operational and clinical processes are maintained
  • Collaborates with Manager and staff to ensure an atmosphere is fostered where exceptional service delivery is the standard.
  • Collaboratively resolves process and system issues with all levels of management
  • Contributes to the development of new and/or improvement of existing policies and procedures.
  • Prepares project status reports as required
  • Provides training, advice, guidance, and mentoring to more junior members of the team
  • Participation in organizing and conducting regular team meetings and huddles
• Adhering to Hospital Value Statements and Divisional/Departmental Policies and Procedures
  • Maintains current knowledge of and practice/comply with University Health Network mission and value statements, Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulated Health Discipline Act, and other relevant regulations, legislation and guidelines.
  • Maintains strict patient and study confidentiality
  • Accesses patients' electronic records only as required to perform work duties and shred all waste paper containing patient names.
• Performs cross-functional and/or other duties consistent with the job classification, as assigned or requested.
• Works in compliance of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and its regulations, reporting hazards, deficiencies and contravention's of the Act, in a timely manner.

• Completion of university degree (Bachelor's of Science Degree in Pharmacy and/or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program), or equivalent required
• Certificate of competency from the Pharmacy Examination Board of Canada required
• Active registration with the Ontario College of Pharmacists (Part A) required
• Licensed with the Ontario College of Pharmacists, Part A. required
• At minimum Greater than 6 years of practical and related experience
• At minimum 2 years experience as a practicing hospital pharmacist
• Strong understanding of the healthcare system and hospital sector
• Previous project/systems management experience
• The ability to lead meetings, prioritize, resolve conflicts, maintain issues lists, and manage a project plan
• Demonstrated success in leading change and utilizing change management frameworks and tools
• Excellent verbal and written communication and follow-up skills
• Proficient organizational, time management and critical thinking skills with the ability to effectively problem solve and prioritize in a high-pressure environment
• The ability and interest to learn and apply new skills and technology
• Advanced skills using software tools such as Visio, Excel, Word and SharePoint and other tools as necessary
• Familiarity with Research Regulatory requirements
• Experience in a health-care environment - basic understanding of clinical workflows and terminology preferred
• Hospital pharmacy residency an asset
• Membership in the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists an asset
• Previous Clinical trials experience an asset

Why join UHN?
In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.