Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.  

The Coordinator, Oncology Certification works collaboratively with the Chemotherapy Certification Pharmacist to coordinate, plan, deliver and monitor the oncology certification program in accordance with current standards and policies of pharmacy practice, within the scope of a Pharmacy Technician, for activities such as safe handling, sterile preparation, compounding, and product checking at the BC Cancer regional centres and the communities oncology network (CON) pharmacies throughout the province. This includes observing and documenting the practice of Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and Assistants, identifying and reporting discrepancies from the standards of practice to the Supervisor and performing quality assurance checks such as reviewing training materials and assessment tools. The Coordinator, Oncology Certification provides expertise and on-going support related to the compounding of sterile and non-sterile preparations.

In addition, the Coordinator, Oncology Certification is required to operate with the competency, guidelines and scope/standards of practice for Pharmacy Technicians as outlined by the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia and relevant legislation, and in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, standards and unit specific protocols. This position also performs technical functions related to the preparation of parenteral and take home medications, compounding medications, and final product checking as required.

Duties/Accountabilities:

• Coordinates, plans, delivers, and monitors, in collaboration with the Chemotherapy Certification Pharmacist, the oncology certification program in accordance with current pharmacy standards of practice, procedures and policies for practice activities such as safe handling, sterile preparation, compounding, and product checking. Performs duties such as observing, evaluating, and documenting the practice of Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and Assistants and identifying discrepancies and reporting findings to the Supervisor or designate for follow up and/or corrective action to ensure practice and safety standards are adhered to. Administers the Oncology Certification assessment of Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and Assistants throughout the Province. Routine travel to all BC Cancer centres and the Communities Oncology (CON) pharmacies is required.
• Coordinates, formulates, reviews and recommends changes to pharmacy leadership in the development of provincial policies, standards, and procedures for oncology pharmacy activities, such as safe handling of hazardous and non-hazardous medications, safe medication practices, sterile preparation, compounding, and product checking for review and approval.
• Performs quality assurance checks such as regular review of training and testing materials for consistency with national and provincial standards of practice. Conducts user surveys to ensure relevance, appropriateness and timeliness of the Oncology Certification activities such as safe handling, sterile preparation, compounding, and product checking. Creates, reviews and evaluates the content of training and testing materials and makes changes as required to reflect staff feedback and improve learning outcomes.
• Maintains working relationships and communicates with all members of the BC Cancer and CON cancer care team through methods such as liaising with health care professionals regarding standards of practice and policies related to safe handling, sterile preparation, compounding, and product checking; scheduling and attending and/or chairing or co-chairing related committee meetings; and contributing to the Systemic Update Newsletter and the Cancer Drug Manual.
• Collaborates with the Chemotherapy Certification Pharmacist to develop, plan and/or schedule pharmacy educational activities and provides educational sessions to Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and Assistants to ensure consistent pharmacy practice standards.
• Collaborates with pharmacy leadership to ensure adherence to safe handling and preparation of oncology medications requirements as mandated by the College of Pharmacists of BC.
• Coordinates, creates, formulates, and maintains relevant BC Cancer oncology pharmacy reference materials regarding safe handling, sterile preparation, compounding, and product checking, in collaboration with the Chemotherapy Certification Pharmacist, for review and approval by pharmacy leadership.
• Represents the program and participates in interdisciplinary committees relating to oncology certification and safe medication practices with provincial, national, and international organizations as required.
• Maintains current knowledge of safe handling and safe medication practices in oncology by performing Pharmacy Technician duties such as preparing parenteral medications, compounding medications and final product checking on a regular basis as scheduled.
• Performs other related duties as required.
  
  

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

• Grade 12, and graduation from an accredited Pharmacy Technician program and three years recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Current practicing registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the College of Pharmacists of B.C.
  
  

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Ability to keyboard.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.