Pharmaceutical Program Specialist

**Job Information**:
Job Requisition ID:
41464
Ministry:
Health
Location:
Edmonton
Full or Part-Time:
Full Time
Hours of Work:
36.25 hours per week
Regular/Temporary:
Temporary Salaried
Scope:
Open Competition
Closing Date:
July 13, 2023
Classification:
Program Services 3 Market Adjustment
**About Us**:
The Ministry of Health leads work in the areas of Alberta health insurance and benefits, doctors, hospitals, continuing care, facilities, and other healthcare supports and information. For more information on the work Alberta Health does, visit this link:
The Pharmaceuticals and Supplementary Health Benefits Branch provides leadership in the development and implementation of initiatives for Alberta’s publicly funded drug programs.
The Pharmaceutical Strategy and Foresight Unit leads the identification of, and develops, appropriate responses to key trends and shifts that may affect the operations of publicly funded drug programs. The Unit develops and advances strategic research priorities, conducts advanced environmental scanning and uses strategic foresight methods. The Unit is also tasked with advancing integration of Alberta’s publicly funded drug programs with other parts of the health system to support positive collaboration and efficient use of resources.
**Role**:
If you are someone who enjoys being proactive, can take on new and exciting challenges, and being part of a collaborative team, we want to work with you!
The Pharmaceutical Program Specialist works independently within the framework defined by existing department and Government of Alberta policies, processes and standards related to policy development, as well as the operational plans of the Unit. In addition, they undertakes comprehensive research and analyzes diverse information sources to support the development of policies, programs and planning documents that are consistent with the Ministry's and Government's directions and reflective of stakeholder feedback.
Furthermore, as part of a highly collaborative team, the Program Specialist contributes to research and analysis activities to support decision-making related to publicly funded drug programs. Also, the Program Specialist supports a number of strategic initiatives and policy review and/or development projects by collecting and analyzing information from multiple sources to inform policy and strategy decisions.
Some of the Pharmaceutical Program Specialist responsibilities includes:
- Gathering information, conducting analysis, and providing advice that contributes to strategic and program policy in line with operational plans to support achievement of goals and targets.
- Leading the administration of the drug program grants.
- Supporting the development of new policy and review of existing policy in collaboration with other branch staff to improve effectiveness and appropriateness of publicly funded drug programs and access to pharmacy services.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders:
other branches, divisions, ministries, government agencies, and other governments, and consultants to support environmental scanning, program development and re-design, evaluation, and research and analysis
- Assesses key trends and how they impact drug programs.
- Supports large complex projects from start to finish, with mínimal supervision.
**Qualifications**:
University graduation in a related field (Science) plus 2 years progressively responsible related experience;
or equivalent as described below.
Equivalency:
Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:
- 1 year of education for 1 year of experience;
or
- 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.
**Required**:
- Knowledge of Government of Alberta policy development and decision-making processes
**Preferred**:
- Knowledge of pharmaceutical practice, drug plan management, drug policy, and pharmaceutical industry
- Knowledge of policies, services, and legislation pertaining to pharmaceutical issues, and more broadly, to medical and health policy, and health system management in Alberta and other jurisdictions
**APS Competencies**:
Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.
This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
- **Agility**:
- Takes opportunities to improve work processes
- **Drive for Results** - Partners with groups to achieve outcomes
- **Develop Self and Others**:
- Reflects on performance and identifies development opportunities
- **Creative Problem Solving** - Reflects on performance and identifies development opportunities
**Salary**:
$2,588.06 to $3,397.76 bi-weekly ($67,548- $88,681 / year)
**Notes**:
**Hours of Work**:
- 36.25 hours per week (full time)
**Other information**:
- A cover letter outlining how your experien