Pharmaceutical Program Spec

Role Responsibilities

Join a collaborative team supporting Alberta’s publicly funded drug programs and helping ensure Albertans have access to effective and affordable drug benefit coverage and pharmacy services.

Reporting to the Pharmaceutical Policy Consultant, the Pharmaceutical Program Specialist supports the planning, research, analysis, and operation of pharmaceutical programs, including Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group, Seniors, and Palliative programs. The position contributes to identifying and addressing operational issues, developing and implementing initiatives such as drug pricing policies and drug utilization reviews, and supporting collaboration with other jurisdictions.

The role also responds to public inquiries, assesses claims-related issues, and supports the effective management of the Alberta Blue Cross contract, in accordance with Government of Alberta policies, legislation, program standards, and branch operational plans.

In this role, you will:

• Research and draft documents to support operations of Alberta's Public Drug Programs.
• Provide information, analysis and advice that contributes to branch operations in line with operational plans to support achievement of goals and targets.
• Develop and maintain program-related information for the department and provide updates on the status of the publicly funded drug programs in Alberta.
• Liaise with other branches, divisions, ministries, and governments to support frameworks for environmental scanning, program development and re-design and research and analysis. 

The Job Description is provided for Further details on this position.

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.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate the following Alberta Public Service competencies:

• Agility – Adapts to changing priorities and takes initiative to improve work processes. Demonstrates flexibility, creativity, and composure when addressing challenges, seeks guidance when needed, and identifies opportunities to work more effectively within established policies and guidelines.
• Drive for Results: Takes accountability for delivering quality results, sets clear goals, and plans work effectively based on past experience. Works collaboratively with others to achieve objectives and strives to meet or exceed expectations.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Builds positive working relationships by encouraging open and respectful communication, valuing diverse perspectives, and leveraging the knowledge and expertise of others. Supports constructive conflict resolution and recognizes the contributions of team members and stakeholders.
• Creative Problem Solving:  Demonstrates a continuous improvement mindset by asking questions, gathering information from multiple sources, and considering diverse perspectives to make informed decisions. Identifies opportunities to improve processes, explores alternative approaches, and shares lessons learned to support better outcomes.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field, such as health care delivery, pharmacy, public health, or a related discipline, plus a minimum of two years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in an analytics-related field, as described below.

Equivalency: 

• One year of experience for one year of education OR
• One year of education for one year of experience.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

The following experience is considered as assets:

• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize and evaluate information from a policy perspective.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, prepare reports and briefings, draft correspondence, and develop communication materials.
• Knowledge of research methods and approaches relevant to health care.
• Knowledge of Alberta’s health care system particularly publicly funded pharmaceutical and drug benefit programs.
• Knowledge of government policy development processes, procedures, and relevant health legislation and regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Experience using the ARTS Ministerial correspondence system to process action requests.
• Experience preparing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and developing educational and communication materials.

Notes

Hours of work are 08:15 AM to 4:30PM, Monday to Friday.

This is a full-time permanent position working 36.25 hours per week in downtown Edmonton.

Application Requirements

As part of the application process, you are required to:

• A cover letter is required. Please outline why you are interested in the role and how your experience relates to the qualifications. Writing quality of your cover letter and resume will be assessed as part of the screening process. 

Links and information on what we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information.
• Professional learning and development.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.