Welcome to Cherry Health - video about Cherry Health

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

Under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist or dispensing prescriber, the Pharmacy Intern will perform various activities as authorized by their licensing and training. These activities may include assisting in dispensing medications, ensuring safe medication storage, answering patient questions, and distributing drugs and devices. The Pharmacy Intern will adhere to all organizational personnel policies, the Code of Ethics, and all relevant licensing and accreditation standards. The position requires representing the organization's mission and values in all professional interactions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Pharmacy Operations Support:
  • Perform tasks as assigned by a licensed pharmacist or dispensing prescriber, ensuring quality control is maintained in all areas of work.
  • Work in accordance with departmental procedures and policies as outlined in the department's operations manual.
  • Assist the Director of Pharmacy and Pharmacy Manager in overseeing daily pharmacy operations across multiple locations (HOTC Pharmacy, Westside, Wyoming, Montcalm, and any future service sites).
• Pharmacy Personnel Support:
  • Assist in directing and monitoring pharmacy personnel and performance as directed by the supervisor.
  • Provide hands-on training and support to pharmacy technicians when necessary.
  • Help coordinate schedules and ensure adequate coverage.
• Prescription Handling & Patient Care:
  • Prepare, compound, dispense, and sell prescriptions and pharmacy-related products under supervision.
  • Consult with physicians and nurses regarding pharmaceutical queries.
  • Provide patient counseling and education on medications, proper use, and potential side effects.
• Clinical Support & Medication Therapy Management (MTM):
  • Assist in supporting and expanding clinical MTM services, including Outcomes MTM, Medicaid MTM, and other pharmacist billing programs.
  • Identify and initiate MTM cases for eligible patients.
  • Assist pharmacists in completing Comprehensive Medication Reviews (CMRs) by preparing, scheduling, and managing associated tasks such as billing, budgeting, and reporting.
• Immunization Administration:
  • Administer immunizations as certified and within the scope of practice.
• Support for Pharmacy Technicians:
  • Step in to provide support for pharmacy technicians, including coverage during absences and helping with training.

SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / ABILITIES:

• Clinical Knowledge and Skills:
  • Ability to read and interpret medication orders written by physicians.
  • Competency in performing mathematical calculations related to prescriptions and medications.
• Communication & Leadership:
  • Strong leadership qualities and the ability to work independently.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Regulatory Knowledge:
  • Solid understanding of federal and state regulations regarding pharmacy operations.
  • Knowledge of safe medication practices and patient care standards.

COMPETENCIES:

• Collaboration
• Customer Service
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Innovation
• Integrity
• Professionalism

EDUCATION / LICENSES / CERTIFICATES:

• Required:
  • Current enrollment in an accredited college of pharmacy program.
  • Licensed as a pharmacist intern with an unrestricted license in the state of employment (eligible for licensure in other states).
  • Immunization certification.
• Preferred:
  • Prior pharmacy experience.
  • Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Certificate.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

1-3 years of on-the-job experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position effectively.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical Demands:
  • Frequent use of hands for tasks such as handling medications, typing, and operating office equipment.
  • Ability to stand or walk for extended periods, especially during long shifts.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment.
• Work Environment:
  • The position operates in a professional pharmacy setting, routinely using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and fax machines.

CLIENT POPULATION SERVED:

This position serves all patient populations.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

The essential functions of this position must be able to be performed with or without accommodations.

Who we are:

Cherry Health, Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), operates in six counties across the state, is based in Grand Rapids. With a team of more than 800 health care professionals at 20 locations, Cherry Health focuses on removing barriers, expanding access, and delivering comprehensive quality health care services to underserved communities, regardless of an individual’s insurance status or ability to pay. We provide primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy services, substance abuse services, residential re-entry services, school-based health centers and more.

Our Mission: 

Cherry Health improves the health and wellness of individuals by providing comprehensive primary and behavioral health care while encouraging access by those who are underserved.

Our Vision: 

Our community will be healthier because we will seek out and welcome those who need our services. All will be treated as family with integrated, coordinated care to improve health and personal well-being.

Our Values:

• Collaboration – Support the Cherry Health mission by encouraging teamwork to accomplish organizational goals.
• Customer Service – Serve internal and external customers in a welcoming manner with compassionate care.
• Innovation – Embrace creativity to improve patient care and workplace efficiency while remaining curious and open to learning.
• Integrity – Uphold the highest ethical standards by being honest and trustworthy.
• Professionalism – Create a positive work environment where we care accountable for our decision, our action and the results.

Benefits:

Cherry Health has excellent benefit offerings dependent on employment status.  Check out a sample of the benefits available to our team members below!

• Loan repayment through the NHSC and Michigan State Loan Repayment Program for select roles
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your family
• Generous Paid Time Off benefit – 4 weeks per year for full time
• Paid holidays - 8 full day paid holidays (Including Black Friday!) and 2 half day paid holidays!
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with generous employer match - $ for $ match up to 5% 
• MET and MESP 529 Savings Plans
• Pet Insurance!
• Employee Assistance Program  

Our policy is to offer all employees and applicants for employment equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, or any other protected category.