Medication Adherence Specialist I

The Medication Adherence Specialist I at Oak Street Health is responsible for supporting patients in managing their medication refills. This involves contacting patients to remind them about their medications, assisting them in the refill process, and working closely with care teams to overcome any barriers they may face. The role is focused on ensuring that patients experience seamless service and optimal medication adherence.

To be considered for the Medication Adherence Specialist I position at Oak Street Health, candidates must have at least one year of retail pharmacy experience, along with an active Pharmacy Technician License and Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification. A high school diploma is also required. Familiarity with MS Office and Google documents is essential, and being bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

The work environment for a Medication Adherence Specialist I at Oak Street Health is collaborative and team-focused. The role involves working closely with pharmacy technicians and care teams to ensure that patient needs are met efficiently and compassionately. The organization values employees who embody 'Oaky' values, creating a positive atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to contribute to patient care.

Oak Street Health provides numerous growth opportunities for a Medication Adherence Specialist I. The organization emphasizes leadership development, offers continuing education stipends, and fosters an environment where employees can take ownership of their career paths. Additionally, with over 150 locations and an ambitious growth trajectory, there are plenty of chances for advancement.

Empathy is crucial for a Medication Adherence Specialist I at Oak Street Health. The role requires compassion and understanding when communicating with patients, as many may face challenges related to their medications. By exercising empathy, you can create a supportive and trusting environment, enhancing the patient experience and ensuring they receive the healthcare they deserve.

While being bilingual is not a requirement, it is considered a plus for the Medication Adherence Specialist I position at Oak Street Health. Having the ability to communicate in both English and Spanish can enhance your ability to connect with and serve a broader range of patients, making you an even more valuable member of the team.

Key responsibilities for a Medication Adherence Specialist I at Oak Street Health include contacting patients for medication refill reminders, coordinating with pharmacy teams to identify and resolve any barriers to obtaining medications, providing exceptional customer service, and supporting the overall mission of delivering quality health outcomes for Medicare patients.

When handling difficult conversations, it's essential to remain calm and empathetic. Start by actively listening to the patient's concerns without interrupting, then acknowledge their feelings. Use clear and concise language to explain potential solutions, and make sure to offer support throughout the process. Demonstrating patience and understanding can lead to a positive resolution.

In your response, highlight any specific daily tasks you’ve managed, such as filling prescriptions, communicating with patients, and collaborating with healthcare providers. Share a distinct scenario where you successfully improved a patient's experience, showing your ability to provide quality customer service.

Effective prioritization involves assessing the urgency and importance of tasks. You might explain how you list tasks, identify critical deadlines, and focus on patient-facing duties while remaining flexible. Share an example of a busy day and how your organizational skills directly impacted your ability to meet patients' needs.

To ensure accuracy in medication refills, you can discuss the importance of double-checking patient information against pharmacy records, maintaining detailed communication with care teams, and implementing a systematic approach for callback reminders. Providing examples of specific tools or methods you've used will further substantiate your answer.

Share a specific example that highlights your problem-solving abilities. Describe the challenge, the steps you took to resolve it, and the positive outcome that resulted. Emphasizing your ability to remain proactive in challenging situations will exhibit resilience and commitment.

Creating an unmatched patient experience starts with actively listening to their needs and providing personalized communication. Mention how you would ensure follow-up calls, offer helpful resources, and express genuine compassion to build rapport and trust, making each patient feel valued.

Demonstrating knowledge of Oak Street Health’s mission will show your genuine interest in the company. Discuss their commitment to rebuilding healthcare and providing personalized primary care for Medicare patients. Highlight how your values align with their mission, emphasizing a shared passion for improving patients’ lives.

Address how you keep informed about industry trends and updates, whether through continuing education courses, attending workshops, or subscribing to relevant professional publications. Mention any organizations or associations you’re part of to show your commitment to professional development.

Teamwork is essential in a pharmacy setting because it improves communication and patient care. Discuss how collaborating with pharmacy technicians, providers, and other team members can streamline processes and enhance patient outcomes. Share examples of successful team projects to support your answer.

Explain your passion for helping patients manage their health effectively. You might discuss the fulfillment you feel when you assist someone in overcoming medication-related challenges and how that aligns with your commitment to improving healthcare experiences. Your genuine motivation will resonate with your interviewer.