Summary A clinical pharmacist (CP) handles routine medication-related activities in accordance with local, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), and national policies and regulations. Responsibilities VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Major Duties: Effectively utilizes and maintains proficiency with all computerized prescription processing systems to be able to appropriately process/review all medication orders. Verifies eligibility for Non-VA care Community Care Network prescriptions, Non-VA urgent-care prescriptions, and non-VA care hospital discharge prescriptions, ensures non-VA providers are authorized and appropriately credentialed to prescribe medications before entering them into the system. Follows facility policies to enter/review Prescription Drug Monitoring program (PDMP), takes appropriate action, and document review when necessary. Receives, interprets and evaluates all electronic and/or written provider medication orders for both accuracy and appropriateness using acceptable pharmacy practice standards. Enters Prior Authorization Drug Requests (PADRs) into electronic health record system as needed. Communicates status of pending authorizations with patients as appropriate. Investigates patient issues concerning any medication orders from the provider, mailed medications in route/lost and attempts to resolve at point of care. Provides partial orders, extends refills, and/or enters orders for supply items as appropriate for patient care per facility procedures. Ensure all medications and supplies are stored appropriately with proper attention to rotation of stock inventory management and complying with all applicable laws and VHA policies. When necessary, oversees and assists in the filling of prescription orders, packaging the medication appropriately, and completing all required filling documentation. Directs and participates in packaging of medication workflow to ensure timely dispensing. Effectively utilizes and maintains proficiency with all applicable manual and automated dispensing equipment. Exercises prudence and care in the operation of equipment and ensures that it is properly used, cleaned, stored and maintained according to the manufacturers' instructions. Verifies all medications/medical supplies are processed/filled accurately. Verifies all medications/medical supplies are filled accurately packaged and labeled in full compliance to include paperwork in accordance with Federal rules and regulation, VHA directives, local policies/procedures. Receives new controlled substance inventory with Accountable Officer (AO). Conducts 72-hour inventory of controlled substances in local vault. Assists with destructions of controlled substances according to facility policies and procedures. Resolves narcotic discrepancies when discovered and reported by independent monthly auditors. Completes all controlled substance paperwork and documentation to comply with applicable DEA and VA regulations. Accurately identifies patients and distributes medications appropriately. Ability to properly package prescription medications for dispensing. Appropriately prepares medications and supplies for window pick up or mail. Provides patient-specific therapeutic drug monitoring and communicates relevant findings and/or recommendations to health care providers in charge of the patient. Monitoring will include prospective review of patient's active medications for appropriateness. of the medication regimen for the condition being treated, route of administration, drug-drug, drug-food, drug-laboratory or drug-disease interactions, and any synergistic, antagonistic, cumulative, potential overdoses and/or incompatibilities, compliance, anticipate side effects, toxicity and adverse effects. Provides appropriate selection of drug therapy based on the pharmaceutical principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and advises prescribers as appropriate. Provides up to date drug information and discusses formulary alternatives with prescribers, other health care professionals, patients and caregivers regarding medications/supplies not available due to non-formulary status, backorder status, or manufacturer discontinuation. Evaluates and completes non-formulary consults as assigned in accordance with VA criteria for use, recommending formulary alternatives. Implements Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee policies including therapeutic interchanges and automatic substitutions to include appropriate patient and provider education. Assists in the cleaning and upkeep in all work and break areas. Work Schedule: 8:00AM-6:30PM rotating shift including holidays, weekends, and weekdays. This team is regularly scheduled on weekends and holidays. Telework: Ad-Hoc only. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: GS-11: 51712-F; GS-12: 54447-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: (1) Graduate of an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited College or School of Pharmacy with a baccalaureate degree in pharmacy (BS Pharmacy) and/or a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. Verification of approved degree programs may be obtained from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 20 North Clark Street, Suite 2500, Chicago, Illinois 60602-5109; phone: (312) 664-3575, or through their Web site at: http://www.acpe-accredit.org/. (NOTE: Prior to 2005 ACPE accredited both baccalaureate and Doctor of Pharmacy terminal degree program. Today the sole degree is Doctor of Pharmacy.) (2) Graduates of foreign pharmacy degree programs meet the educational requirement if the graduate is able to provide proof of achieving the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Commission (FPGEC) Certification, which includes passing the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language InternetBased Test (TOEFL iBT). Licensure: Full, current and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a State, Territory, Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia. The pharmacist must maintain current registration if this is a requirement for maintaining full, current, and unrestricted licensure. A pharmacist who has, or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16. NOTE: Individuals who have or have had multiple licenses and had any such license revoked for professional misconduct, professional incompetence or substandard care, or who surrendered such license after receiving written notice of potential termination of such licens e by the State for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, are not eligible for appointment to the position unless such revoked or surrendered license is fully restored (38 U.S.C. § 7402(f)). Effective November 30, 1999, this is a requirement for employment. This requirement does not apply to licensed pharmacists on VA rolls as of that date, provided they maintain continuous appointment and are not disqualified for employment by any subsequent revocations or voluntary surrenders of State license, registration or certification. (1) Exception. Non-licensed pharmacists who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment at the entry level as a Graduate Pharmacist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of licensure for a period not to exceed 2 years for a pharmacist that provides care under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. For grade levels above the GS-11, the candidate must be licensed. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-11: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-12: Experience or Education. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet one of the following: 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, or Completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program. Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of professional pharmacy practice. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to both patients and health care staff. Knowledge of laws, regulations, and accreditation standards related to the distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs and pharmacy security. Skill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters. Preferred Experience: 1 year of experience as an outpatient or community pharmacist 1 year of experience with community care prescription processing 1 year of experience with Optifill or ScriptPro Automation Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-12. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (8 hours); Standing (8 hours); Kneeling (1 hours); Repeated bending (4 hours); Both legs required; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Specific visual requirement (specify) DVA Correctable to 20/40; Both eyes required; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted) Major Duties Continued: Participates in all activities to ensure continual readiness and compliance with external/internal auditors, National Directives, VISN, and local facility policies/procedures. Monitors the work environment for unsafe/inappropriate/unlawful conditions, works to eliminate such conditions, and notifies the supervisor. Promotes safety by complying with facility procedures, utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment when required, and promptly reporting all accidents and/or illnesses to supervisor. Reports adverse drug events, near misses, and errors through the appropriate facility reporting system. Completes all mandatory employee education training as required by local, VISN and national VA mandates within established timeframes. Assumes an active role in the overall pharmacy training program including students, externs, interns, residents professional and non-professional staff members. May voluntarily serve as an instructor and/or preceptor for pharmacy students from Affiliated Schools of Pharmacy. Provides authoritative advice and education to health care providers regarding medication use. Participates in useful and informative education (i.e. in-service training programs) to committees, pharmacy staff and medical/nursing staff. Provides educational and orientation programs on a group or individual basis to internal staff as well as patients and/or caregivers. Assists with dissemination of information regarding significant new drugs and developments in the pharmaceutical, chemical and medical fields. May voluntarily participate in pharmacy department and/or medical center committees and functions to promote improvements and demonstrate a contributing interest in employee and veteran positive experiences with the VA. May voluntarily serve as the pharmacist in charge when the supervisor is not available. Ensures knowledge and intent of department policies and procedures are followed. Makes sound professional judgements and decisions independently. Provides report of any issues to Supervisor upon their return. Education Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
