Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. Responsibilities The Associate Chief of Pharmacy, Operations, at VA Illiana Health Care System (VAIHCS) functions administratively under the Chief of Pharmacy and is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, managing, and ongoing education of the pharmacy operations division. Pharmacy Operations encompasses both inpatient and outpatient services at a rural complexity level 3 facility and one associated community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC). The Associate Chief of Pharmacy, Operations assists the Chief of Pharmacy with assurance of effective use of pharmacy resources and the development of new programs for the entire facility. The primary functions include responsibility for the daily professional and administrative management of inpatient and outpatient pharmacy operations, the oversight of clinical pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and support staff, ongoing policy and procedure creation and The Joint Commission (TJC) compliance as it pertains to the Pharmacy Department. Clinical Functions Serves as the subject matter expert advising, creating, updating, and implementing pharmacy and medical center staff on pharmaceutical care policies Maintains an effective quality assurance/improvement program from a cost and patient outcome perspective Provides the framework, philosophy, and environment for effective pharmacy staff participation in all activities, including but not limited to: Evaluating orders for appropriateness and drug interactions, allergies, and adverse reactions Intervening with providers and other healthcare staff to ensure rational, safe and effective drug therapy Understanding, reviewing, and following formulary guidelines to ensure therapeutic and cost-effective analysis of requested medications, formulary and non-formulary Monitoring drug therapy regimens and providing information to other healthcare professionals Complete and timely medication reconciliation Providing appropriate patient consultation for all new prescriptions Performing drug specific pharmacokinetic services as approved by the facility Serves as a preceptor and shares responsibility for training, guidance and evaluation of learners including students and residents during pharmacy operations rotations Assumes an active role in staff development of peers and provides educational opportunities to nursing, medical and other ancillary services Administrative Functions Responsible for the overall operation, evaluation and scope of pharmacy activities performed in inpatient and outpatient pharmacy programs to ensure the highest standard of care is delivered. Supervises, documents performance, and counsels all subordinate staff in operations division. Conducts all performance appraisals, competency assessments, and award recommendations in a timely manner for all direct reports. Assists with any drug distribution activities within Pharmacy Services, as necessary. Responsible for ensuring appropriate disciplinary actions are pursued for performance or behavioral deficiencies in a timely manner, with consultation with HR and the Pharmacy Chief. Creates and develops the service schedules for the professional and non-professional staff. Ensures that appropriate Pharmacy Service coverage is accomplished in all work areas during all work hours. Assesses workload and adjust staffing to meet the needs of the operations division. Oversees the management of unexpected absences in the pharmacy operations division. Assists in scheduling, developing and accessing training of new employees. Participating in the recruitment and selection of candidates into subordinate positions by coordinating interviews, developing selection criteria, and presenting recommendations to the Chief, Pharmacy Service. Ensures that selection processes are consistent with EEO principles. Implementation, revision, and interpretation of all Pharmacy Service Policies and Procedures to ensure compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, OIG and others as they relate to drug utilization, quality, and safety. Actively participates in committees, process action teams, and others items as directed by the by the Chief of Pharmacy. Collaborates with other service chiefs and staff in the facility to achieve optimal interdepartmental cooperation or to address clinical and/or administrative problems relating to the operations division. Participates in and conducts supervisory and staff meetings to promote and enhance staff involvement. Other duties as assigned by the Chief of Pharmacy Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 09498F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Education: 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.) (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) -OR- 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 Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT). (DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED) 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. Grade Determinations: Specialized Experience, GS-14: In addition to the GS-13 requirements, you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-13. This experience may include, but not be limited to: Responsible for coordinating multiple programs in pharmacy service in a medical facility. Serves as the Acting Service Chief in the absence of the Service Chief. Develops and maintains a system of internal reviews that ensure service programs operate at a satisfactory level of performance and in compliance with regulatory and accrediting bodies. Has extensive responsibility for pharmacy utilization of resources and budget. Makes selections, assigns personnel, and serves as a mentor to help employees develop their full potential. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the specialized experience described above, you must be able to demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in persuading others and gaining cooperation to accomplish goals. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing regarding complex clinical and technical issues. Skill in utilizing regulatory and quality standards to develop and implement operational programs. Skill in managing multiple and diverse people or programs. Skill in utilizing available resources to support the mission and goals of the organization. Ability to plan, organize and direct the functions of the pharmacy staff. Preferred Experience: PGY-2 Health Systems Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Residency; Management experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://department.va.gov/employees/va-qualifications-standards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS14. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS14. Physical Requirements: Work is performed primarily in the inpatient and outpatient pharmacy in Danville IL, where there is a potential for exposure to communicable diseases. Such areas are adequately heated and ventilated, and safety precautions are required. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of interview. 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/. 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.
