Summary A GS-12 Clinical Pharmacist (Critical Equipment/Automation) works in VA Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP), a highly automated mail outpatient pharmacy that handles medication assessment and verification of prescription orders transmitted electronically from host sites and prepared for shipment in accordance with local and national CMOP policies and federal regulations. Host sites include VA facilities as well as other government agencies with which the VA has sharing agreements. Responsibilities Major duties include, but are not limited to: Automation/Critical Equipment Program Mgmt.: Stays current regarding new pharmacy automation/critical equipment, dispensing, verification and packing technologies and makes recommendation for purchase by preparing supporting documentation including, but not limited to, Resource Management Committee equipment requests, ITRMC software business cases, and presentation to Executive Leadership Committee when indicated. Assists in the development of acceptance criteria and coordination of installation and acceptance testing for new technologies. Assists in the development of reports and performance metrics for automation/critical equipment, evaluation of pertinent data, identification and trending and ensures completion of corrective actions when indicated. Monitors performance of the automation/critical equipment dispensing, verification, and packaging equipment, communicates issues, progress and status to the Supervisory Pharmacist to ensure optimal performance, safety, reliability and workflow. Serving as a subject matter expert, provides leadership, accesses competency, and provides training as indicated for individuals working with the automation/critical equipment, including establishing guidelines for performance, reviewing accuracy, quality and efficiency of general workflow. Assists in the development of policies, procedures, training guidelines and competency assessment tools for the proper use and maintenance of automation/critical equipment dispensing, verification and packing technologies, and updates based on periodic review, equipment modifications or internal process changes. Ensures the timeliness, safety and accuracy of order fulfillment through automated/critical equipment dispensing systems utilizing appropriate monitors. Collaborates with engineering, production, and quality assurance staff in the diagnosis of problems and assists with coordinating the resolution of automation/critical equipment, dispensing, verification and packing technologies. Analyzes throughput efficiency and system operations data and makes recommendation for changes based on performance improvement criteria. Participates in performance improvement initiatives involving dispensing systems and conducts routine audits to monitor for compliance with local and national policies. Identifies opportunities, makes recommendations and participates in the development and testing/refinement of existing and new automated/critical equipment systems and technology in an effort to enhance throughput and/or accuracy. Develops higher levels of expertise in staff through mentoring and training. Inventory/Product Line Support: Stays current regarding new pharmaceutical therapies, developing standards of pharmacy practice and advances in information technology. Identifies opportunities for increased dispensing efficiency related to product movement, variable pack sizes, re-distribution among systems and sub-systems and makes appropriate adjustments. Provides quality assurance for replenishment activities of pharmacy technicians for automated dispensing equipment. Participates in coordination of inventory reduction/procurement in an effort to meet CMOP initiatives. Administrative/Program Support: Establishes and maintains effective interpersonal relationships which reflect a cooperative attitude. Effectively demonstrates leadership and practice management skills. Provides guidance to CMOP staff in all aspects of prescription filling processes such as: proper procedures for product stocking, automation replenishment, document printing, medication labeling and prescription packaging for mail. Systematically collects and evaluates quality assurance and/or performance data to ensure optimal system functionality. Participates effectively as a representative or leader on local and/or national CMOP committees, sub-committees or task forces and performs other duties that are deemed essential to the CMOP operation. Provides leadership in the identification and analysis of healthcare trends and usage. Performs the full range of Clinical Pharmacist (Production) duties as needed. Complies with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Policies. Reports all hazardous environmental situations to a Supervisor. Education: Identifies and delivers continuing education and in-services as needed to support CMOP operations and staff development. Provides medication and practice-related education, guidance, and training to pharmacy staff, administrative and technical personnel, and pharmacy trainees including Pharm.D. candidates and residents. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 2:30 pm to 11:00 pm (This position is eligible for applicable shift differential per VA policy.) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 70050A 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 identification 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. 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). 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 license 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. 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. Failure to Obtain License: In all cases, pharmacists must actively pursue meeting state prerequisites for licensure starting from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the unlicensed pharmacist with the written requirement to obtain licensure, the date by which the license must be acquired, and the consequences for not becoming licensed by the deadline. Failure to become licensed within 2 years from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0660 Pharmacist series and may result in termination of employment. 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). Grandfathering Provision: All licensed pharmacists employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Employees grandfathered into the GS-0660 occupational series may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration, that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. If a licensed pharmacist who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determinations: GS-12 Clinical Pharmacist (Full Performance Level) 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. Assignment: A pharmacist in this assignment handles routine medication-related activities in accordance with local, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), and national policies and regulations. These include, but are not limited to: reviewing, interpreting, and verifying medication orders for appropriateness; processing and filling medication orders; interacting with and making recommendations to other clinical staff regarding medication therapy ordered to ensure safe and effective care; reviewing the patient's medications, allergies, labs, and other pertinent information from the medical record to identify and solve medication-related problems; contacting providers as appropriate; documenting recommendations and interventions; providing refill extensions and partial medication supplies; taking health and medication histories; performing medication reconciliation; providing drug information; assisting in formulary management including therapeutic substitutions, nonformulary reviews and medication usage evaluations; documenting and assessing adverse drug events (ADEs); assisting in medical emergencies; providing oversight of technical staff in all aspects of medication distribution. 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. Reference: https://department.va.gov/employees/va-qualifications-standards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Must be able to stand for prolonged periods during automated dispensing operations, bend frequently, and lift up to 15-20 pounds as needed. 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 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.
