This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
Summary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
This job opportunity announcement is open to All U.S. Citizens. If you are a current and permanent employee of the Veterans Health Administration please apply under vacancy 12151540.
ANNUAL DETERMINATION OF STAFFING SHORTAGES: This position is being filled using the hard to fill position memo dated 9/30/2023 which waives Veterans Preference for hard to fill Hybrid vacancies. Veterans are still encouraged to apply and will be given full consideration.
Duties include but are not limited to the following description:
Pharmacy Program Manager-Formulary and Quality Management, GS-13:
The Program Manager works independently under the Associate Service Chief - Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Services and Chief of Pharmacy, or designee, and keeps them apprised of trends/problems associated with their assigned areas. The primary responsibility of the Program Manager, Formulary Management and Quality Management is the management of the overall operation and scope of pharmacy activities performed in the pharmacoeconomic section of the Pharmacy Service. The Program Manager (PM) has specialized knowledge regarding pharmacoeconomic program development, implementation, monitoring and reporting as well as medication formulary issues and quality management. The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist functions as part of the Pharmacy team to accomplish department missions and goals as well as provides forward thinking leadership within the Pharmacy Service. This individual must challenge traditional assumptions, be innovative, solve system problems creatively, be resourceful and willing to take risks in proposing solutions to system related problems. The PM will work collaboratively with Associate Service Chief - Acute Care Clinical Pharmacy Services, Associate Service Chief - Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Services, Associate Service Chief - Pharmacy Operations, Program Manager - Pharmacy Informatics, Chief of Pharmacy, Inventory Program Manager, Pharmacy Supervisors, and other health care professionals as appropriate to continually review and implement the goals of the pharmacy department at the VACT.
Functions include but are not limited to the following descriptions:
FORMULARY MANAGEMENT:
Participates in facility, VISN and National committees and workgroups to implement cost savings initiatives as identified within VHA.
Coordinates medication conversions to comply with local, VISN, and National contracts or approved formulary substitutions. Provides information to patients, providers, and other healthcare personnel regarding the conversion process to promote a safe and efficient transition.
Serves as a resource and works with providers as well as pharmacy staff to ensure compliance with national, VISN and local initiatives.
Develops, implements, and manages programs to optimize drug therapy costs, including participation in the development of drug cost saving initiatives and formulary conversions.
Identifies areas where patient education may increase the cost-efficiency of drug therapy. Designs and implements programs for patient education and measures the impact of the programs.
Provides oversight for the electronic formulary by working collaboratively with the Pharmacy Informatics Program Manager to verify that drug information, formulary indicators, drug messages and formulary alternatives have been completed.
Assists Pharmacist Inventory Program Manager with drug recalls and shortages as needed. Reports recalls at Medication Management Committee (MMC) meetings.
Routinely appraises Associate Service Chiefs of Pharmacy Service, Pharmacy Supervisors and/or Chief, Pharmacy Service of any problems affecting rational drug therapy, cost impacts, etc., and offers recommendations for consideration by management.
Interfaces with internal and external customers to identify, develop, and implement appropriate cost-containment opportunities.
Promotes rational and cost-effective therapy and prepares educational communications including bulletins, newsletters, and policy memos to inform providers, nurses, pharmacists, and other pertinent staff on the appropriate utilization of drugs.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Ad hocAvailable. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: F06201 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. EDRP Authorized: Contact Amy Haley at amy.haley@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.
Notifications:
This position is covered by a special rate.
This position is in the excepted service.
This position is not a Bargaining Unit position.
May be required to attend conference at other facilities or other VA sites on occasion.
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.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
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).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
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 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.
Grade Determinations:
Experience: In addition to the GS-13 requirements, must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS12).
The Program Manager manages all aspects of a distinct program to include policy development, quality resources and specialty functions unique to the program to optimize cost effectiveness (budget) and patient outcomes. Coordinates a single program area of a complex pharmacy operation, or multiple program areas within a facility to develop, organize, manage, and control complex pharmacy programs. Develops, organizes, coordinates and manages single or multiple program areas within the medical facility; this may include a single program area at multiple facilities. The Program Manager title is reserved for those individuals who have one or more of the following: supervisory responsibilities for various sections within Pharmacy Service; a complex program requiring coordination of multiple locations such as medical center care facilities, Community Based Outpatient Clinics(CBOCs), rural health, telemedicine, etc; specialized areas of a complex nature such as nuclear pharmacy, quality assurance, pharmacy informatics, clinical applications coordinator, Home Based Primary Care, pharmacoeconomist or liaison pharmacist duties requiring the coordination of processes with other medical facilities or VISNs.
Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the KSAs identified below:
Ability to communicate orally and in writing to persuade and influence clinical and management decisions.
Expert understanding of regulatory and quality standards for their program area.
Ability to solve problems, coordinate and organize responsibilities to maximize outcomes in their program area or area of clinical expertise.
Expert knowledge of a specialized area of clinical pharmacy practice or specialty area of pharmacy.
Advanced skill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters.
Additional functions include but are not limited to the following descriptions:
ADMINISTRATIVE & PROGRAM MANAGEMENT:
Participates in the development, maintenance and enforcement of Pharmacy and Health System Policies and procedures.
Has the following responsibility as a member of Medication management Committee (MMC): serves as liaison with MMC Chairpersons, recorder of meeting, consultant with medical staff for matters pertaining to MMC, prepares MMC agenda/minutes/highlights, assures adherence to drug use policies developed thru MMC.
Assists in developing, managing, coordinating and reporting medication utilization reviews/evaluations (i.e., MUE) and serves as a member of the MUE Subcommittee.
Assists in designing, conducting, and participating in studies, audits, and evaluations concerning utilization of drugs under the auspices of the MMC and MUE subcommittee.
Reviews assigned electronically submitted non-formulary drug requests (NFDR) adhering to National VA PBM Criteria for Use. Completes review and documents adjudication in CPRS in a timely manner as determined by VISN and National PBM leadership.
Acts as a liaison between Pharmacy service and other healthcare providers to develop programs for improvement of drug use.
Provides formal and informal pharmacotherapy consultations, drug information services and serves as a resource to pharmacists, providers, and other healthcare professionals in all areas of clinical practice.
Attends and participates in clinical pharmacy meetings and other professional committees.
CLINICAL PATIENT CARE SKILLS:
Employs tailored counseling strategies to maximize effective communication with patients, such as patient-friendly language in verbal and/or written form, teach-back methods, and motivational interviewing.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING FUNCTIONS:
Educates medical staff regarding formulary management, approved clinical guidelines and the cost-efficient use of drugs. Education is provided through in-services and one-on-one encounters. Where possible, uses data to assess the impact of these educational interventions.
Serves as a preceptor for pharmacy students and/or pharmacy residents in formulary management and quality management. Maintains an organized, structured, rotational experience. Evaluates trainees both formally and informally and provides formative and summative feedback based on performance.
MEDICATION DISPENSING AND DISTRIBUTION:
Performs all pharmacy distributive functions according to the VHA and local policies to provide comprehensive pharmaceutical services in a timely fashion to meet the needs of our patients and medical center staff.
Preferred Experience:
Must possess interpersonal skills to effectively function with health care professionals and patients.
Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.
Must possess an advanced set of knowledge and skills in managing and educating patients receiving medication therapies as evidenced by completion of a pharmacy practice residency and/or board certification or equivalent experience.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G15, Licensed Pharmacist Qualification Standard) dated June 7, 2012.
Physical Requirements: The employee must be able to talk, listen, and speak clearly on the phone. Must be able to use a computer with both hands. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time as well as stand. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or 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.
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.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
License
VA Form 10-2850c
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
Veterans' Preference: Since the Hybrid-38 Hard to Fill memo is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/01/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12151538.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
West Haven VA Medical Center
950 Campbell Avenue
West Haven, CT 06516
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
License
VA Form 10-2850c
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
Veterans' Preference: Since the Hybrid-38 Hard to Fill memo is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/01/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12151538.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
West Haven VA Medical Center
950 Campbell Avenue
West Haven, CT 06516
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
