Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to the public. All current, permanent Federal employees and current, permanent Department of Veterans Affairs employees AND past, current and upcoming participants of the VA Health Professions Trainee (HPT) Graduates, please apply to CAZM-12644585-25-GLP. This vacancy announcement is an "external" job announcement. Current permanent VA employees are encouraged to apply under the "internal" announcement to receive consideration based on their current employment status.

Videos

VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws

Duties include but are not limited to:

Pharmaceutical Care:

1. Organizes daily workload to assure optimum, accurate and efficient completion of all medication orders, inpatient, discharge, and outpatient in assigned areas. He/she will provide quality control checks and analysis of automated dispensing equipment as assigned; fill and issue ward or clinic orders for drugs, supplies, and controlled substances as necessary, and will maintain records accurately.
2. Provides appropriate selection of drug therapy based upon pharmaceutical principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics monitoring for efficacy, side effects, expected and actual clinical outcomes, and advise prescribers, nurses and other associated healthcare professionals based on these principles.
3. Provides patient-specific therapeutic monitoring and communicate relevant findings and/or recommendations to other health care providers involved in the patient's care both orally and in writing.
4. Performs continuous evaluation of prescribed medications to assure optimization of drug regimen.

1. Completes all required training designated by the medical center and pharmacy service by the assigned due dates.
2. Maintains security of the pharmacy and inventory per policy and regulation. He/she will maintain security compliance by ensuring non-staff members are escorted within the pharmacy.
3. Safeguards protected health information in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, Federal regulations, VA statutes and policy.
4. Maintains a safe and clean work environment, free of any risk to safety or fire hazards. In addition, he/she will observe all established safety practices related to personal protective equipment and clothing.

1. These functions will be supported assisting as needed or in the absence of the sterile compounding technician (i.e., after hours, weekends, and leave).
2. Manufactures uncomplicated and/or complicated parenteral admixtures to be delivered in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringe or other as required. Competence is demonstrated by utilizing correct application of aseptic technique standards to maintain sterile equipment, sterile working environment, and preparation of sterile products utilizing sterile technique in actual work performance.
3. Adheres to USP 797/800 Guidelines for the compounding of all sterile preparations, including ophthalmic, cardioplegic, TPN, hazardous, large & small volume IV solutions, PCAs, etc.

1. These functions will be supported as needed or in the absence of the controlled substances technician (i.e., after hours, weekends, and leave).
2. Document all controlled substance-related transactions in line with VA and DEA guidelines, ensuring accurate inventory counts during restocking.
3. Always safeguard controlled substances, ensuring they are never left unsecured. Report and assist in resolving discrepancies and comply with all regulations
4. Appropriately restocks controlled substances items in automated secured cabinets (i.e., Omnicell) in pharmacy or throughout medical center, as assigned.

1. Seeks and implement creative improvements in products or services; apply out-of-the box thinking; challenge current practices in a professional manner when they hinder goals or strategic objectives.
2. Participates in the education and training of all new employees in the department, pharmacy students, pharmacy practice residents, and pharmacy technicians. In addition, he/she will provide educational in-services to nursing staff, pharmacy staff, and other professional groups and contribute to the educational mission of the Medical Center and the Pharmacy Service.
3. Provides direction and oversight for technicians working in their area, collaborating with the technician supervisors to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks and adherence to policies.

1. Establishes, develops, and maintains effective working relationships and rapport with Facility Providers, Nursing and other departments as needed. Serves as a source to resolve questions and problems affecting hospital staff members and patients.
2. Expected to communicate in a manner that affords internal and external customers the ability to experience positive exchange and outcomes.

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.
• 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

Basic Requirements:
Citizenship
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 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.

(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 of38 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.

(2) 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).

Grade Determinations:

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist GS-12
Experience or Education. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet one of the following:
1. 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, or
2. 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 the GS-12 position must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of professional pharmacy practice.
2. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to both patients and health care staff.
3. Knowledge of laws, regulations, and accreditation standards related to the distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs and pharmacy security.
4. Skill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters

Preferred Experience:

• 2 years of hospital pharmacy experience within last 5 years
• 1 year of VA inpatient hospital experience within last 2 years
• IV/chemo training or experience within the last 5 years

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.