Clarification from the agency

First Area of Consideration: Current, Permanent Employees of the New Jersey VA Healthcare System to include Current and Past Health Professions Trainees. Second Area of Consideration: Current, Permanent Employees of the Veterans Administration Third Area of Consideration: Other HT38 Excepted Service Federal Employees NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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The incumbent functions as the program manager for information management and computer applications for Pharmacy Service. The incumbent has full responsibility for Pharmacy software applications that include assessment, integration, modification, maintenance and education. The incumbent also is the manager of Pharmacy data bases and files. The scope of this position crosses organizational lines and affects all clinical services. The scope is not limited to the medical center only. The incumbent works closely with the Office of Information Management, the VISN and National program developers. The incumbent functions as a VISN resource person. The incumbent has control of Pharmacy application programs and data bases and uses this knowledge and authority to assist others within the VISN.

The incumbent must be a registered pharmacist having extensive experience in key aspects of hospital pharmacy practice. Detailed knowledge of drug use, drug procurement, and inventory control and drug distribution is required in order to manage information and develop and maintain programs. The incumbent must have detailed knowledge of all VISTA programs relating to pharmacy including the use of Fileman. Knowledge of the MUMPS language may be necessary.

Scope of Assigned Duties

• Functions as program manager for Pharmacy computer applications and information management. Has control and responsibility for the installation and maintenance of pharmacy application software, including Class Ill software. Is responsible for resolving problems with Pharmacy application software in a timely manner.
• As Pharmacy Information Manager, the incumbent works closely with IT programmers in writing programs to satisfy customer needs. Directs programmers so that finished product meets the intent of the customer. Helps in design development for software application programs for local, VISN and National application. Is responsible for producing a finished product in time frame required.
• As program manager for Pharmacy the incumbent has a close working relationship with the medical staff. Works in collaboration with CACs to create and develop specialized templates, dialogue boxes, clinical reminders, clinical guidelines and other specialized programs for CPRS application. Design and development is based on identifying needs of clinicians and taking action to solve existing problems or improve process of order entry or data management. Development is not limited to local application. If called upon by the VISN and VA National Headquarters to develop improved computer applications, will participate in these activities. Functions as a member of several committees and task forces at the local, VISN and National level.
• As program manager for all Pharmacy computer applications the incumbent installs, evaluates and maintains all Pharmacy software application programs and packages. Work closely with IT and others to develop new VISTA, LAN or PC programs, or modify existing programs to meet the needs of Pharmacy and the medical staff.
• Reviews and evaluates requests for computer hardware and software, including PC's and PC software, and other related computer equipment such as high speed printers, computer equipment for specialized pharmacy equipment like the Omnicell and Optifill automated dispensing machines. Make recommendations for purchase of needed hardware and software at the local, VISN and National level. Coordinates testing and evaluation of such equipment for the VANJHCS sites.
• Develops safeguards to protect computer databases from accidental or intentional destruction. Develops systems or programs the retrieve critical data when computer system is down or compromised.
• Has-in-depth knowledge of VISTA, CPRS, MUMPS, and other technical applications like HL7 interfaces. Troubleshoots and resolves problems with the computer system and Pharmacy automated machines using this knowledge.
• Monitors, maintains and develops HL-7 interfaces with outside vendors.
• Provides technical assistance for interfacing medical equipment/machines to hospital computer system.
• Maintains authority to monitor taskman to resolve problems.
• Maintains knowledge of drug actions, monitoring parameters, dose guidelines, interactions and indications in order to support the pharmacy and medical staff in designing and maintaining computer applications.
• Develops measures to monitor quality of services provided. Gathers data for identifying trends or patterns. Takes action when data collected indicates that quality of service does not meet pre-established standards. Monitors corrective actions taken for effectiveness. Communicates results to employees and Pharmacy Management.
• Can supply drug information to others on demand. Can use computer applications to generate drug information.

Work Schedule: Full Time; Variable, Rotating Basis
Telework: Available; Ad-Hoc only.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

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.
• 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

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. 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.
• 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.) 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.

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).

Creditable Experience
Knowledge of Professional Pharmacy Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with professional pharmacy practice. Professional practice means paid/non-paid employment as a professional or unlicensed graduate pharmacist as defined by the appropriate licensing board.

Residency and Fellowship Training. Residency and fellowship training programs in a specialized area of clinical pharmacy practice may be substituted for creditable experience on a year-for- year basis. The pharmacy residency program must be accredited by the American Society of Health- System Pharmacists (ASHP). A fellowship program that is not accredited by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) will need to have comparable standards for experience to be creditable (Professional Standards Board refers to the Deputy Chief Consultant for Professional Practice for the determination).

Quality of Experience. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to pharmacy experience at the next lower level. Experience as a Graduate Pharmacist is creditable provided the candidate was used as a professional pharmacist (under supervision) and subsequently passed the appropriate licensure examination.

Part-time Experience. Part-time experience as a professional pharmacist is credited according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a pharmacist employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service.

Grade Determinations: Pharmacist GS-13 (Facility Program Manager) In addition to the basic requirements for employment in paragraph 2, the following criteria must:

• Experience: In addition to the GS-12 requirements, must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

AND

• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs):
  • 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.

Preferred Experience: A candidate that functions independently and effectively in a collaborative environment and meet qualifications as a PGY2 informatics preceptor or a candidate that has completed a PGY2 informatics or has completed a PGY1 residency with significant informatics experience is preferred. A candidate with board or IT equivalent certification is highly desirable.

The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-13 which is the actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items. Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

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.