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Clinical Pharmacist - Outpatient

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS)

Summary

The Clinical Pharmacist - Outpatient is responsible for all aspects of pharmacy care including clinical and operational duties in the outpatient pharmacy setting. The incumbent is a licensed professional with knowledge and proficiency in pharmacy practice including pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/03/2026 to 04/14/2026
Salary
$144,263 - $187,546 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12
Location
4 vacancies in the following location:
Minneapolis, MN
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
CBSY-12918777-26-MI
Control number
863803700

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to the public and includes all U.S. Citizens and other current permanent Federal employees of other agencies. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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Duties

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The incumbent is responsible for working with pharmacy department staff and the interdisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective, cost-conscious and patient-centered drug therapy. This includes clinical assessment of drug therapy based on patient specific factors, recommending appropriate alternatives to optimize medication use, and providing drug information and education to health care professionals, patients, and caregivers. The clinical pharmacist abides by regulations and standards relating to all aspects of distribution, control, and records for scheduled and non-scheduled prescription and over the counter medications and medical supplies. Indirect patient care activities include pharmacy benefits management, staff development, quality assurance, medication utilization review, and teaching/mentoring to incorporate students, interns, residents, and other trainees into patient care.

Outpatient Clinical Pharmacy Program: The incumbent will provide clinical pharmacy services, support pharmacoeconomic activities, and is responsible for assessing, monitoring, managing, and documenting medication therapy for assigned patients. Activities include:

  • Participates in a patient-focused, team-based multi-disciplinary model of patient centered care to promote positive patient outcomes through direct and indirect interaction with patients, caregivers, nursing, providers, and other facility staff.
  • Documents patient education, relevant patient contact, and interventions in the medical record and in other documentation systems as appropriate.
  • Provides drug information, including treatment alternatives or additional interventions, to maximize patient care outcomes taking into consideration choice of therapy, safety, efficacy, and pharmacoeconomics. When communicating with patients and caregivers, assesses age and learning readiness and modifies communication accordingly.

Outpatient Pharmacy Operational Services: The incumbent will be involved in the independent professional practice of pharmacy in accordance with the guidelines set forth in pharmacy service policies and procedures, VA Regulations, and federal laws governing the practice of pharmacy. The incumbent will work in conjunction with other pharmacy staff and other health care professionals to form an organized team approach to the delivery of pharmaceutical care. Activities include:

  • Participates in outpatient work groups to develop and optimize processes to ensure the most efficient, safe, effective, educational, patient-centered, and team-focused outpatient pharmacy practice.
  • Effectively organizes workload to complete work within the assigned shift. Solves problems independently whenever possible, working with co-workers and other health care professionals. Discusses ongoing issues in a positive and constructive manner, utilizing continuous improvement techniques.
  • Participates in quality improvement activities, pharmacoeconomic initiatives (e.g., drug conversions), committees, and workgroups in support of pharmacy service goals and plans.
Education:
  • Collaborates with management on pharmacy training and development, to assure continuance of high-quality services and improve the performance of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy residents and students. Assures that all necessary documentation related to training is completed.
  • Participates in the clinical pertinence review and quality assurance audits to confirm the quality of care delivered to veterans, ensure patient safety, and identify areas for additional education and/or process improvement.
  • Interfaces with other health-care providers and administrators to ensure compliance with established pharmacy policies and procedures..
Research:
  • Follows research protocol criteria and study medication procedures.
  • Ensures that patients participating in drug studies have their medication needs met in a timely, cost-efficient manner.
Customer Service:
  • Relationships with supervisors, co-workers and others within the organization must be consistently courteous and cooperative in nature and overall contribute to the effective operation of the office. Demonstrates the ability to adjust to change or work pressure in a pleasant manner; handle differences of opinion in a businesslike fashion; follow instructions conscientiously; and function as a team member, helping the group effort where possible.
  • Interacts with a wide variety of staff and demonstrates sensitivity to and an understanding of their needs by taking ownership of the problem and adopting the customers' needs as their own.


Work Schedule: Full-Time, Rotational, Shift Monday - Friday, assigned weekends and holidays
Telework: If available, Ad-Hoc ONLY
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Requirements

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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

The incumbent is responsible for working with pharmacy department staff and the interdisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective, cost-conscious and patient-centered drug therapy. This includes clinical assessment of drug therapy based on patient specific factors, recommending appropriate alternatives to optimize medication use, and providing drug information and education to health care professionals, patients, and caregivers. The clinical pharmacist abides by regulations and standards relating to all aspects of distribution, control, and records for scheduled and non-scheduled prescription and over the counter medications and medical supplies. Indirect patient care activities include pharmacy benefits management, staff development, quality assurance, medication utilization review, and teaching/mentoring to incorporate students, interns, residents, and other trainees into patient care.

Outpatient Clinical Pharmacy Program: The incumbent will provide clinical pharmacy services, support pharmacoeconomic activities, and is responsible for assessing, monitoring, managing, and documenting medication therapy for assigned patients. Activities include:

  • Participates in a patient-focused, team-based multi-disciplinary model of patient centered care to promote positive patient outcomes through direct and indirect interaction with patients, caregivers, nursing, providers, and other facility staff.
  • Documents patient education, relevant patient contact, and interventions in the medical record and in other documentation systems as appropriate.
  • Provides drug information, including treatment alternatives or additional interventions, to maximize patient care outcomes taking into consideration choice of therapy, safety, efficacy, and pharmacoeconomics. When communicating with patients and caregivers, assesses age and learning readiness and modifies communication accordingly.

Outpatient Pharmacy Operational Services: The incumbent will be involved in the independent professional practice of pharmacy in accordance with the guidelines set forth in pharmacy service policies and procedures, VA Regulations, and federal laws governing the practice of pharmacy. The incumbent will work in conjunction with other pharmacy staff and other health care professionals to form an organized team approach to the delivery of pharmaceutical care. Activities include:

  • Participates in outpatient work groups to develop and optimize processes to ensure the most efficient, safe, effective, educational, patient-centered, and team-focused outpatient pharmacy practice.
  • Effectively organizes workload to complete work within the assigned shift. Solves problems independently whenever possible, working with co-workers and other health care professionals. Discusses ongoing issues in a positive and constructive manner, utilizing continuous improvement techniques.
  • Participates in quality improvement activities, pharmacoeconomic initiatives (e.g., drug conversions), committees, and workgroups in support of pharmacy service goals and plans.
Education:
  • Collaborates with management on pharmacy training and development, to assure continuance of high-quality services and improve the performance of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy residents and students. Assures that all necessary documentation related to training is completed.
  • Participates in the clinical pertinence review and quality assurance audits to confirm the quality of care delivered to veterans, ensure patient safety, and identify areas for additional education and/or process improvement.
  • Interfaces with other health-care providers and administrators to ensure compliance with established pharmacy policies and procedures..
Research:
  • Follows research protocol criteria and study medication procedures.
  • Ensures that patients participating in drug studies have their medication needs met in a timely, cost-efficient manner.
Customer Service:
  • Relationships with supervisors, co-workers and others within the organization must be consistently courteous and cooperative in nature and overall contribute to the effective operation of the office. Demonstrates the ability to adjust to change or work pressure in a pleasant manner; handle differences of opinion in a businesslike fashion; follow instructions conscientiously; and function as a team member, helping the group effort where possible.
  • Interacts with a wide variety of staff and demonstrates sensitivity to and an understanding of their needs by taking ownership of the problem and adopting the customers' needs as their own.


Work Schedule: Full-Time, Rotational Shift Monday - Friday, assigned weekends and holidays
Telework: If available, Ad-Hoc ONLY
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application.

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

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

The Minneapolis VA Health Care System (VAHCS) is a teaching hospital providing a full range of patient care services with state-of-the-art technology, as well as education and research. Comprehensive health care is provided through primary care, tertiary care and long-term care in areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics and extended care.

Agency contact information

Michelle Iglesias
Phone
(502) 238-0839
Email
Michelle.Iglesias@va.gov
Address
Minneapolis VA Medical Center
One Veterans Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55417
US

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http://www.va.gov/jobs

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