ASSOCIATE SERVICE CHIEF Job in Durham, NC

Vacancy No. CBTA-12753410-25-TL Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $164,658.00 to $214,055.00 Grade 14 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/26/2025 Close Date 6/30/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Durham, NC


Summary

The Associate Chief of Operations, Pharmacy Service at the Durham VA Medical Center, Durham NC is responsible for the professional and administrative management of assigned areas in Pharmacy Service, to include budgetary execution. The incumbent supervises multiple supervisors, maintains effective interdepartmental relations, and cooperates with other Services to accomplish the medical facility's mission and goals.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to Current Durham VA Medical Center employees only.

Duties

The incumbent develops organizational policies and procedures, performance standards, assures that the program area is compliant with all regulatory and accrediting body requirements, designs, and implements orientation and training programs for staff, and develops and maintains systems to monitor the performance of staff activities. Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Supervisor of the Inpatient Pharmacist Supervisor, Outpatient Pharmacist Supervisor, Procurement & Controlled Substance Supervisor, and Pharmacy Informatics Specialist.
  • Coordinates the development of and maintains an effective personnel evaluation program, including staff competencies.
  • Participates as preceptor of pharmacy students and residents for education pertaining to administrative issues.
  • Coordinates the development of monitors for continuous quality improvement and medication usage evaluation under Joint Commission, OIG/CAP, USP, PBM, ASHP and Pharmacy Service guidelines. Approves all methodology and reporting criteria, making changes when necessary.
  • Coordinates with Chief of Pharmacy and Pharmacy Informatics Specialist in overseeing security for the pharmacy.
  • Coordinates gathering and consolidation of required recurring reports and necessary special reports, assuring that assigned administrative projects and reports are submitted in a timely manner and reports are well organized, easily understood and are submitted in the proper format in final form.
  • Oversees the maintenance of drug inventory and cost of effective ordering and procurement of all drugs in the pharmacy.
  • Ensures compliance with all VHA, DEA, and other Federal procurement regulations regarding prescription drugs and controlled substance accountability and security.
  • Manages an efficient and effective medication distribution system including outpatient prescription dispensing, unit-dose dispensing, IV and chemotherapeutic admixture services, automated medication replenishment programs, and automated dispensing technology when appropriate.
  • Coordinates the development and maintenance of a safe and effective pharmacy oncology program; an effective pharmacy ADP program; an up-to-date and innovative clinical pharmacy program; and, a current and effective methodology for providing drug information.
  • Maintains current professional services policies governing drug procurement, storage and dispensing procedures and the provision of drug information in accordance with VHA Handbooks, VHA Directives, Joint Commission Guidelines, applicable federal and state laws, and current and accepted policies and standards for pharmacy practice.
  • Establishes and promotes employee enhancement through comprehensive continuing education programs and tuition support in conjunction with Associate Chief, Clinical and Education Services.
Salary: The applicant's education and experience will be reviewed by the Pharmacists' Professional Standards Board to determine the salary of the selectee. The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.

Work Schedule: Mon - Fri, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Status: Exempt
Supervisory Position: Yes
Bargaining Unit Position: No
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not authorized.
Recruitment Expenses: Not authorized.
Financial Disclosure Report Required: Required
Compressed/Flexible: Not authorized
Telework: Not authorized
Virtual: Not authorized.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Subject to a background/security investigation
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

References: 5005/55, Part II, Appendix G15, Licensed Pharmacist QUALIFICATION STANDARD dated June 7, 2012.

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
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 (PharmD) 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.

Physical Requirements - Required to sustain extended periods of stretching, standing and reaching in the course of his/her employment, which may involve lifting heavy items (30-45 pounds).

English Language Proficiency - Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

GS-14
Specialized Experience responsible for planning, directing, staffing, coordinating and controlling a full range of pharmaceutical services including: the interpretation of physicians' orders, dispensing of appropriate medications, counseling of patients on the proper administration and storage of medications, sterile compounding, and mail order pharmacy.

One (1) full year of experience in equivalent to the GS-13 level in Federal service. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics associated with current professional pharmacy practice.

Assignment: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time

Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs):

1. Skill in persuading others and gaining cooperation to accomplish goals.

2. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing regarding complex clinical and technical issues.

3. Skill in utilizing regulatory and quality standards to develop and implement operational programs.

4. Skill in managing multiple and diverse people or programs.

5. Skill in utilizing available resources to support the mission and goals of the organization.

6. Ability to plan, organize and direct the functions of the pharmacy staff.

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

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.

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.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

Benefits

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.

Review our 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.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action



The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

How to Apply

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 06/30/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12753410.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Agency contact information

Therese Lowe
Address
Durham VA Medical Center
508 Fulton Street
Durham, NC 27705
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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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