Associate Chief Pharmacy Service Job in Reno, NV

Vacancy No. CBSW-12787878-25-HR Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $152,480.00 to $184,394.00 Grade 14 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/27/2025 Close Date 9/10/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Reno, NV


Summary

The Pharmacy Associate Chief, Inpatient Pharmacy, manages the Pharmacy inpatient operations in this 120 bed Medical Center. The VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System (VASNHCS) consists of one main campus with four separate community-based outpatient clinics (CBOC) and includes tertiary care medical and surgical beds, acute and chronic psychiatry beds, over 60 Nursing Home Care Unit beds and outpatient services for some 300,000 visits annually.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

The Public

Duties

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 4:30pm
Telework: Available - Ad-hoc
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified candidates
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

The Associate Chief, Pharmacy Service, may be assigned duties of the Chief, Pharmacy Service in his/her absence. Additionally, the Associate Chief may be required to assist with the Clinical Services or Outpatient Pharmacy operations on an as needed basis. The Associate Chief, Pharmacy Service, maintains a complex pharmacy program consisting of clinical pharmacy specialists, staff pharmacists, and technicians to deliver care to Veterans across all Northern Nevada. The Associate Chief also represents the Medical Center at professional and community organizations and boards at the local, state, and national level.

Duties of the position include, but are not limited to:

  • Works in collaboration with physicians on matters concerning therapeutic recommendations, clarification of orders, dosages, dosage indication, contra indications, availability, alternative medications, adverse drug reactions, formulary issues and drug incompatibilities.
  • Oversees the following programs: Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Team, Pharmacokinetics, Renal dosing, Heparin protocol and anticoagulation, Sterile compounding - USP797 compliance, Oncology, Unit dose and repackaging, Medication Security and Storage.
  • Plans, implements, and reviews specialized pharmacy services, which support specialty and subspecialty programs in medicine, surgery, psychiatry, neurology, rehabilitative medicine, and geriatrics.
  • Provide ongoing quality assurance monitoring of clinical programs so problems are identified, and necessary improvement implemented to improve therapeutic outcomes, minimize patient risk, and produce maximum patient care efficiencies.
  • Coordinates the training in inpatient pharmacy of all new pharmacy staff, professional and nonprofessional. This training involved the intravenous additive, unit dose, automated dispensing cabinet, and automatic replenishment programs.
  • Assist departments throughout the medical center to provide new employee orientation and procedural training to all new medical, nursing and other staff regarding registration, formulary, and other Pharmacy related issues, including inpatient pharmacy services and policies.
  • Assist the Controlled Substance Coordinators in providing training for the Controlled Substance Inspectors as needed.
  • Assists the nursing educators in ensuring annual in-service training to nurses on intravenous medications, compatibilities and administration, in accordance with the Joint Commission (JC) requirements.
  • Supervises the pharmacy residents, interns' and students' training in the inpatient pharmacy.
  • As an affiliated faculty member, provide the Pharmacy students management training.
  • Manages a complex 24-hour, 7-day/week pharmacy employing clinical pharmacy specialists, staff pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and support personnel.
  • Makes emergency staffing assignments when necessary to ensure adequate coverage in all areas.
  • Motivates staff and creates a clinical and professional atmosphere.
  • Supervises the operation of the inpatient pharmacy computer packages including the IV, unit dose, Controlled Substance and ward stock/automatic replenishment packages in conjunction with the service ADPAC.
  • Participates in the monthly inspections of controlled substances. Oversees monthly report and follows up on discrepancies timely.
  • Makes recommendations to the Chief, Pharmacy Service, on issues which affect personnel status, salary, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
  • Issues disciplinary actions to subordinates when necessary.
  • Conducts midterm and final performance evaluations on professional and other staff on the basis of productivity and competence.
  • Formulates or revises policies and procedures in order to meet changing conditions or situations of pharmaceutical care.
  • Applies fiscal management methods in forecasting and administering the pharmacy budget, tracking trending expenditures, and allocating resources within the service to respond to a variety of workload demands across the four-division center.
  • Develops performance standards, assures that the program area is compliant with all regulatory and accrediting body requirements (including Joint Commission).
  • Works in conjunction with the clinical coordinator in the proper dispensing of investigational medications. Ensures all attendant recordkeeping is complete and accurate.
  • Monitors workload and associated expenditures to ensure maximal accountability for pharmaceutical and pharmacy personnel resources expended in the Inpatient Pharmacy.
  • Implements and develops programs that provide excellent Customer Service.
  • Other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

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.
  • 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.
  • 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. 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.
  • English Language Proficiency: Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
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: Associate Service Chief, GS-14
  • Experience. In addition to the GS-13 requirements, must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Responsible for coordinating multiple programs in pharmacy service in a medical facility. Serves as the Acting Service Chief in the absence of the Service Chief. Develops and maintains a system of internal reviews that ensure service programs operate at a satisfactory level of performance and in compliance with regulatory and accrediting bodies. Responsible for pharmacy utilization of resources and budget. Makes selections, assigns personnel, and serves as a mentor to help employees develop their full potential. (NOTE: Associate Service Chief/ Associate CMOP Director positions should be graded one grade below the grade of the Chief of Pharmacy Service or CMOP Director.). Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    • Skill in persuading others and gaining cooperation to accomplish goals.
    • Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing regarding complex clinical and technical issues.
    • Skill in utilizing regulatory and quality standards to develop and implement operational programs.
    • Skill in managing multiple and diverse people or programs.
    • Skill in utilizing available resources to support the mission and goals of the organization.
    • Ability to plan, organize and direct the functions of the pharmacy staff.
Preferred Experience: Previous supervisory or leadership experience.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G15

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-14. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-14.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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.

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.

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.

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


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
  • 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 09/10/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12787878.

  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

Havel Respes
Address
VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System
975 Kirman Avenue
Reno, NV 89502
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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