Asst Chief Pharmacy Svc Job in Reno, NV

Vacancy No. CBSW-12735095-25-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 5/12/2025 Close Date 5/15/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Reno, NV


Summary

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.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

The public

Duties

Incumbent is Associate Chief, Clinical Pharmacy Services. Incumbent is a people centric, evidenced-based and forward-thinking leader who possesses exceptional communication skills, and has the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a leader in clinical pharmacy practice. The incumbent manages and coordinates all clinical and direct patient care activities and multiple programs of Clinical Pharmacy Staff in multiple locations. The Associate Chief has oversight of and ensures programs meet quality and safety measures, regulatory and accrediting requirements and all performance levels are met. Works with other pharmacy leaders to assure clinical pharmacy services are well coordinated and integrated into the overall approach to patient care and to assure that the pharmaceutical care needs of patients are met across the continuum of care. In addition, all VISN 21 resource and budgetary utilization measures are incorporated throughout multiple services. Incumbent is responsible for:
1. Developing, implementing, managing and directing clinical pharmacy programs and services to maintain a superior quality of services offered by pharmacy personnel. Contributes to or works with the Chief of Pharmacy in developing and implementing a strategic plan for the department of pharmacy.
2. Providing leadership, direction, organization, planning, and implementation to clinical pharmacy programs and services throughout the VA Health Care System or Medical Center.
3. Assuming the role as Acting Chief of Pharmacy Service, with associated duties and responsibilities if requested by the Chief of Pharmacy Service, the Medical Center Director or the Chief of Staff. May be required to cover inpatient operations and outpatient operations on an as-needed basis.
4. Position reports to the Chief of Pharmacy and serves as a full partner while supporting the strategic mission of the VASNHCS, VISN 21, National VA and Pharmacy service. Other reporting structure may be assigned (by the medical center leadership) as appropriate and necessary. 5. Requirements for appointments, promotions and advancement (achievement/ performance) of a clinical pharmacy specialist/advance practice pharmacist are under the authority of 38 USC 4103(3) and are outlined in the VHA Directives.

A. Clinical Program Management:

1. Plans, develops and implements progressive clinical pharmacy activities to improve patient therapy outcomes, encourages responsible and cost-effective medication use and promotes and advances the role of the profession of pharmacy in patient care.
2. Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships within and outside Pharmacy Service. Uses effective interpersonal and communication skills with clear and effective communication of ideas to build consensus, resolve conflicts, and successfully negotiate to achieve shared goals and cooperation across and within teams.
3. Establishes programmatic goals for clinical services and assigned responsibility to staff for achievement of those goals.
4. Provides direct supervision to clinical pharmacy providers and clinical pharmacy technicians in the provision of clinical pharmacy services. Exhibits strong and decisive leadership by using appropriate styles to guide individuals, groups, and teams to achieve mission, vision, and goals.
5. Identifies and resolves problems in the clinical pharmacy work environment to maintain good employee morale and meet program objections.
6. Develops and expands clinical pharmacy roles and services.
7. Directs continuous quality improvement initiatives to identify, analyze and resolve issues in pharmaceutical care, staff effectiveness and use of program resources.
8. Identifies and promotes innovative roles and activities for pharmacy, specifically to support clinical practice of pharmacists, expand the scope of clinical pharmacy services and improve efficiency of pharmacy operations.
9. Promotes and directs Pharmacy Service's participation in and contribution to clinical research, both independently and in conjunction with the Medical Center's Research and Development program.
10.Establishes and/or complies with performance improvement indicators by monitoring clinical pharmacy program(s) and the pertinent medication management system(s) to ensure that the services provided promote positive outcomes.
11.Ensures that medication information given to Veterans and health care providers includes but not limited to general recommendations on the choice of approved formulary drugs, administration, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic issues, interactions, allergy or intolerances, and adverse drug reactions are informative, accurate and timely.
12.Ensures that pharmaceutical care and direct patient care activities of subordinates are documented in the electronic medical record, and these activities are compliant with regulations, complete, accurate and timely.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm or 8:00am - 4:00pm
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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). All licensed pharmacists employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) Employees grandfathered into the GS-660 occupational series may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
(2) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration, that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
(3) If a licensed pharmacist who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.

Preferred Experience:
  • Supervisory experience
  • Leadership experience
  • Completion of PGY1 & PGY2 Residencies
  • In-patient & Out-patient clinical experience
  • BLS/ACLS Certified
  • Board Certification

Grade Determinations: In addition to the GS-13 requirements, must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-13.
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.
Demonstrated KSAs. The KSAs shown below apply to all assignments at this grade level, and the specific KSA designated by an asterisk (*) applies to assignment 2 and 3.
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.

References: See VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-15

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

Additional/Preferred Qualifications:
Completion of PGY1 and/or PGY2 pharmacy residency, prior supervisory experience.


Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service

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:

  • License
  • Professional Certification
  • 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
  • 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 05/15/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12735095.

  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.


© 2006-2025, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements