Duties
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Lead /Clinical pharmacist's duties are divided into primary and secondary; the lead pharmacist role is considered primary and clinical augmentation duties are secondary. Clinical duties are expected to comprise =16 hours per week when the pharmacy is fully staffed.
As Lead Pharmacist:
- Oversees and manages the pharmacy services at the assigned facility and provides pharmacy administrative managerial direction for all pharmacy service within the assigned facility.
- Provides monitoring, training and competency testing of the local pharmacy staff.
- Sets the goals, objectives and direction for the pharmacy program at the assigned facility.
- Monitors all aspects of the pharmacy program to assure goals and objectives are being met.
- Reads individual prescriptions and determines the name of the drug, strength, and dosage of drugs to be dispensed.
- Adjusts prescription instructions and drug quantities to correspond to strengths and dosage forms stocked at the medical clinic.
- Correlates instructions on the prescription with pharmacy policy limitations and notes such on the prescription.
- Fills prescriptions by obtaining the correct drug stock, counting the correct amount of medication, placing the medication in smaller containers, and affixing the prescription label and all appropriate auxiliary labels.
- Counsels patients on the appropriate use of medication(s), utilizing the patient's native language if possible, or medication information handouts in the patient's native language if available.
- Based on the substantive knowledge and familiarity with a wide range of articles stocked in the pharmacy, screens all prescriptions upon receipt concerning availability of drug & dosage prescribed.
- If drug requested is not on formulary, discusses therapeutic options with the provider, suggesting drugs listed in the program formularywhere possible.
- If a non-formulary drug is deemed necessary, assists the provider in filling out a non- formulary request form and obtaining approval where necessary.
- Answers routine inquiries from doctors, nurses, & other staff on the availability of specific items, e.g., drugs in stock, new drugs on order, & dosage forms available in the pharmacy.
- Dispenses "over the counter" drugs, as specified in IHSC formulary without countersignature of physician.
- Packages bulk drugs (liquids, tablets, capsules, ointments & creams, etc.) into specific quantities and various sized containers.
- Operates tablet and capsule counting machines and labeling machines for the purpose of repackaging drugs.
- Records all prepacking information including lot number, expiration date, manufacturer, current date, and initials.
- Places orders for supplies from appropriate sources and tracks supply usage to minimize out of stock items or excess inventories.
- Receives pharmaceutical supplies & checks receipts against requisitions. Checks for shortage, breakage, deterioration & expiration dates. Discrepancies found are reported to the supplier.
- Inspects stock to determine frequency of re-ordering drug items, maintenance of current pricing &proper stock rotation.
- Withdraws outdated drugs, determines proper disposition (destruction or credit returns) &prepares necessary paperwork to initiate proper action.
- Is responsible for general orderliness, cleanliness &maintenance of pharmacy equipment.
- Participates in monthly& annual inventory of pharmacy service as required.
- On a daily basis, checks the medicine cabinet & all areas of the clinic where night pharmacy service is available.
- Responsible for refilling any missing pharmacy drug or supply item used during the night.
- Inspects & logs the temperature of all clinic areas where any type of pharmaceutical is stored.
- Types narrative & tabular material such as correspondence, memoranda, newsletters, forms & labels.
- Types from clean copy, rough draft or handwritten notes without errors or corrections when required, & in accordance with the established format.
- On a monthly basis, inventories all controlled substances and inspects all clinic areas where pharmaceuticals are stored.
- On a monthly basis, gathers all pharmacy statistical information required to produce a complete monthly report and routes that report to the local H.S.A, the respective Regional Pharmacy Consultant, and the IHSC Chief Pharmacist.
- On a quarterly basis, submits a Quarterly Narrative Report of Activities for the previous quarter to report to the local H.S.A, the respective Regional Pharmacy Consultant, and the IHSC Chief Pharmacist. This report includes accomplishments, problems and measures taken for resolution, meetings attended, and facilities visited.
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned. "See additional duties in the Additional Information box below"
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
- You must successfully pass a background investigation.
- You must successfully pass a drug screen.
- Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
- Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
- Service Remaining Requirement Agreement: Upon appointment to this position, officers will be required to serve an 18 to 24-month commitment to IHSC.
- ASSIGNMENT PAY AGREEMENT: You must not have a current Assignment Pay Agreement. However, if you have a current Assignment Pay Agreement, it must be fulfilled within 90 days of your application submission.
- Applicants must be a current USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer.
USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates are not eligible for this position.
Civilians are not eligible for this position.
- PHS officers must participate in IHSC TDY On-Call Schedule (ITOS.) ITOS is either an entire month or two 16-day periods a year where, depending on the needs of the agency, the officer is required to be available to serve.
Qualifications
COMPETENCIES:
- Superior oral/written communication skills.
- Analytical skills and ability to navigate complex system.
- Strong interpersonal and active listening skills.
- Flexible and able to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and work requirements.
- Demonstrates strong organizational and time management skills.
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrates strong problem solving, judgment and decision-making skills.
- Integrity and honesty.
- Cultural competency.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Required to walk unaided at a normal pace for up to 5 minutes and maintain balance.
- Required to jog/fast walk up to ¼ mile.
- Required to perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling.
- Must have the ability to assist sick, injured or aging detainees or staff exiting the building (may require lifting, dragging, wheeling or carrying someone who weighs significantly more than oneself).
- Must be able to see, hear and smell with aids if necessary.
- Must easily alternate between kneeling and standing.
- Must be able to lift, push, or carry 30 pounds.
- Must be able to perform the position duties in a stressful and often austere environment without physical limitations.
Education
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- PharmD degree from a program that is accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education.
- Maintains a full and unrestricted Pharmacist license issued by a State Board of Pharmacy to practice pharmacy in a State, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States that authorizes pharmacist collaborative practice, and meets continuing education requirements for the State(s) licensed in (It is the responsibility of the incumbent to fulfill the obligation(s) of their licensing or certifying body to maintain currency).
- Minimum 4 years of experience providing direct patient care OR ASHP-accredited PGY-1 residency with 1 year of experience providing direct patient care, correctional healthcare experience preferred.
- Certification in Medication Therapy Management, completion of an ASHP-accredited PGY-1 residency, OR Board Certification from the National Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (IHSC requirement for collaborative practice agreement).
- Maintains current BLS/CPR certification and accrues 12 continuing education hours annually. (NCCHC standard)
- Expertise in pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics and allmanagement aspects related to the practice of pharmacy in a clinic/infirmary setting.
- Possesses knowledge of and is competent in understanding and communicating pharmaceutical nomenclature including generic, chemical &trade names, Latin abbreviations, dosage forms, drug strengths, formulations &English-Metric equivalents.
- Knowledge of training methods and sufficient interpersonal skills to develop a rapport with patients and co-workers during which instructional and educational information is presented.
- Possess knowledge of grammar, spelling & punctuation to identify and correct errors to ensure accurate copy.
- Competent in the application of computer programs to facilitate management operations in a clinic environment, including Microsoft Office products.
- Competent in data entry and ability to work with &analyze numbers, including bookkeeping&basic accounting skills.
- Competent in the use of office machines including photocopiers, calculators, and personal computers.
- Possesses ability to work efficiently, accurately& organized in a fast-paced environment.
- Preferred but not required:
- Current National Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties Board Certification.
- Current certification as a Correctional Health Care Professional (CCHP).
- Knowledge and/or experience with IHSC policies, NCCHC and PBNDS requirements.
- Proficient in Spanish or secondary language.
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 to Apply
To apply for this position, you must submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section below.
The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/03/2025.
PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. If you need further assistance, contact the Human Resources Office representative listed on this announcement at least one day prior to the closing date for further instructions.
Next steps
Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.