Pharmacist- Service Chief

Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. This announcement is open to all Veteran Health Administration employees, SF 50 required with application. Area of Consideration- Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: 1. Current permanent VHA employees of the facility 2. All other VHA employees

VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws


Duties include but are not limited to:

• Oversees the provision of pharmaceutical care and services provided by the Medical Center.
• Maintains active license for the pharmacy department with the State of Indiana. Maintains state and federal Controlled Substance registrations. Assures all legal requirements for state, federal, and VA are continually met within written guidelines and sound pharmaceutical judgment.
• Maintains effective personnel management program within pharmacy including EEO awareness, training opportunities, tuition support, and individual development plans.
• Assures all aspects of drug control, drug accountability, and drug security are maximized and are in accordance with Medical Center and Pharmacy Service Policies and Procedures, and other applicable VA, FDA, and Federal Regulations.
• Oversees all pharmacy budget activities.
• Develops and maintains effective clinical pharmacy programs that are synergistic with other Medical Center programs and are designed to maximize pharmacotherapeutic benefits from both cost and patient outcome perspectives.
• Interviews employee candidates, recommends appointments, advancements or promotions to the Professional Standards Board, and administers disciplinary action as required. Collaborates with Human Resource Management Service in order to maintain a select staff and effectively fulfill the needs of pharmacy
• Responsible for on-going review and evaluation of inpatient and outpatient pharmacy activities which include: the intravenous admixture program, unit dose medication management system, processing of outpatient prescriptions, drug medication counseling, and CMOP support while maintaining timeliness, accuracy, and the latest computerized support of these programs.
• Sets standards and establishes performance improvement (PI) initiatives using the Indy Excellence framework. Evaluates effectiveness of programs and resources (budget, human, space, and equipment), coordinates on-going programs, and plans and implements new programs as required. Assures the quality of care/services provided is highest standard possible and meets all legal and ethical standards and requirements.
• Prepares, revises, and implements pharmacy policies and procedures in compliance with TJC, DEA, and VA standards.
• Responsible for on-going review and evaluation of inpatient and outpatient pharmacy activities which include: the intravenous admixture program, unit dose medication management system, processing of outpatient prescriptions, drug medication counseling, and CMOP support while maintaining timeliness, accuracy, and the latest computerized support of these programs.
• Identifies continuing education needs. Assures pharmacy employees are properly trained and maintains records of all such training. Assures that new employees are properly oriented and instructed to Directs affiliated training programs for pharmacy students, residents, fellows, clerks, interns and technicians and serves as a preceptor for pharmacy residents.
• Serves as the residency program director for the postgraduate year two administrative/management residency
• Provides drug education that meets the needs of patients and the Medical Staff.
• Collaborates with Research Svc, HSR& D and university pharmacy faculty to develop research programs, including directing pharmacy service resources in the development, implementation and/or maintenance of plans to enhance research grant application processes, department skills, and team member capabilities.

Work Schedule: 7:30AM- 4:00pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 93524- O
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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 identification 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

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: (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 (Pharm.D.) degree. (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.
• 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:

• Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
• Grade Level Criteria: At the GS-15 level, Chiefs of Pharmacy must meet the following:
  1. Individuals are assigned as Chiefs of Pharmacy at Complexity Level 1a, 1b or 1c VHA facilities; or
  2. Individuals are assigned as Chief of Pharmacy at Complexity Levels 2 or 3 and must meet the criteria noted in 2a and b below.
  a. Must meet all of the following requirements:
  (1) Manages a complex medical center based pharmacy program that is defined as
  having multiple practice settings (e.g. hospital ambulatory care, long-term care, behavior health care) that require Joint Commission review as separate standards.
  (2) In addition to the medical center pharmacy, has responsibility for pharmacy services
  at one or more of the following: CBOCs, Rural Health Program, domiciliary, or provides dispensing and/or clinical services to State Veterans Home.
  (3) Presence of advanced clinical pharmacy programs that include pharmacist(s) that have approved scopes of practice with prescriptive privileges.
  (4) Pharmacy provides clinical pharmacist services to three (3) or more specialty areas
  such as, but not limited to, hemodialysis, oncology, operating room or an emergency
  department.
  b. In addition to the requirements listed in 2a above, must meet at least two of the following:
  (1) An ASHP Accredited Pharmacy Residency Program.
  (2) A Research Program that is accredited by the Association for the Accreditation of
  Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP).
  (3) Actively involved in committees or advisory/work groups at the VISN and/or National level.
  (4) An ongoing pharmacy student rotation in both the intermediate and advanced practice experience settings
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • 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 people or programs.
  • Skill in utilizing available resources to support the missions and goals of the organization.
  • Ability to plan, organize and direct the functions of the pharmacy staff

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-15. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-15.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Deviations: Under no circumstances will the educational requirement be waived. Under no circumstances will the licensure requirement be waived above the GS-11 level.

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.

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

• License
• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

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
• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• OF-306
• Other (1)
• Other (2)
• Other (3)
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• 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.

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