Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. Once applicant count reaches 50, this announcement will close.

Duties:

• Fosters productive and cooperative working relationships by showing understanding, courtesy, tact, and politeness to others
• Regularly cooperates with coworkers and others in meeting commitments and accomplishing assigned work on time
• Assists other employees in the work unit in accomplishing assignments including supporting co-workers when work is done.
• Routinely displays courteous and tactful behavior. Projects a positive and professional image of Pharmacy Service
• Provides courteous, cooperative, and timely service to patients, visitors, and staff, demonstrating good oral and written communication. This includes identification of self and department, tact, self-control, patience, and discretion in dealing with the public, patients, fellow employees and management and projecting a positive image of Department of Veterans Affairs (i.e. customer service, good communication with co-workers and veterans)
• Obtains medication histories from patients, provision of patient instruction regarding the safe and appropriate use of drugs, and documents findings in the medical record.
• Monitor drug therapy regimens, including routine analysis of patients' drug therapy, medical problems, laboratory data, and specialized procedures, and correlates these analyses with others responsible for the patient's care as warranted.
• Analyzes drug treatment regimens for potential adverse drug reactions (ADR), drug interactions, or contraindications; assesses the clinical significance of the analysis and identifies any drug-related problems that may be affecting the patient or contributing to the need for utilization of health care i.e., (hospitalizations, clinic visits, additional drug therapies).
• Serves as the initial entry point for recording and reporting of medication errors and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Addresses patient and staff concern, assisting with problem solving for all issues within their ability. Reports feedback to supervisor in a timely manner
• Maintains good workflow patterns to insure the provision of prompt, accurate drug distribution services to patients.
• Reviews prescription orders for completeness and adherence to Medical Center Policy, VHAs directives, and Federal Regulations. Reviews data for correct patient, medications, strength, directions, quantity, day's supply and number of refills. Screens for allergies, duplicate therapy, and Drug-Drug interactions. Assures that all information is correct prior to finishing the prescription for dispensing
• Ensures that compounds are made and dispensed accurately and efficiently with pharmacists being final check prior to mixing or compounding. All items are checked prior to mixing then are compounded in accordance with policy and are properly logged in the compounding log with all appropriate documentation included
• Oversees and evaluates work performed by pharmacy technicians, volunteers, or work/study students for accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness.
• Inputs information into VistA and CPRS computer systems to maintain accurate patient medication records, write electronic progress notes, and document adverse reaction/allergy data/ medication errors
• Supports medication dispensing and administration processes through utilization of ScriptPro® technology
• Works to maintain good workflow by counseling patients who present to pharmacy for any pharmacy service. Assesses patient medical record, history, and any current situations identified in counseling session. Will intervene when necessary to contact prescribing health care provider for any issues with prescription order(s)
• Responsible order review, verification, and assessment of all IV admixture orders to determine order appropriateness for unit, and patient; compatibilities, order duplication, cost savings, and completeness of orders prior to dispensing to the veteran
• Working knowledge of the operation and basic daily maintenance of all automated equipment in the pharmacy (e.g. Omnicell, ScriptPro,)
• Knowledgeable about contingency plans and all departmental SOPs for automation
• Notifies Pharmacy ADPAC/Alternate ADPAC immediately, if interfaces are down

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

Work Schedule: 6:45-3:30,7:45-4:30,9:45-6:30,Rotating weekends and holidays, as needed & rotating coverage of nights and evenings.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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 dentification 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

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. 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).
• 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

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:

GS-12: Experience or Education: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet one of the following:

• 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, or
• Completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program

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

• Knowledge of professional pharmacy practice
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing to both patients and health care staff.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and accreditation standards related to the distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs and pharmacy security.
• Skill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/55 PART II APPENDIX G15

The full performance level of this vacancy is 12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 12.

Preferred Experience: Omnicell, ScriptPro, sterile compounding, and Automated dispensing cabinets.

Physical Requirements:See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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:




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)
• Other
• PCS Orders
• 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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