Summary
The Clinical Pharmacist - Outpatient is responsible for all aspects of pharmacy care including clinical and operational duties in the outpatient pharmacy setting. The incumbent is a licensed professional with knowledge and proficiency in pharmacy practice including pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics.
Duties
The Clinical Pharmacist - Outpatient is responsible for working with pharmacy department staff and the interdisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective, cost-conscious and patient-centered drug therapy. This includes clinical assessment of drug therapy based on patient specific factors, recommending appropriate alternatives to optimize medication use, and providing drug information and education to health care professionals, patients, and caregivers. The clinical pharmacist abides by regulations and standards relating to all aspects of distribution, control, and records for scheduled and non-scheduled prescription and over the counter medications and medical supplies. Indirect patient care activities include pharmacy benefits management, staff development, quality assurance, medication utilization review, and teaching/mentoring to incorporate students, interns, residents, and other trainees into patient care. Functions of Position: Outpatient Clinical Pharmacy Program: The incumbent will provide clinical pharmacy services, support pharmacoeconomic activities, and is responsible for assessing, monitoring, managing, and documenting medication therapy for assigned patients. Activities include: Participates in a patient-focused, team-based multi-disciplinary model of patient centered care to promote positive patient outcomes through direct and indirect interaction with patients, caregivers, nursing, providers, and other facility staff. Documents patient education, relevant patient contact, and interventions in the medical record and in other documentation systems as appropriate. Provides drug information, including treatment alternatives or additional interventions, to maximize patient care outcomes taking into consideration choice of therapy, safety, efficacy, and pharmacoeconomics. When communicating with patients and caregivers, assesses age and learning readiness and modifies communication accordingly. Consults with the physician to provide therapeutically appropriate cost-effective patient drug therapy information by recommending changes in drugs, dose, schedule and route of administration based on evaluation of the patient, patient drug regimen, formulary status of a drug, and various patient lab values and blood levels of a drug. Performs all outpatient clinical pharmacy roles in an efficient, professional manner. This includes: profile review and medication optimization, antimicrobial stewardship, anticoagulation, medication reconciliation, educating patients and caregivers on medication use, optimizing medication use upon transitions in care, and other program duties and assignments as developed and implemented by the department. Serves as a backup during periods of unplanned leave for positions within the outpatient pharmacy program. Provides medication reconciliation where warranted and patient medication counseling; verifying and documenting patient understanding of the medication, proper medication use, expected outcomes, and how to obtain refills of medication. Outpatient Pharmacy Operational Services: The incumbent will be involved in the independent professional practice of pharmacy in accordance with the guidelines set forth in pharmacy service policies and procedures, VA Regulations, and federal laws governing the practice of pharmacy. The incumbent will work in conjunction with other pharmacy staff and other health care professionals to form an organized team approach to the delivery of pharmaceutical care. Activities include: Participates in outpatient work groups to develop and optimize processes to ensure the most efficient, safe, effective, educational, patient-centered, and team-focused outpatient pharmacy practice. Effectively organizes workload to complete work within the assigned shift. Solves problems independently whenever possible, working with co-workers and other health care professionals. Discusses ongoing issues in a positive and constructive manner, utilizing continuous improvement techniques. Participates in quality improvement activities, pharmacoeconomic initiatives (e.g., drug conversions), committees, and workgroups in support of pharmacy service goals and plans. Assists in assuring that the outpatient pharmacy program is compliant with all regulatory and accrediting body requirements (DEA, Joint Commission, FDA, ASHP, USP, OIG, EPA, etc). Assists in developing departmental goals and is an active advocate and catalyst for achievement of departmental and agency goals. Serves as the pharmacist-in-charge when needed in the absence of a supervisor. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Variable day/evening tours, assigned weekends and holidays Telework: Ad-Hoc ONLY Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Requirements
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.
Education
A transcript must be submitted with your application. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
How you will be evaluated
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.