Summary
The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (CPS) serves in comprehensive medication management (CMM) needs for patients as a Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (CPP). The CPP functions as the custodian, distributor, and consultant for pharmaceutical agents and adjunct therapy, including their national uses and appropriate administration. Acts as a mid-level provider with prescriptive authority granted through an applicable Scope of Practice.
Duties
https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist: Interfaces with physicians in the design of the veteran's treatment regimen. Collaboratively works in the assigned clinic area under a scope of practice designing comprehensive medication management for patients. Serves as an authoritative information source on drugs and their utilization in therapy. Evaluates the drug literature by analysis of experimental design and methodology, to compare therapeutic regimens and roles for new drugs. Designs dosage regimens for current pharmacokinetics principles and specific patient parameters. From a verbal or written patient presentation of signs, symptoms, laboratory tests and diagnoses, recognize and list important medical problems, disease states, symptoms, or abnormal laboratory values, which may necessitate altering the therapeutic regimen. Establishes and expands the patient database through interpreting the drug history, medical history, physical examination, and progress notes. Designs a therapeutic regimen or plan, based on patient-specific information, which includes establishing a therapeutic endpoint, selecting an appropriate drug and related therapy and establishing an appropriate dosage regimen. Monitors and assesses therapeutic and adverse effects of drug therapy (including drug interactions) through selection and evaluation of physical and laboratory parameters. Assumes prescribing functions under appropriate Scope of Practice and accepted clinical practice guidelines. Orders appropriate laboratory and other tests to effectively monitor patient's medication therapy. Provides the providers a focal resource for discussion for therapeutic problems requiring intervention. Physically assesses patients to determine if current medication therapy is appropriate. (i.e.: takes blood pressure readings to determine if CMM therapy is appropriate). Provides patient consultation concerning individual drug therapy and related problems and needs. Organizes, develops, and oversees innovative care programs with an emphasis in total pharmaceutical care. Provides patient care utilizing an advanced in-depth knowledge of specialized areas of pharmacy practice. Provide patient medication counseling by verifying patient understanding of the medication, proper medication use, expected outcomes and how to obtain refills. Participates in reporting actual and/or potential medication errors or adverse events and participates in quality improvement initiatives to promote patient safety. Actively participates in the Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting program. Works with providers to ensure clinic staff adhere to formulary process so that patients receive the most efficacious and cost-effective drug treatment. Evaluation of non-formulary consults in accordance with VA criteria for use of non-formulary medications if available or in accordance with most recent guidelines/literature. Monitors use of non-formulary medications and offers alternatives to medical staff. Represents Pharmacy services in a professional manner. Utilizes clinic grid to ensure access to care. Receives and completes pharmacy consults timely. Completes veteran documentation into the electronic health record (EHR) timely. Submits return to clinic (RTC) orders as clinically indicated. Performs administrative duties required for performance measures or improvement activities, compliance with accrediting organizations, or other duties as assigned. Complies with regulatory agency requirements and cooperate with auditors. Works with other services to explore, organize, and implement interdisciplinary programs to enhance patient care. Serves as Pharmacy Service representative to Medical Center Committees, to provide pharmacy support, involvement, and representation. Assists in the training of new pharmacy staff Participates with in-service trainings. Serves as a preceptor to students and/or residents. Obtains and maintains Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification. 6) Completes continuing professional education required to maintain licensure and keep current with state-of-the-art professional knowledge. Completes the number of mandatory employee education hours necessary to comply with organizational stand Develops, coordinates, and assumes primary responsibility for population management. Complies with national guidance on productivity metrics for the CP. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM Telework: Ad/Hoc Telework is available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 53681-F 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
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/. 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 2 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[1]Based Test (TOEFL iBT). NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. NOTE: If your school was accredited by ACPE at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the ACPE website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.
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.