Summary
Responsible for all operational aspects of pharmacy services at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) by maintaining effective interdepartmental relationships, demonstrating active problem resolution skills and close cooperation with other programs and services in accomplishing the FHCC mission and goals.
Duties
FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF PRACTICE The Associate Chief of Pharmacy is a licensed pharmacist who administratively serves as co-manager of the Pharmacy Department with the Chief of Pharmacy in the performance of all duties and responsibilities relating to the operation of the Pharmacy Department, with the exclusion of clinical pharmacy services and the student and residency programs. The incumbent participates in planning, directing, and coordinating the overall responsibilities of Pharmacy Department to provide comprehensive, high quality pharmaceutical care services to all patients served by the FHCC. The Associate Chief of Pharmacy manages the overall pharmacy operations, the supervision of all pharmacy staff members outside of the clinical division and ensuring the effective utilization of all resources. The incumbent will represent Pharmacy Department in healthcare system and community activities. Incumbent will represent Pharmacy Department on a variety of committees, boards, and task forces involving general administration, manpower, space, equipment, cost avoidance/savings, and resource utilization at the local, VISN, and National level. Analyzes impact of committee actions and recommendations and formulates action plans for implementation for top management. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT Responsible for the provision of pharmaceutical care and services provided by the healthcare system. Assures all legal requirements for state, federal, VA, and DoW are continually met within written guidelines and sound pharmaceutical judgment. Maintains effective personnel management program within pharmacy including E.E.O. awareness, training opportunities, tuition support, and individual development plans. The incumbent supervises, and reviews evaluations of personnel made by subordinate supervisors. Provides attention to address employee complaints/grievances, with the goal of resolving them at the lowest possible level. Responsible for assuring all aspects of drug control, drug accountability, and drug security are maximized and are in accordance with FHCC and Pharmacy Department policies and procedures, and other applicable VA, DoW, FDA, and Federal regulations. Represents FHCC pharmacy as the primary contact for VA and VHA Pharmacy Services program offices. The incumbent is responsible for oversight of all pharmacy budget activities. Establishes access limits for pharmacy staff to confidential and sensitive patient information in the Federal EHR and legacy equivalents. LEADERSHIP Has direct supervisory responsibility for the Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor, Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor, Pharmacy Procurement Supervisor, Controlled Substance Pharmacy Program Manager, Medication Safety Pharmacy Program Manager, Pharmacy Automation Technicians, and the Pharmacy Informatics Section including the Pharmacy Informatics Solutions Expert/Ticket Manager. Facilitates Human Resource-related personnel management activities, such as hiring, promotion, and disciplinary actions, 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 innovative computerization/automation to support these programs. EDUCATION: Identifies continuing education needs. Assures pharmacy employees are properly trained and maintains records of all such trainings. Assures that new employees are properly oriented and instructed to their work area(s), including computer security, fire/safety, and equipment operation. Participates in self-development activities to maintain and increase professional competence, including regulations, pharmacology, therapeutics and age-related treatment issues. Provides drug education that meets the needs of patients and the medical staff. VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Work Schedule: 0700-1530 Telework: AD-HOC Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 09641F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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
Transcripts are required. 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.