Clinical Pharmacist

Full Job Description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application.

Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

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. English Language Proficiency.

Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

Education 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.

(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 (PGEE) 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.

NOTE: Individuals who have or have had multiple licenses and had any such license revoked for professional misconduct, professional incompetence or substandard care, or who surrendered such license after receiving written notice of potential termination of such license by the State for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, are not eligible for appointment to the position unless such revoked or surrendered license is fully restored (38 U.S.C.

§ 7402(f)). Effective November 30, 1999, this is a requirement for employment.

This requirement does not apply to licensed pharmacists on VA rolls as of that date, provided they maintain continuous appointment and are not disqualified for employment by any subsequent revocations or voluntary surrenders of State license, registration or certification.

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 Clinical Pharmacist (Full Performance Level) 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 Assignment.

A pharmacist in this assignment handles routine medication-related activities in accordance with local, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), and national policies and regulations.

These include, but are not limited to: reviewing, interpreting, and verifying medication orders for appropriateness; processing and filling medication orders; interacting with and making recommendations to other clinical staff regarding medication therapy ordered to ensure safe and effective care; reviewing the patient's medications, allergies, labs, and other pertinent information from the medical record to identify and solve medication-related problems; contacting providers as appropriate; documenting recommendations and interventions; providing refill extensions and partial medication supplies; taking health and medication histories; performing medication reconciliation; providing drug information; assisting in formulary management including therapeutic substitutions, nonformulary reviews and medication usage evaluations; documenting and assessing adverse drug events (ADEs); assisting in medical emergencies; providing oversight of technical staff in all aspects of medication distribution.

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.

Creditable Experience: For more information regarding creditable experience, please see the "Additional Information" section below.

Preferred Experience: PGY1 and/or inpatient experience preferred 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-12, which is the actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Physical Demands: Work requires long periods of sitting, standing and walking, bending, twisting, and carrying items up to 25lbs.

Fine motor skills for the manipulation of products are also required Work Environment: Work is performed in inpatient units, clinic settings, and within an outpatient/ inpatient Pharmacy setting.

The position requires patient interaction which requires universal precautions and other normal safety precautions.

The incumbent wears personal protective equipment (PPE) when in contact with patients with a contagious disease or when in contact with contaminated drainage. Safe work habits are practiced.

the area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. The work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations. Major Duties:

General Description of Assigned Duties This position is located at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center (JJPVAMC) in Bronx, New York, which supports the Pharmacy Program.

The facility is a tertiary care institution classified as a Clinical Referral Level 1 Facility and serves as a teaching hospital offering a broad range of patient care services.

It features advanced technology, education, and research.

Comprehensive health care services include primary care, tertiary care, long-term care, and specialties in medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine, rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics, substance rehabilitation services (SRS), and extended care.

JJPVAMC has 311 authorized hospital beds and 120 nursing home beds.

It functions as a regional referral point for spinal cord injury (SCI) and VISN referrals for medical/surgical subspecialties, among others.

The facility also serves patients from VA Hudson Valley Health Care System with acute care needs and subspecialty clinic referrals.

Clinical Pharmacist Duties The Clinical Pharmacist focuses on inpatient and outpatient care as well as pharmacy-based clinical services.

Performing independently, the pharmacist applies pharmacy practice knowledge, including pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics.

Key responsibilities include: Analyzing and addressing drug-related medical problems to ensure optimal drug therapy.

Applying standards for the distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs. Ensuring the safe and appropriate use of medications.

Providing therapeutic drug monitoring and communicating findings to health care providers.

Conducting patient-specific evaluations including therapeutic appropriateness, compliance, and monitoring for interactions and side effects.

Offering medication counseling and completing medication histories. Serving as a drug information resource for prescribers, healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers.

Participating in patient care rounds and performing medication reconciliation.

Assessing drug safety and efficacy, including performing physical assessments and utilizing laboratory data for drug therapy recommendations and adjustments.

Reporting adverse drug effects and medication errors, and participating in the medication utilization evaluation (MUE) program.

Assisting with formulary management and medication recall/shortage situations. Providing pharmacokinetic consultations and therapeutic substitution recommendations.

Dispensing Responsibilities Reviewing medication orders for appropriateness prior to dispensing. Ensuring all prescriptions meet eligibility criteria and following formulary procedures.

Entering medication orders into the electronic medical record accurately and timely. Monitoring patient medication profiles for compliance and potential abuse.

Compounding and dispensing a variety of drugs, including investigational medications, oncology preparations, and IV admixtures.

Supervising support personnel including Pharmacy Technicians, Students, Residents, and Volunteers. Ensuring proper labeling and packaging of dispensed drugs.

Educational Duties Educating patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers on medication use. Staying current on pharmacy practice and drug therapy developments.

Playing an active role in the pharmacy training program and conducting on-the-job training.

Other responsibilities include participation in research activities, maintaining drug stock, inspecting storage areas, and engaging in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) preparation and dispensing.

The Clinical Pharmacist must adhere to all policies, procedures, and regulations from Pharmacy Service, Medical Center, VHA, and relevant regulatory agencies, with a good understanding of DEA laws regarding controlled substances.

Duties Summary The Clinical Pharmacist at JJPVAMC: Provides inpatient/outpatient care and pharmacy-based clinical services.

Ensures optimal drug therapy, safe medication use, and offers drug monitoring and counseling. Supervises support staff and participates in education and training programs.

Manages medication orders, formulary issues, and participates in research and quality assurance programs. Performs other duties as assigned.

The position requires adherence to all regulatory and facility-specific guidelines, ensuring the safe, effective, and rational use of medications.

Work Schedule: **OVERNIGHT SHIFT** compressed tour 8pm - 8am (7 days on / 7 days off) Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 21L96F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.

Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized