Clinical Pharmacist - Outpatient

Summary

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

Duties

Duties include but not limited to: CLINICAL Applies basic knowledge of pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics to monitor and assess patient therapies. Completes medication reconciliation at point of discharge from inpatient services and acute hospital care and assists the provider with medication management challenges (e.g. non-adherence, adverse drug event identification and reporting, chronic narcotic use, polypharmacy, drug/drug interactions, etc) as needed. Interview patients to ascertain significant past medical history and medication history. Identify patient-specific medication issues, including appropriateness, drug interactions, efficacy, therapeutic duplications, adverse drug events and compliance problems. Provides segue between inpatient pharmacy services and outpatient pharmacy services by assisting veterans with discharge process, and assuring they leave the facility with proper prescription refills and minimizes therapeutic duplication by interfacing with provider. Improves clinical care to veterans through interventions to reduce the frequency of drug related problems and adverse drug events. In collaboration with other staff, educate the veterans and caregivers regarding proper use of medications. Document all clinical activities, update problem lists, and update medication allergy information in the medical record in a timely manner. Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relations with others which reflect a cooperative attitude. Evaluate medication regimens for drug-drug interactions, drug-food interactions and adverse drug reactions. EDUCATION Precepts and orients pharmacy students, residents, and other trainees as part of pharmacy educational programs. Provides written and verbal drug information to educate patients and health care professionals in both formal and informal sessions including in-services and discharge counseling. Participates in and attends staff development presentations for all Pharmacy Service personnel. DISPENSING Screens and evaluates prescriber's medication orders for appropriateness, dispensing outpatient medication, including controlled substances and investigational drugs based on current pharmacy practice and standards. Utilizes VISTA and CPRS packages to maintain complete patient medication records. Utilizes a broad base of knowledge for finishing orders in VISTA, checking laboratory results and finding other patient related data in the medical center computer. Integrates this information into the prescription filling process. Ensures professional standards, regulations, laws and hospital guidelines are met when dispensing medications. PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY FOR THE CARE OF NEW MEXICO VA HCS VETERANS The authority to alter medications without co-signature of a physician is limited to the following: Discontinue medications if the patient is no longer using, the medication is being replaced by another, there is no therapeutic benefit, or the patient is intolerant to the medication or having adverse side effects. ADMINISTRATION Reports directly to and requires minimal supervision by the Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor. Participates as a Non-Formulary (NF) Consult reviewer for assigned area(s) and completes consults within established timeframe. Provides any reports, data collection, quality assurance information and medication use evaluation information as requested. Assures that all prescriptions and actions by providers meet proper eligibility criteria on a patient specific basis and that National Formulary and Non-Formulary procedures are followed. This includes adherence to all national, VISN and local criteria-for-use treatment algorithms. Documents clinical interventions in appropriate manner. Works closely with the Technician Supervisor(s) in overseeing the work of Staff Technicians. CUSTOMER SERVICE Interacts with patients, visitors, staff, volunteers and student/resident trainees in a courteous, helpful, cooperative and compassionate manner. Develops and promotes resourcefulness in helping patients and staff, exercising patience in resolving problems to enhance patient and customer satisfaction. Responds positively and in a timely manner to customer request for service or information. Meets schedules and commitments, adjusting to changing needs. Solicits and listens to patient/customer feedback, positive and negative. Seeks to continually improve customer/patient satisfaction with pharmacy services provided. Work Schedule: Rotating scheduled including weekends, evenings and holidays, but mostly Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available 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. 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 and evaluation

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.

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/.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/13/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13108401. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Transcript 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 (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) 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.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.