Clinical Pharmacist

Summary

The primary function of this position will be the interpretation of provider's orders, dispensing appropriate medications, preparation of specialized medications, and the counseling of patients on the proper administration and storage of medication. These functions include duties of a pharmaceutical nature in all areas of the pharmacy in this active medical center.

Duties

The duties of the Clinical Pharmacist include, but are not limited to: Serves as a second level supervisor in directly overseeing the work of technicians, pharmacy residents, or other non-professional employees in assigned area. Has the responsibility of maintaining smooth work-flow of day-to-day activities and assumes responsibility of work performed under his/her supervision. Knows and follows administrative requirements of all pharmacy sections as outlined in policies and procedures covering narcotic control, formulary, investigational drugs, and general procurement procedures, proper dispensing and storage of medications, security guidelines. infection control, etc. Provides collateral documentation for appropriate tasks as required by Pharmacy policy and procedure. Provides direct oversight of daily duties of pharmacy residents, technicians and students and is responsible for smooth work-flow of activities in assigned area. Assures quality control of technicians' work through inspection of work upon completion. Works with Pharmacy Technicians by overseeing the filling of Unit Dose Carts, preparation of IV admixtures, and filling of prescriptions. Provides supervision with input on performance of pharmacy residents. Communicates effectively with peers and subordinates even under the most stressful circumstances. Makes recommendations to the Chief, Pharmacy Service on needed changes in policy and procedure as appropriate. Reviews and interprets prescriptions and/or provider's orders for accuracy, eligibility, allergy assessment, availability, and therapeutic appropriateness. Reviews patient medication profiles, contacts providers and makes authorized changes in orders or prescriptions as required. Fills prescriptions/orders in a timely, accurate manner. Assures on-going Controlled substance and investigational drug accountability through accurate dispensing and maintenance of administrative records. Is familiar with agents being investigated and serves as consultant to providers and nurses when questions arise about investigational drugs. Exercises final technical authority over all professional pharmacy matters with which he/she individually deals, except those which affect pharmacy policies and programs and are outside Pharmacy's domain. Compounds and dispenses all extemporaneous preparations, even those which require a high degree of technical and pharmaceutical knowledge. Develops special formulas as required. Processes all CLC pass medications accurately and in a timely manner when assigned to that area. Processes Pharmacy orders into the VISTA Pharmacy Programs in a timely manner when assigned. Performs other data processing work as required (for example, printing IV active order lists, ward lists, scheduled IV labels, medication profiles, etc.). Coordinates such activities as prepackaging, labeling, stocking, and distribution of medications to assure uninterrupted supply of medications. Serves as an authority on drug usage, interactions, over-dosages, and compliance to medical staff, nursing staff, technicians, pharmacy residents and students. Uses appropriate references to research drug information. Reviews patient medications ensuring medications have appropriate diagnosis, dose, route, interval and have no significant drug interactions, incompatibilities or duplications in therapy. Recommends appropriate drug therapy changes based on review and on standards of care and patient response. Practices formulary management, ensuring most cost effective and therapeutically appropriate medications are utilized based on individual patient needs. Ensure non-formulary medication usage is appropriate according to VA policy and standards of care. Reviews patient medications on the medical and surgical units and the cure CLC when assigned. Attends multidisciplinary rounds and other meetings for medication review in these areas and serves as consultant for pharmacy-related questions as assigned. Work Schedule: Rotating tours of duty, holidays, and weekends. Subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 586-01443-F; 586-00291-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.

Qualifications and evaluation

Area of consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: 1st Area of Consideration - Current permanent G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center employees; 2nd Area of Consideration - All other VA employees; 3rd Area of Consideration - Current permanent Federal employees of other Agencies; 4th Area of Consideration - All other applicants. 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.

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 08/31/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13042955. 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: Resume Transcript Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field. Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. Resume Requirement: Your resume must include the following information: Job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment, and average hours worked per week. SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Eligibility): Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee Examples of appropriate SF-50's include: Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old. 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 CV/Resume Proof of a 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. Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume SF-15 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.