Duties

Summary

This position is within Primary Care Service of the Martinsburg, West Virginia Veterans Affairs
Medical Center. The Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner serves as a provider that has prescribing privileges as outlined in the individua's Scope of Practice for Clinical Pharmacy Practitioners (CPP). The primary responsibility of the Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner is the provision of evidence-based pharmaceutical care services through both direct and indirect interaction with patients and providers.

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Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

The CPP is a pharmacist with advanced training in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology and
clinical pharmacy (pharmacotherapy) that functions as an independent mid-level provider. The
primary function of the CPP is to provide medication therapy management through direct patient
care involvement. Through clinical assessment, they evaluate patient responses to medication
therapy, communicate and document those findings, and make recommendations to appropriate
individuals and document recommendations appropriately. Medication therapy management
provided by the CPP includes the selection of appropriate medication for disease state
management, monitoring of patient outcomes, analysis of adverse drug events, and medication
reconciliation. Their indirect patient care activities include pharmacy benefits management,
teaching, quality assurance, medication utilization review and staff development.

A CPP will perform all duties that are considered routine for an entry-level clinical pharmacist.
The CPP will work in concert and under the supervision of an attending physician(s) and the
section chief for the clinic(s) in which they work. The CPP is subject to an ongoing professional
practice evaluation (OPPE) and is subject to the facility medical staff by-laws and rules.

In addition, a CPP can carry out functions in their advanced practice role, such as:

Performs medication reconciliation and summarizes significant findings in the medical
record and/or to the provider as appropriate.

Is actively involved in reviewing patient medication regimens for clinical effectiveness, drug
selection, dosing, contraindications, side effects, potential drug interactions, and therapeutic
outcomes as required and documenting those finding and recommendations to appropriate
individuals and in appropriate records.

Designs, implements, documents, and monitors therapeutic drug plans to achieve definitive
outcomes through direct interactions with patients and providers in assigned areas. The CPP
will determine if a referral to the physician is necessary when disease progression occurs or
adverse drug events require treatment interventions.

Performs responses to drug therapy.

Prescribes medications, devices, and supplies to include: initiation, continuation, discontinuation, monitoring and altering therapy, based on established formulary or protocols. The CPP will consult with the supervising provider for any clinical practice area outside of his/her usual area of practice and/or not otherwise discussed in this scope of practice.

Orders consults, as appropriate, to maximize positive drug therapy outcomes and disease
state management.

Provides in-services and other education to health care professionals when appropriate.

Effectively instructs patients and family members in the appropriate use of medications and
medical devices.

Documents information into VA Adverse Drug Event Reporting System (VA ADERS). Reporting of adverse drug events is completed by clinicians.

Monitors for and reports drug errors, adverse drug reactions, allergies, and patient compliance issues.

Reviews and evaluates requests for non-formulary and restricted drugs for appropriateness
and compliance with established criteria where applicable.

Assists with medication use evaluations and other pharmacy quality assurance activities.

Documents clinical interventions in a timely and professional manner.

Promotes and monitors compliance with established drug therapy policies.

Reviews and verifies medication orders to be administered to patients in primary care, prior
to administration, for appropriateness and to reduce potential risk of adverse drug event.

Extends medication therapy until next medical appointment, if appropriate, when patients are
out of medications (limited to non-controlled substances).

Providing patient care that is appropriate to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and
chronological maturation needs of the patient group served.

Serves as a preceptor for pharmacy students and pharmacy residents in accordance with
established protocols.

Assists in the development of proposals for improved and/or new clinical pharmacy services.

Maintains a current knowledge of therapeutics and disease management.

Provides timely and accurate responses to drug information inquiries from all customers
using appropriate references to research drug information.

Recognizes suicide risk factors and knowing the safety nets needed to manage the prevention
of suicide, support systems and referral resources.

Other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am - 4:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #:Clinical Pharmacy Specialist/PD000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
None

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• 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
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel

Qualifications

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.
• Education (1) 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 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-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.
• 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. In all cases, pharmacists must actively pursue meeting state prerequisites for licensure starting from the date of their appointment.
• Grandfathering Provision. All licensed pharmacists employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following Grandfathering provision may apply.
• Physical Requirements. Pre-employment and annual physical, and random drug-testing.
• English Language Proficiency. Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written English.

Grade Determinations:

GS-13 Clinical Pharmacy Specialist

Experience. In addition to the GS-12 requirements, must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

Assignment: Facility Program Manager. Manages all aspects of a distinct program to include policy development, quality resources and specialty functions unique to the program to optimize cost effectiveness (budget) and patient outcomes. Coordinates a single program area of a complex pharmacy operation, or multiple program areas within a facility to develop, organize, manage, and control complex pharmacy programs. Develops, organizes, coordinates and manages single or multiple program areas within the medical facility; this may include a single program area at multiple facilities. The Program Manager title is reserved for those individuals who have one or more of the following: supervisory responsibilities for various sections within Pharmacy Service; a complex program requiring coordination of multiple locations such as medical center care facilities, Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), rural health, telemedicine, etc; specialized areas of a complex nature such as nuclear pharmacy, quality assurance, pharmacy informatics, clinical applications coordinator, Home Based Primary Care, pharmacoeconomist or liaison pharmacist duties requiring the coordination of processes with other medical facilities or VISNs.

Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following KSA's:

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing to persuade and influence clinical and management decisions. Expert understanding of regulatory and quality standards for their program area.
• Ability to solve problems, coordinate and organize responsibilities to maximize outcomes in their program area or area of clinical expertise.
• Expert knowledge of a specialized area of clinical pharmacy practice or specialty area of pharmacy.
• Advanced skill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters.

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.

GS-11 Pharmacist

Experience, Education, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements.

Assignment. Pharmacists at this grade level serve in a developmental capacity.

References: VA Handbook 5005/55 June 7, 2012 Part II Appendix G15

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13.

Physical Requirements: Standing for long periods of time, heavy lifting 45, pounds and over, heavy carrying, 45 pounds or over, pushing, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, repeated binding, both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordinator simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), other

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html .

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.

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.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, 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.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
Yes

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Credentialing , Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

Required
Resume
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf . (Required)
SF 50
Performance appraisal, if applying for promotion

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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 (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• OF-306
• VA Form 10-2850c
• Other (2)
• Other (3)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Proof of Enrollment
• Proof of Marriage Status
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• 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 .

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.