Clinical Pharmacist

Job Summary

The Clinical Pharmacist at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is a licensed professional proficient in pharmacy practice, encompassing pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics. This role involves analyzing and resolving potential drug-related medical issues, implementing corrective actions for optimal patient drug therapy, and applying standards for the distribution and control of all scheduled and non-scheduled medications.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

As a Clinical Pharmacist, your primary function is to ensure the safe and appropriate use of medications and advocate for rational drug therapy. This includes:

• Evaluating and individualizing drug therapy based on patient-specific factors.
• Monitoring drug efficacy, side effects, and clinical outcomes, advising prescribers as needed.
• Performing patient-specific therapeutic drug monitoring and communicating findings to healthcare providers.
• Continuously monitoring and assessing prescribed medications for optimal therapy.
• Providing patient and healthcare professional education, including medication counseling and drug information.
• Reviewing patient allergies and adverse reactions, serving as a drug information resource.
• Participating in patient care rounds, chart reviews, and evaluation of laboratory data for drug interactions and adverse effects.
• Reporting adverse drug events, near misses, and medication errors.
• Engaging in medication utilization evaluation (MUE) programs and recommending formulary alternatives.
• Assisting in medical emergencies and performing medication reconciliation at transitions of care.
• Assessing drug safety and efficacy, including physical symptoms, and participating in Antimicrobial Stewardship activities.

Dispensing Responsibilities

This role also encompasses critical dispensing duties:

• Reviewing, interpreting, and verifying all medication orders for appropriateness before dispensing.
• Interacting with clinical staff to ensure safe and effective medication therapy.
• Filling orders promptly while reviewing patient history for interactions and compliance.
• Selecting, compounding, dispensing, and filling a wide range of drugs, including specialized preparations and controlled substances.
• Maintaining adequate drug stock, inspecting storage areas, and supervising support personnel and automated dispensing equipment.
• Ensuring all dispensed drugs are correctly labeled and packaged in compliance with federal regulations.

Qualifications and Requirements

To be considered for the Clinical Pharmacist position, applicants must meet the following basic requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship: Required.
• Education: Graduate of an ACPE-accredited College or School of Pharmacy with a baccalaureate (BS Pharmacy) and/or a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. Foreign graduates must have FPGEC Certification.
• Licensure: Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• English Language Proficiency: Proficient in spoken and written English.
• Grade Determination (GS-12): One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level OR completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Knowledge of professional pharmacy practice.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with patients and healthcare staff.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and accreditation standards for drug distribution and control.
• Skill in monitoring drug therapy outcomes, including physical assessment and interpretation of diagnostic parameters.

Creditable Experience and Training

Experience demonstrating professional pharmacy practice is creditable. ASHP-accredited residency programs or ACCP-comparable fellowship programs may substitute for creditable experience on a year-for-year basis.

Work Schedule and Other Information

This is a full-time, on-site position with rotating 8-hour shifts, including some weekends and holidays. Telework is ad-hoc, but it is not a virtual position. Relocation/recruitment incentives and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) are not authorized.

Key skills/competency

• Clinical Pharmacy
• Pharmacotherapeutics
• Drug Information
• Medication Management
• Patient Counseling
• Drug Interactions
• Pharmacokinetics
• Dispensing
• Regulatory Compliance
• Adverse Drug Events