Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist) - Pharmacy Informatics, Solutions and Ticket Manager

Veterans Affairs • $100K — $120K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Licensed pharmacist with full, current, and unrestricted license to practice in the U.S.
  • Graduate of an ACPE accredited College or School of Pharmacy (BS Pharmacy or Pharm.D.)
  • Proficient in written and spoken English
  • Experience with pharmacy-related software and information systems
  • Ability to communicate effectively and influence clinical decisions

Responsibilities

  • Perform analytical work to support data-driven decisions in Pharmacy Service.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on EHR and federal Pharmacy systems.
  • Manage pharmacy-related software areas including EHR and automated dispensing systems.
  • Monitor and test Pharmacy computer programs for updates and changes.
  • Coordinate hardware and software installations and upgrades.
  • Assist with Help Desk ticket submissions and maintenance of pharmacy automation.
  • Develop and maintain emergency contingency plans for pharmacy systems.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package for federal employees.
  • Access to a range of family benefits.
  • Eligibility for benefits varies by position type.
  • Opportunities for annual leave accrual based on prior experience.
Full Job Description
Summary

The Pharmacy Informatics, Solutions and Ticket Manager serves within the Pharmacy Service Line with the must be licensed pharmacist. The core functions related to Informatics are to plan, coordinate, and manage all aspects of Pharmacy Service's information management systems and automation technology.

Duties

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NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

The following represent the major job duties for the Pharmacy Informatics, Solutions and Ticket Manager

A. Pharmacy Informatics

  1. Performs analytical and evaluative work associated with program activities of the Pharmacy Service. Organizes and develops information upon which Pharmacy Service leadership can make effective data-driven decisions to anticipate and meet pharmaceutical needs of customers and goals of the facility and network. Responsible for coordination, development, and implementation of all pertinent information applications to support clinical practice, administration, educational development, and the computerized medical record in the Pharmacy Service.
  2. Serves as a subject matter expert on EHR and on joint federal Pharmacy systems operations at a local, VISN, and national level.
  3. Manages or consults on the following pharmacy-related software areas such as:


  • Automatic Replenishment/Ward stock (AR/WS)
  • Inpatient Medication which includes IV Admixture and Unit Dose
  • Controlled substances
  • Consolidated Mail Out Pharmacy (CMOP)
  • Outpatient Pharmacy
  • Electronic Health Record (EHR)
  • Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA)
  • Automated Telephone Refill system
  • My Health-E Vet and Secure Messaging
  • Alaris (or similar) pump drug file
  • Automation Dispensing Systems (ADS)
  • Systems for the unit dose packager
  • Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP)
  • ScriptPro Remote Access Servers


4. Monitors Pharmacy computer programs and tests changes and updates, as appropriate. Assists with external proficiency testing programs.

5. Works with Pharmacy Management to revise/update policies and procedures relative to pharmacy information systems and automation

technology.

6. Assists with Help Desk ticket submissions and coordinate required maintenance and repairs of Pharmacy automation (Omnicell, ScriptPro,

etc.)

7. Will plan and supervise the execution of new equipment purchases and rollout including education and training.

8. Coordinates hardware and software installations and upgrades.

9. Responsible for running reports related to Pharmacy Information Systems and resolving issues and/or reporting results before any applicable

deadlines.

10. Develops/updates and maintains ADP-related emergency contingency plans required by the medical center.

11. Responsible for maintaining all software packages and pharmacy applications. Works with OI&T and other clinical services to resolve

problems and communicates with Pharmacy Management regarding system issues and impact on services provided.

12. Arranges access to electronic systems via the Electronic Permission Access System (ePAS) for all pharmacy employees. In collaboration with

the Chief and supervisors, assures proper levels of computer access are issued to all pharmacy employees.

13. Oversees and manages the placement of new VA providers and non-VA providers into appropriate provider files.

14. Maintains pharmacy drug files for optimum function of pharmacy packages and other related facility packages ensuring uniform format and data

accuracy.

15. Ensures that all Pharmacy Informatics Systems and processes are compliant with guidelines and policies set forth by regulatory agencies (i.e.

TJC, OIG, SOARS, VACO, etc.).

16. Provides technical support and database management for all pharmacy

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm

Telework: Not authorized

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Requirements

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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.
  • 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

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: 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.
  • 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. Exception: Non-licensed pharmacists who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment at the entry level as a Graduate Pharmacist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. a7 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of licensure for a period not to exceed 2 years for a pharmacist that provides care under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
  • Foreign Education: 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).
  • English Language Proficiency: Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).


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-13 Clinical Pharmacist

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

AND

Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following KSAs:

a. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to persuade and influence clinical and management decisions.

b. Expert understanding of regulatory and quality standards for their program area.

c. Ability to solve problems, coordinate and organize responsibilities to maximize outcomes in their program area or area of clinical expertise.

d. Expert knowledge of a specialized area of clinical pharmacy practice or specialty area of pharmacy.

e. Advanced skill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters.

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

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application.

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/.

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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