Summary

This Pharmacy (Facility Program Manager) position is organizationally located in the Pharmacy service at the VA Boston Healthcare System (Brockton campus).

Duties

The Facility Program Manager (Pharmacy Informatics) is a pharmacist responsible for overseeing pharmacy informatics operations, including the management and optimization of Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA), Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), and Veterans Information System Technology Architecture (VISTA) systems. This role supports pharmacy service operations through the development, implementation, and troubleshooting of informatics tools and data systems. The incumbent provides leadership in data analysis and system integration to enhance pharmaceutical care at VA Boston Healthcare System.

The Facility Program Manager (Pharmacy Informatics) oversees all aspects of pharmacy-related information management, including data analysis, system optimization, and innovative use of VA databases and PC-based tools. They support decision-making by providing actionable data for Pharmacy Service leadership and other Medical Center level committees. In collaboration with Associate Chief of Clinical & Education Services, incumbent ensures pharmacy software and VISTA/CPRS systems are effectively leveraged to enhance clinical care and promote rational therapeutics.

The Facility Program Manager (Pharmacy Informatics) will maintain links to physicians and other health care providers providing acute and ambulatory care as well as clinical pharmacy programs. The Program Manager, Pharmacy Informatics, will obtain assistance in promotional activities from pharmacy staff as required.

The Facility Program Manager (Pharmacy Informatics) will be encouraged to participate in professional society activities. The Facility Program Manager (Pharmacy Informatics) will maintain current knowledge in the fields of pharmacy informatics and pharmacy automation through attendance at the appropriate continuing education meetings/lectures/etc.

The Facility Program Manager (Pharmacy Informatics) will maintain strict security over all medications in the Pharmacy as well as in any medication storage area within VA Boston. The Facility Program Manager (Pharmacy Informatics) will maintain the security of the Pharmacy, making sure that only Pharmacy employees, residents, volunteers, students or other authorized VA employees are allowed access into the Pharmacy areas.

The Facility Program Manager (Pharmacy Informatics) will be supervised by the Chief, Pharmacy Service. The Associate Chiefs and Pharmacy Program Managers may provide input as to the performance of duties of this position. The Chief, Pharmacy Service will supervise performance related to pharmacy informatics, pharmacy practice, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Work Schedule: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Remote: This is remote position. Selectees will work 100% of the time in a non-VA-owned space outside of the local commuting area of a parent station. The employee's workspace must be suitable for conducting business and as such, remote employees are expected to provide a secure, distraction-free home-based worksite with reliable high speed internet connectivity. The employee will be required to travel to the closest VA Medical Center or VA Outpatient Clinic for issuance of equipment, and as needed for technical support. Selectees will be required to self-certify that their remote workplace meets all safety, privacy, and internet speed requirements.

Functional Statement #: 523-F08547

Relocation Incentive/Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Physical Requirements: Principle duties of this position requires moderate lifting, walking, reaching above head, bending, stooping, standing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting/carrying of items and coordination for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. An ability to perform tasks requiring rapid mental and muscular coordination functions simultaneously is necessary. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment, including respirators while on duty. Must be able to work in a glove box and with any other compounding equipment/rooms for duration of tour. Must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used for the job.

Notifications:

• This position is in the Excepted Service
• This position is covered by a special rate.
• This position is not a Bargaining Unit position.
• Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee to proceed with the appointment.
• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
• Current or Former Federal Employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure, and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.

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.
• 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

COVERAGE. Requirements for appointment as a Licensed Pharmacist in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) are as follows:

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States.

b. 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.

(2) 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).

c. 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. The pharmacist must maintain current registration if this is a requirement for maintaining full, current, and unrestricted licensure.

d. English Language Proficiency. Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

GS-12 Clinical Pharmacist

(a) Experience or Education. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet one of the following:

1. 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, or

2. Completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program.

(b) 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):

1. Knowledge of professional pharmacy practice.

2. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to both patients and health care staff.

3. Knowledge of laws, regulations, and accreditation standards related to the distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs and pharmacy security.

4. Skill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters.

GS-13

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

(b) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.

1. 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 KSAs identified below.

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

Preferred Experience: Informatics experience, residency training

GRADE REQUIREMENTS

Creditable Experience

(1) Knowledge of Professional Pharmacy Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with professional pharmacy practice. Professional practice means paid/non-paid employment as a professional or unlicensed graduate pharmacist as defined by the appropriate licensing board.

(2) Residency and Fellowship Training. Residency and fellowship training programs in a specialized area of clinical pharmacy practice may be substituted for creditable experience on a year-for- year basis. The pharmacy residency program must be accredited by the American Society of Health- System Pharmacists (ASHP). A fellowship program that is not accredited by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) will need to have comparable standards for experience to be creditable (Professional Standa