Associate Chief of Pharmacy

Summary

This position is at Lebanon VA Medical Center. The incumbent serves as an Associate Chief of Pharmacy for Clinical Pharmacy Services. The position reports to the Chief of Pharmacy and will act as Chief of Pharmacy in their absence, with associated duties and responsibilities as needed or requested by the Chief of Pharmacy, the Chief of Staff, or the Medical Center Director.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States
• (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
• 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
• The pharmacist must maintain current registration if this is a requirement for maintaining full, current, and unrestricted licensure
• A pharmacist who has, or has ever had, any license( s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16
• 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)
• 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 provisions apply: (1) Employees grandfathered into the GS-660 occupational series may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions
• (2) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard
• Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration, that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation
• (3) If a licensed pharmacist who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation
• Grade Determinations: GS-14: Pharmacist (Associate Service Chief) Experience: In addition to the GS-13 requirements, (Ability to negotiate to influence clinical and management decisions, Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing regarding complex clinical and technical issues, Skill in utilizing regulatory and quality standards to develop and implement operational programs, Skill in managing multiple and diverse people or programs, Skill in utilizing available resources to support the mission and goals of the organization, Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions of the pharmacy staff.) must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
• Responsible for coordinating multiple programs in pharmacy service in a medical facility
• Serves as the Acting Service Chief in the absence of the Service Chief
• Develops and maintains a system of internal reviews that ensure service programs operate at a satisfactory level of performance and in compliance with regulatory and accrediting bodies
• Responsible for pharmacy utilization of resources and budget
• Makes selections, assigns personnel, and serves as a mentor to help employees develop their full potential
• Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following KSAs: Skill in persuading others and gaining cooperation to accomplish goals
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing regarding complex clinical and technical issues
• Skill in utilizing regulatory and quality standards to develop and implement operational programs
• Skill in managing multiple and diverse people or programs
• Skill in utilizing available resources to support the mission and goals of the organization
• Ability to plan, organize and direct the functions of the pharmacy staff
• Assignments
• Responsible for coordinating multiple programs in pharmacy service in a medical facility
• Serves as the Acting Service Chief in the absence of the Service Chief
• Develops and maintains a system of internal reviews that ensure service programs operate at a satisfactory level of performance and in compliance with regulatory and accrediting bodies
• Responsible for pharmacy utilization of resources and budget
• Makes selections, assigns personnel, and serves as a mentor to help employees develop their full potential
• References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005/55 Part II Appendix G15 June 7, 2012 Licensed Pharmacist Qualification Standard
• This can be found in the local Human Resources Office
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

"The main duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Customer Service: 1.
Treats Veterans, facility employees, and visitors with respect, courtesy, and tact.
Acts in a cooperative manner to improve customer satisfaction at all times.
Responds to needs appropriate for the Pharmacy as above and in a timely fashion.
2.
Demonstrates appropriate and proactive interpersonal skills to achieve the goals of the Pharmacy.
Acts as a team member and is supportive of the group's efforts at all times.
3.
Demonstrates an ability to work under a variety of circumstances to maximize group productivity and quality.
4.
Advocates and teaches the importance and value of customer service to all trainees and staff and as a supervisor holds direct reports accountable for quality customer service.
5.
Represents the Medical Center and Pharmacy at various local and national meetings.
6.
Represents the Medical Center and Pharmacy in the community and nationally by participation in community outreach and residency specific activities as needed/requested.
7.
Assists in resolution of patient care concerns and complaints assuring appropriate clinical care is delivered in an evidence-based and caring fashion.
Clinical Functions: 1.
Performs clinical pharmacy specialist duties when necessary including collaboration with a wide range of health care professionals to assure quality pharmaceutical care.
2.
Collaborates with the national PBM, VISN and local pharmacy leadership on matters including (but not limited to) medication usage, patient safety and other issues related pharmaceutical care.
3.
Serves as advisor to the Chief of Pharmacy on matters related to clinical practice, drug therapy, drug selection, and participates in formulary management.
4.
Serves as a member of the local and VISN 4 Pharmacy and Therapeutics committees and serves as an expert in the practice of clinical pharmacy services.
5.
Reviews, evaluates, and responds to consults for prior authorization and restricted drugs in accordance with local, VISN, and National policy.
6.
Provides pharmacy expertise as needed to facility leadership.
7.
Documents pertinent clinical interventions in CPRS in a timely and professional manner as appropriate.
8.
Promotes and monitors compliance for established drug therapy policies.
9.
Works with providers to ensure compliance with national, VISN, and local initiatives.
10.
Coordinates completion of drug use evaluations and subsequent program or systems changes based on the results.
11.
Serves on Medical Center and/or VISN committees and quality management groups/teams as requested.
Education Functions: 1.
Coordinates and participates in the training and in-servicing of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy students, pharmacy residents, and other medical center personnel as required.
2.
Is skilled at using both written and verbal communication techniques in teaching others.
3.
Serves as a preceptor for pharmacy students and residents.
4.
Assists in the development of proposals for improved and/or new clinical pharmacy services.
5.
Organizes and presents educational programs to hospital personnel, university groups, and other venues upon request.
6.
Develops partnerships with colleges of pharmacy and other pharmacy organizations to advance pharmacy education and the development of the profession.
7.
Assures that direct reports adhere to appropriate educational requirements.
8.
Supports employees in their career development goals through creating awareness of opportunities for additional training as related to pharmacy practice and healthcare leadership Drug Information: 1.
Serves as an authority on drug usage, interactions, over-dosages, and compliance to medical staff, nursing staff, technicians and students.
Uses appropriate references to research drug information.
2.
Has a good working knowledge of information resources, in both written and electronic forms.
3.
Maintains a current knowledge of therapeutics and disease management.
4.
Provides or coordinates completion of timely and accurate responses to drug information inquiries from all customers.
Distributive Function: 1.
Incumbent will be required to understand inpatient and outpatient distribution processes and assist the Associate Chief of Pharmacy Operations and the inpatient and outpatient pharmacy supervisors in issues related to distribution and clinical care.
2.
Assists in resolving inter- and intradepartmental pharmacy issues as needed.
Interpersonal Relationships: 1.
Works and communicates effectively with others while exhibiting a courteous, tactful, and understanding attitude.
2.
Promotes cultural diversity and refrains from discrimination.
Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Ad Hoc in accordance with agency policy Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"