Clinical Pharmacist (Informatics Specialist)

Summary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
This job is open to

• The public
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency
This job opportunity announcement is open to ALL U.S. CITIZENS. If you are a current and permanent employee of the Veterans Health Administration, please see announcement number 12316015.
ANNUAL DETERMINATION OF STAFFING SHORTAGES: This position is being filled using the hard to fill position memo dated 9/27/2023 which waives Veterans Preference for hard to fill Hybrid vacancies. Veterans are still encouraged to apply and will be given full consideration.
Videos
Duties
VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws
Duties include but are not limited to the following description:
The Clinical Pharmacist (Informatics Specialist) manages and coordinates all functions and activities of Pharmacy Informatics, and is responsible for providing pharmaceutical expertise and guidance in connection with research studies at all divisions of VACWMHCS Pharmacy Service. This includes services related to VISTA and PC applications as well as other Information Technology related activities. The incumbent is the department contact person with Ol&T.
The incumbent performs analytical and evaluative work associated with the program activities of Pharmacy Services within the Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System (CWMHCS). The incumbent organizes and develops information to provide a solid base upon which Pharmacy Management can derive effective data-driven decisions, in order to anticipate and meet the pharmaceutical needs of their customers, and goals of the Facility and Network. He/she coordinates the collection, analysis, and evaluation of data to achieve optimal utilization of available resources to include funding, assigned FTEE, space, equipment, and ADP support purchases.
Functional Qualifications of the position include but are not limited to:

• In order to effectively perform the duties of this position, incumbent must be a registered pharmacist having extensive professional experience with broad specialized knowledge of the following:
  
  • Drug selection, bioequivalence (i.e., interpretation of FDA Orange Book), identification, therapeutics, compounding, dispensing, and control.
  • Federal (DEA/FDA) and VA prescribing practices law.
  • Computerized patient medication records and their clinical interpretation.
  • Contemporary drug distribution software and systems.
  • Pharmacy management and associated report generation.
  • Pharmacy procurement and inventory control.
  • In depth knowledge of Pharmacy ADP software and hardware utilized to support the medical center clinical applications.
  • Other Veterans Health Information Systems Technology Architecture (VISTA) applications for clinical and administrative support. As a Clinical Pharmacist, the individual understands the complexities of providing a highly accurate and efficient software environment to practice contemporary clinical pharmacy.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Telework: Ad-Hoc Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Recruitment Incentive Authorized.
EDRP Authorized: Contact Amy Haley at amy.haley@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• 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).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• 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.)(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)
• 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.

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 (Informatics Specialist)
Experience and Education: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet the following:

1. 1 year of experience at or equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS12) and
2. Completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program.

Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• 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.

Functions of the position include but are not limited to:
A. Data Management Information Systems:

• Maintains skills necessary to advise staff and medical staff on technical subject matters related to the Information Technology Section. Provides new provider and as needed continuous training to all providers on medication ordering in CPRS as appropriate.
• Coordinates, interfaces, and manages all Information Technology aspects with Ol&T, and ADPACS from other Clinical Services. Collaborates with ADPACs from other stations when needed.
• Serves as the liaison between Clinical Application Coordinators (CAC's) and the Pharmacy Department.
• Develops and maintains audit systems to determine trends, produce data, and monitor performance of the section and staff activities for management.
• Participates in the development of audit systems and data gathering to enhance safety and efficacy of drug therapy decisions and cost objectives and to promote planning and implementation for all pharmacy programs.
• Represents the Pharmacy on all computer and information management related committees and workgroups. Provides input and/or representation to Quality Management workgroups and committees regarding Patient Safety issues.

B. Automated Data Processing Management:

• Serves as Automated Data Processing Application Coordinator (ADPAC) for Pharmacy Service. Responsible for testing and maintaining all software packages and pharmacy applications. Works with Ol&T and other clinical services to resolve package problems.
• Responsible for maintaining facility and pharmacy-related ADP security policies, procedures and practices for pharmacy package users. Provides training to all pharmacy users on ADP security requirements.
• Serves as coordinator for the implementation and verification of new packages, program development, enhancement, troubleshooting, and problem prevention. Serves as liaison to other departments on issues related with all pharmacy packages.
• Maintains pharmacy files for optimum function of pharmacy packages and other related facility packages ensuring uniform format and data accuracy. Files include: Drug file, IV additive file, Primary Solutions File, National Drug file, Allergy file, and inventory file.

C. Clinical:

• When assigned, verifies physicians' orders to be complete and appropriate for dose, route, and frequency.
• Screens orders for incompatibilities, patient allergies, and drug interactions.
• Provides basic consultant information concerning drug therapy to physicians, nurses, and health care professionals.
• Provides strict security and accountability of all controlled substances. Conducts accurate perpetual inventories utilizing prescribed record keeping and audit procedures.

D. Research Functions:

• Evaluates research protocols to determine if they are consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and VA policies. As needed, recommends modifications.
• Receives, stores, packages, and labels investigational drugs.
• Coordinates the procurement investigational drugs with the principal investigator. Monitors the quantity of medications in stock and informs the principal investigator when more medication needs to be ordered. Coordinates and return or disposal of investigational drugs.
• Accompanies research officials during audits.

E. Computer Security:

• Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, HIPPA, and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy.
• Uses computer software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers; inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving e-mail.

Preferred Experience:

• ADPAC, Informatics, and Research experience preferred.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G15, Licensed Pharmacist Qualification Standard) dated June 7, 2012.
Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds); straight pulling (1 hour); pushing (1 hour) reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (2 hours); standing (2 hours); repeated bending (2 hours); both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted).
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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per p...