About This Position
This is an open continuous announcement.
Applicants will be accepted on a ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered. The close date for this announcement is Wednesday, April 29, 2026. The incumbent serves as the Administrative Officer to the Chief, Pharmacy service by assisting in selected clinical functions and all administrative functions for the service.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04/29/2026. This is an open continuous announcement.
Applicants will be accepted on a ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered. The close date for this announcement is Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
For a GS-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials.
If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.
Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-7 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: understanding health policies and regulations; familiar with medical and pharmacy terminology as it relates to supplies and equipment; expert knowledge of health care delivery system and the application principles and practices of healthcare administration; knowledge of analytical processes and the ability to interpret outcome data in a meaningful and accurate manner. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience.
To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have Successful completion of a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree, two (2) full years of graduate level education leading to such a degree, or LL.B.
OR
J.D. in a related field that demonstrates my ability to perform the duties of this position.
NOTE: This education must have been obtained at an accredited college or university. If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level.
You must have equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate-level education (beyond the first year) and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level.
NOTE: The education portion must include graduate courses that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript with your application.
Education cannot be credited without documentation. Preferred Experience: At least two years of experience working as a Pharmacy Technician. At least six months of experience serving in an administrative capacity, preferably in a pharmacy environment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Major Duties
Duties include, but are not limited to: Administrative Issues: Responsible for tracking all suspense that comes to the Pharmacy Service to ensure their completion is accurate and timely. Responsible for incoming and outgoing correspondence; prepares reports, memoranda, and meeting minutes; and coordinates reporting mechanisms between services. Assists in the supervision of Pharmacy Service staff (GS-12 Pharmacists & GS-5 to GS-8 Pharmacy Technicians).
Provides directions to the timekeeper by assigning work, providing guidance, training and direction and evaluating performance. The incumbent functions as the main resource with regard to policies and procedures in all areas of timekeeping and clerical administration. Responsible for constant surveillance, evaluation and planning to ensure efficient utilization of space based on changing and ever increasing program demands.
Serve to help the GS-13 pharmacy informaticists for the service. Personnel: Administers the Ongoing Professional Peer Review (OPPE) system for the Clinical Pharmacy Specialists (CPS) with an Advanced Scope of Practice. Develops and maintains organizational and functional charts.
Maintains FTEE for service and man hours for section reports. Monitors procedures to determine unauthorized absences and use of sick leave to assure compliance with VA policy. Monitors sick leave usage and refers, when appropriate to supervisor for action.
May participate in interviews for key positions in pharmacy, and makes hiring recommendations, initiates human resource actions, reviews personnel activities, and writes position descriptions, conducts position classification and management reviews. Thoroughly familiar with medical and pharmacy terminology, particularly as it relates to staffing matrixes and qualifications standards. Serves as the lead in administering actions concerning merit promotion and position management.
He/she functions as a key figure in the manpower utilization program assuring recruitment and retention within approved ceilings. Participates in the analysis and interpretation of workload and other data used in resource planning. Discusses, investigates and responds to employee grievances and dissatisfactions in order to resolve conflicts.
Represents management at labor management meetings, provides information, and resolves conflicts and/or problems that may arise and assures management officials are familiar with the negotiated agreements. Listens to problems and concerns of the Pharmacy Service employees and helps whenever possible or secures advice from Human Resources. Works with District Counsel, Special Counsel, EEO investigations, and others in resolving personnel problems and taking personnel actions.
Participates in personnel administration operations such as position classification, grievance procedures, performance standards and disciplinary actions. Plays a central role in developing and coordinating internal review systems to assure that both clinical and administrative activities are in compliance with agency and accrediting and regulatory requirements. Oversees and track all Pharmacy Service required training, competency requirements, scopes of practice, BLS training, certifications for all Pharmacy Service employees and ensure on-going compliance.
Budget: Works closely with the Chief, Pharmacy Service with fund control points and gathers data and analyzes budget needs for each. Responsible for formulation and execution of annual budgets including salaries, travel and education, supplies, equipment and all other general operating expenses. Develops monthly cost ceilings while maintaining running control of funds to ensure the accounts are within authorized levels and that the Service operates within authorized budgets as directed.
Plans and maintains a system of internal controls which assures that the fiscal management of Pharmacy Service is maintained in accordance with accepted accounting practices. Assembles and compiles budget information and maintains adjustments where necessary by apply knowledge and understanding of budgetary policies, procedures and regulations. Verifies, validates and changes reports tracking workload and expenditures on an annual basis and as dictated by staffing adjustments.
Data is collected within the service and the data serves as the major mechanism for tracking expenditures for Pharmacy Service to include local, VISN20 and National workload. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm or 8:00am - 4:30pm. Telework: Ad-hoc.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Administrative Officer/PD070191 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
Conditions of Employment
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period 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 probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Education
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/.
How You Will Be Evaluated
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Resume Reminder - Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible) Month & year start/end dates (e.g.
June 2007 to April 2008) Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Salary/Rank etc. Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held References, current or recent supervisor Do not include the following types of information in your resume: Classified or Government sensitive information Social Security Number (SNN) Photos of yourself Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc. Narrative responses are not required at this time.
If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview.
Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document. Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement.
Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
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.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/29/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12922216. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account.
Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job.
Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed.
Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement.
Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX).
We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans.
Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.
Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume: Prioritize most relevant and recent experience Use concise, results focused language Align language from the job announcement Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies Remove outdated or unrelated experience Use the USAJOBS resume builder Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume building tools can be found at: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/ The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job.
Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. 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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
You will not be contacted for additional information. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility): Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement.
In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade. Examples of appropriate SF-50's include: Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old. Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.