Pharmacist - Associate Service Chief - Patient Aligned Care Team & Pharmacoeconomics
About This Position
The Associate Chief, Pharmacy PACT & Pharmacoeconomics (PE) provides strategic leadership and oversight for all pharmacy operations within the medical center, including Clinical Pharmacy Practitioners (CPPs) working in Primary Care as well as the department's PE program. Responsible for personnel management, including recruitment, orientation, performance evaluation, and staff development. Also plays a key role in policy development, committee participation, and organizational planning.
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. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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
- Drivers License: A valid state drivers license is required as this position requires local travel to provide site visits to the community based outpatient clinics (CBOC's) through the use of a government vehicle or other individual arrangements. 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-14 Experience: Must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level of GS-13. GS-13 experience includes, but is not limited to: coordinating multiple programs in pharmacy service in a medical facility. Serving as the Acting Service Chief in the absence of the Service Chief.
Developing 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. Has extensive responsibility for pharmacy utilization of resources and budget. Makes selections, assigns personnel, and serves as a mentor to help employees develop their full potential.
GS-14 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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 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.
Preferred Experience: Supervisor experience, clinical/scope of practice Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The work involves long periods of moving, standing and pushing carts about the work unit. The work requires regular and recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, lifting.
The incumbent must be a mature, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, demonstrating cheerfulness, compassion, courtesy and concern for staff and patients. The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction.
This position involves lifting 25 pounds or less, able to visually confirm drug order correctness, and able to stand for periods of 30 minutes or greater. Must pass all required VAMC driving requirements. Incumbent must possess and maintain a current valid state drivers license.
Major Duties
VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Directs the establishment and maintenance of personnel systems, including functional statements, organizational charts, performance evaluations, and disciplinary processes for Pharmacy Service staff across PACT CPP areas. Which can include on site visits to the CBOC's. Ensures compliance with hybrid Title 38 performance appraisal standards and VA human resources policies.
Promotes an inclusive, discrimination-free work environment and supports EEO/HPP programs through training and education. Maintain positive working relationships with the facility and VISN leadership as well as other key stakeholders. Develops and monitors key performance indicators to ensure efficient, timely and safe Veteran care within area(s) of responsibility.
Establish educational programs within Pharmacy Service for orientation and ongoing training of staff. Monitor training records and credentials for staff and identify educational programs to meet patient care needs. Ensure integration of evidence-based guidelines into clinical decision-making, documentation templates, and formulary management.
Support publication and dissemination of research findings to advance pharmacy practice. Recommend system-wide interventions to optimize pharmacotherapeutic resources and improve patient outcomes. Collaborate with Formulary Manager, Procurement team and ADPAC to implement PE initiatives.
Complete Medication Use Evaluations as needed to determine effectiveness of PE initiatives. Support the Chief of Pharmacy during regulatory inspections and surveys such as Joint Commission, OIG, and VISN VPE. Develop and ensure adherence to policies, protocols, and clinical guidance documents to maintain audit readiness.
Implement corrective actions and continuous quality improvement measures following inspection findings. Conduct and analyze quality assurance studies (e.g. Medication Use Evaluations, etc.) to monitor medication use, identify problem areas and implement corrective actions.
Ensure participation in RCA, HFMEA, and other quality assurance committees as requested. Practice independently under an approved Scope of Practice to provide direct patient care. Coordinate Prior Authorization Drug Review (PADR) appeals with the P&T appeals committee.
Complete PADRs as assigned using established Criteria for Use documents, published literature, and clinical judgement. May practice independently under an approved Scope of Practice to provide direct patient care. Collaborate and implement long-term strategies for pharmacy services aligned with organizational goals.
Evaluate emerging technologies and practices for potential integration into pharmacy operations. Lead initiatives to enhance efficiency, patient safety, and cost-effectiveness in medication management. Serve as a liaison between pharmacy services and medical center leadership to align goals and initiatives.
Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care. Represent pharmacy services on committees and task forces to influence policy and clinical standards. Work Schedule: 7:30am-4pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 612200 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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 dentification 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.
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 MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. 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. 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. 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
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. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
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 full 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 04/13/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12928182. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS 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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: License Resume SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Other Professional Certification Resume SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript 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. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.