The Associate Service Chief of Operations, Pharmacy Service is a licensed pharmacist responsible for assisting the Chief of Pharmacy in the planning, directing and coordinating comprehensive and complex pharmacy activities at all Aleda E. Lutz VAMC sites through effective management of resources.
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: 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-ccredit.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. Note: Individuals who have or have had multiple licenses and had any such license revoked for professional misconduct, professional incompetence or substandard care, or who surrendered such license after receiving written notice of potential termination of such license by the State for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, are not eligible for appointment to the position unless such revoked or surrendered license is fully restored (38 U.S.C. § 7402(f)). Effective November 30, 1999, this is a requirement for employment. This requirement does not apply to licensed pharmacists on VA rolls as of that date, provided they maintain continuous appointment and are not disqualified for employment by any subsequent revocations or voluntary surrenders of State license, registration or certification. Exception: Non-licensed pharmacists who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment at the entry level as a Graduate Pharmacist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of licensure for a period not to exceed 2 years for a pharmacist that provides care under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. For grade levels above the GS-11, the candidate must be licensed. Failure to Obtain License: In all cases, pharmacists must actively pursue meeting state prerequisites for licensure starting from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the unlicensed pharmacist with the written requirement to obtain licensure, the date by which the license must be acquired, and the consequences for not becoming licensed by the deadline. Failure to become licensed within 2 years from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0660 Pharmacist series and may result in termination of employment. 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. In addition to the GS-13 requirements, must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Associate Service Chief/ Associate CMOP Director. 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. (NOTE: Associate Service Chief/ Associate CMOP Director positions should be graded one grade below the grade of the Chief of Pharmacy Service or CMOP Director.) Demonstrated KSAs. The KSAs shown below apply to all assignments at this grade level: 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Duties include but not limited to: Administrative/Supervisory Provides advice, counsel, and instruction to individual supervisors and employees concerning technical and administrative matters. Assists with resolving conflicts and problems when requested by supervisory staff. Functions as the primary contact for operational pharmacy supervisors and program managers under his/her supervision. Acts as an advisor/coach and source of information and direction. Participates in the recruitment, interviewing, and selection of suitable personnel in collaboration with Human Resources to maintain a staff that can effectively fulfill the needs of the service. Makes recommendations to the Chief of Pharmacy for the appointment and advancement of individuals. Evaluates competency and performance of employees in an objective manner and implements effective strategies to improve overall performance. Program Management Performs all functions of the Chief, Pharmacy Service in a satisfactory manner during periods of leave. In conjunction with the Chief, Pharmacy Service, helps to manage and optimize all resources entrusted to the Pharmacy Service (i.e. personnel, fiscal, equipment, space). In conjunction with the Chief, Pharmacy Service, formulates and prioritizes long and short-term goals for Pharmacy Service and ensures these align with the goals of the medical center, VISN, and VHA. Develops action plans to accomplish these goals within established timelines. Works with other services to complete goals and improve communications. Ensures pharmacy adherence to the requirements of regulatory agencies, Directives and Handbooks and that pharmacy policies and procedures are consistent with the current standards of professional pharmacy practice. Resource Management In collaboration with the Chief, Pharmacy Service, prepares projections and justifications for budget, personnel, equipment, and space requirements consistent with the continuously expanding services and roles of pharmacy. Works with procurement staff to maintain effective communication with Fiscal Service to assure adequate funds are available for essential drug needs. Works with procurement staff to ensure any applicable funding and control points are appropriately monitored; maintains accurate accountability for the subaccounts for drugs, medical supplies, and other supplies within the cost center. Clinical Serves as Pharmacy Service representative to Medical Center and Veteran Integrated Service Network (VISN) committees, to provide pharmacy support, involvement, and representation as assigned by the Chief, Pharmacy Service. Serves as a consultant within the Pharmacy Service and with other healthcare staff for monitoring and evaluating healthcare delivery to patients. Assesses and evaluates the Pharmacy Service programs to ensure proper Coordination between delivery of pharmacy services and the overall delivery of healthcare. Education Promotes staff development and training programs that improve the proficiency and performance of all levels of pharmacy personnel. Assists employees, residents, and students with their developmental experiences. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm OR 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: May be available on an as needed (Ad-Hoc) basis as determined by the supervisor Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 917770 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized