This is an Clinical Pharmacy Specialist for the Transplant Program with VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS). The incumbent works at Pittsburgh VA Medical Center-University Drive providing direct and indirect patient care, drug therapy monitoring, prescriptive authority, quality assurance/improvement, and staff/patient education.
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. Education. Graduate of an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited College or School of Pharmacy with a baccalaureate degree (BS Pharmacy) and/or a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. OR 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 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). Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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). Grade Determinations: Experience. In addition to the GS-12 requirements, must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. The se include but are not limited to: Reviewing, interpreting, and verifying medication orders for appropriateness; processing and filling medication orders; interacting with and making recommendations to other clinical staff regarding medication therapy ordered to ensure safe and effective care; reviewing the patient's medications, allergies, labs, and other pertinent information from the medical record to identify and solve medication-related problems; contacting providers as appropriate; documenting recommendations and interventions; providing refill extensions and partial medication supplies; taking health and medication histories; performing medication reconciliation; providing drug information; assisting in formulary management including therapeutic substitutions, nonformulary reviews and medication usage evaluations; documenting and assessing adverse drug events (ADEs); assisting in medical emergencies; providing oversight of technical staff in all aspects of medication distribution. In addition to the above experience requirement, candidates must also demonstrate the below knowledge, skills, and abilities (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. Preferred Experience: PGY2 Transplant Residency Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13.
VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Duties include but are not limited to the following: Obtains medication histories from patients and summarizes significant findings in the medical record. Reviews patient medication regimens for clinical effectiveness, drug selection, dosing, contraindications, side effects, potential drug interactions, and therapeutic outcomes as required and communicates findings with other relevant staff when applicable. Monitors for and reports drug errors, adverse drug reactions, allergies, and medication adherence issues. Documents findings per facility procedures. Monitors for and reports drug errors, adverse drug reactions, allergies, and medication adherence issues. Documents findings per facility procedures. Responsible for keeping abreast of changes within Pharmacy Service (i.e., formulary additions and deletions, interdepartmental memoranda, relevant station memoranda, policies and procedures). Instructs patients and family members in the appropriate use of medications and medical devices. Is able to adjust communication and tracking methods based on age and developmental considerations. Is able to accurately assess and document patient comprehension. When needed, is able to refer patients to educational programs provided at the medical center by multidisciplinary teams. Serves as preceptor for Pharmacy Students and Pharmacy Residents in accordance with established protocols and standards. Assists in new employee orientation process where applicable. Assists in the development of proposals for improved and/or new clinical Pharmacy services. Assists with the QA program within Pharmacy Service as it relates to clinical practice. Is responsible for maintaining QA data for their clinical practice focus. Participates in the MUE process through proactive identification of problem areas, criteria development, analysis of findings, and recommendation of follow up actions (e.g., education) that are deemed necessary. Service active participant in all facets of the PPE program as designated by Associate Chief, Clinical Pharmacy Programs or designee. Analyzes data and completes reports, including clinical care reviews (peer reviews) in accordance with established facility policy. Prepares, submits, and presents reports for P& T Committee and other reports as assigned in a proactive, timely and accurate manner when called upon. Responsible for ensuring ongoing compliance with medication management standards set forth by the Joint Commission, VHA Office of the Inspector General (OIG), and other accrediting bodies. Assists in continuous reporting and improvement of medication errors and adverse drug reactions. May perform clinical practice duties to serve local medical center, Western Market or VISN as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized and paid to a highly qualified candidate.