The VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System (VASNHCS) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced pharmacist to serve as the Associate Chief of Inpatient Pharmacy. This leadership role is responsible for managing inpatient pharmacy operations at a 120-bed tertiary care facility, which includes acute medical/surgical, psychiatric, and long-term care services. The Associate Chief plays a critical role in ensuring safe, effective, and efficient medication use across the continuum of inpatient care.
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 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 16. 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: Associate Service Chief, GS-14 Experience. In addition to the GS-13 requirements, must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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.). Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate 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 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. Preferred Experience: Previous supervisory or leadership experience. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G15 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-14. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-14. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
As the Associate Chief of Inpatient Pharmacy, you will: Oversee a 24/7 inpatient pharmacy operation, including clinical pharmacy specialists, staff pharmacists, and technicians. Provide on-call coverage to make emergency staffing assignments when necessary to ensure adequate coverage in all areas. Collaborate with physicians and healthcare teams on therapeutic recommendations, medication safety, and formulary management. Supervise sterile compounding (USP 797), oncology, parenteral nutrition, anticoagulation, and pharmacokinetics programs. Supervises the operation of the inpatient pharmacy computer packages including the IV, unit dose, Controlled Substance and ward stock/automatic replenishment packages in conjunction with the service ADPAC. Monitors workload and associated expenditures to ensure maximal accountability for pharmaceutical and pharmacy personnel resources expended in the Inpatient Pharmacy. Participates in the monthly inspections of controlled substances. Oversees monthly report and follows up on discrepancies timely. Ensure compliance with Joint Commission standards and VA regulations. Formulates or revises policies and procedures in order to meet changing conditions or situations of pharmaceutical care. Applies fiscal management methods in forecasting and administering the pharmacy budget, tracking trending expenditures, and allocating resources within the service to respond to a variety of workload demands across the four-division center. Coordinate training for pharmacy staff, residents, students, and other healthcare professionals. Participate in quality assurance, investigational drug studies, and performance improvement initiatives. Serve as Acting Chief of Pharmacy Service in the absence of the Chief. Represent the pharmacy service on local, state, and national committees and boards. Apply sound personnel and fiscal management practices to optimize pharmacy operations. Other duties as assigned by management. Work Schedule Full-time, Monday-Friday. May include occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays based on operational needs. Preferred Experience/Qualifications Board certification (e.g., BCPS, BCCCP) Experience with VA pharmacy systems and automation (e.g., Pyxis, BCMA) Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills Experience with investigational drug services and quality assurance programs Knowledge of age-specific care for adult and geriatric populations