Clinical Pharmacist (Oncology)

Veterans Health Administration • Bay Pines, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System is seeking a clinically skilled Outpatient Clinical Pharmacist for its Pharmacy Service at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center in Bay Pines, Florida. The pharmacist applies professional pharmacy knowledge and skills, including pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics, to patient care and pharmacy operations. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to eligibility requirements and program approval. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

The selected pharmacist will provide clinical pharmacy services, medication education and drug information, administrative and supervisory support, and safe medication distribution. The role includes variable tours of duty, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Telework and virtual work are not available. The position is in the Excepted Service and has a one- or two-year trial period.

Applicants must meet the applicable education and licensure requirements. The full performance level is GS-12, and the vacancy may be filled at GS-11 or GS-12. GS-12 candidates must have one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade or have completed an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program, and demonstrate the specified pharmacy practice, communication, regulatory, and medication-monitoring competencies.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Graduate of an ACPE-accredited College or School of Pharmacy with a bachelor's degree in pharmacy and/or a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, or qualifying foreign pharmacy education with FPGEC certification, including the FPGEE and TOEFL iBT.
• Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to the stated entry-level Graduate Pharmacist exception and licensure conditions.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• For GS-12: one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program.
• Knowledge of professional pharmacy practice.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with patients and healthcare staff.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and accreditation standards relating to distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs and pharmacy security.
• Skill in monitoring and assessing drug therapy outcomes, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters.
• Meet applicable background/security investigation, drug-screening, pre-employment physical, onboarding, identification, and application-document requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA healthcare personnel.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period as a condition of employment.
• Meet the physical demands described in the announcement, including lifting and carrying, pushing, reaching, walking, prolonged standing, kneeling, bending, climbing, vehicle operation, manual dexterity, visual and hearing capabilities, clear speech, and emotional stability.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in an oncology setting.
• Experience with USP 795, 797, and/or 800 compounding practices.
• Board certification such as BCOP or BCPS, or equivalent.
• Completion of Lean Six Sigma training (Yellow, Green, and/or Black Belt).

Responsibilities

• Establish a working diagnosis and initial treatment plan in coordination with the patient's provider(s) and in accordance with accepted practice standards or MAP pharmacological management guidelines.
• Manage medication orders, including flagging prescriptions, managing view alerts, using the hold medication function, and generating unsigned discontinued orders using Service Reject.
• Adjust non-controlled-substance medications by discontinuing or generating new or renewed prescriptions with verbal or written approval from a physician or authorized prescriber.
• Provide pharmacokinetic consultation, including vancomycin and aminoglycoside dosing, according to local policy.
• Complete medication histories, including patient interviews.
• Report adverse drug events, near misses, and medication errors through the VA ADERS reporting program.
• Participate in the medical center's medication utilization evaluation program.
• Educate patients about the purpose, proper use, and expected outcomes of prescribed medications, and confirm patient or caregiver understanding through direct feedback.
• Provide written and oral drug information to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
• Serve as a clinical institutional instructor for pharmacy students and assist in training new technicians and pharmacists.
• Provide in-services to pharmacy staff and other healthcare professionals as needed, and participate in or attend continuing education programs.
• Maintain the daily operational status of pharmacy program areas and prioritize work.
• Make administrative decisions when supervisory pharmacists are unavailable or immediate decisions are required.
• Supervise technical support staff during holidays and off tours, and supervise Pharmacy support staff performing distributive functions.
• Perform special projects or duties assigned by the Chief, Pharmacy Service.
• Safely and appropriately distribute or dispense medications.
• Ensure compliance with pharmacy and regulatory policies for medication labeling, inventory and formulary management, PBM initiatives, equipment maintenance, and timeliness of service.
• Consult with patients and healthcare system staff about therapeutic or policy questions concerning outpatient or inpatient provider orders.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility requirements and approval; award amount may be up to $200,000 over one to five years.
• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and other factors.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree