Clinical Pharmacist

Veterans Health Administration • White City, OR

20d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Pharmacist is a licensed health care professional responsible for the safe, effective, and appropriate use of medications across the continuum of care. The role applies professional knowledge of pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapy, and medication-use systems to optimize medication-related outcomes and support high-quality patient care.

The pharmacist provides clinical and operational pharmacy services across inpatient/residential, outpatient, and central pharmacy operations as assigned, helping ensure uninterrupted medication distribution and clinical services. The role also serves as an operational backstop during staffing shortages, absences, or elevated workload.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Graduate of an ACPE-accredited College or School of Pharmacy with a baccalaureate degree in pharmacy (BS Pharmacy) and/or a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, or qualifying foreign pharmacy education with FPGEC Certification, including FPGEE and TOEFL iBT.
• Full, current, and unrestricted pharmacy license in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to the stated temporary Graduate Pharmacist exception.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• For GS-12: one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program, in addition to the basic requirements.
• For GS-12: knowledge of professional pharmacy practice; ability to communicate orally and in writing with patients and health care staff; knowledge of laws, regulations, and accreditation standards for drug distribution, control, and pharmacy security; and skill in monitoring and assessing drug therapy outcomes, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters.
• Meet applicable physical requirements under VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• Meet employment conditions including background/security investigation, pre-employment physical examination, seasonal influenza vaccination, and required onboarding and application documentation.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.

Responsibilities

• Select appropriate drug therapy using pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles; monitor efficacy, side effects, and clinical outcomes; and advise prescribers.
• Provide patient-specific therapeutic drug monitoring and communicate findings and recommendations orally and in writing to health care providers.
• Review therapeutic appropriateness and duplication in medication regimens, routes and methods of administration, patient compliance, medication interactions, relevant laboratory data, and physical signs and symptoms related to drug therapy.
• Continuously evaluate prescribed medications to support optimal therapy and provide pharmacokinetic consultation in accordance with local policy.
• Assess drug safety and efficacy, including evaluation of physical symptoms.
• Perform medication reconciliation during transitions of care and update medication profiles to reflect accurate active lists of VA and non-VA medications.
• Complete medication histories, including patient interviews, and provide medication counseling to patients.
• Review medication orders for appropriateness, drug selection, dosage, route, and quantity before dispensing, and ensure orders are entered into the electronic patient medical record.
• Fill orders promptly; review allergy history and medication interactions; and resolve clinically relevant issues.
• Review medication profiles, monitor compliance or potential abuse, and resolve problems encountered.
• Select, dispense, and fill medications in inpatient and outpatient areas in accordance with facility policies and quality-assurance procedures.
• Maintain adequate drug stock, inspect drug storage areas, supervise prepacking and automated dispensing equipment, and manage recalls and medication shortages in accordance with facility policy.
• Provide current drug information to prescribers, health care professionals, patients, and caregivers.
• Report adverse drug events, near misses/good catches, and medication errors in accordance with the VA ADERS reporting program.
• Participate in the medical center medication utilization evaluation program.
• Recommend formulary alternatives and complete assigned non-formulary consults.
• Provide assigned coverage for inpatient/residential, outpatient, and central pharmacy operations.
• Support core pharmacy functions during staffing shortages, planned or unplanned absences, or elevated workload.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available to employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level