Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
About The Position
The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (also described as a Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner) functions at the highest level of clinical practice and independently provides direct patient care under an individual scope of practice. The specialist serves as an advanced practice provider and consultant for intensive medication therapy management, initiating, modifying, or discontinuing medication therapy. Practice areas may include anticoagulation management, primary care or home-based primary care, specialty care, and mental health. The role includes direct and indirect patient care, medication regimen review, laboratory and diagnostic test monitoring, drug information services, education and mentorship, and coordination of pharmacotherapy management for assigned clinics. The specialist contributes to medication safety and quality initiatives, supports compliance with applicable policies and initiatives, and protects sensitive information. The position is full performance level GS-13 and requires a current, unrestricted pharmacist license and an accredited pharmacy degree or qualifying foreign equivalent. The schedule is compressed 5/4/9, generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with every other Wednesday off and alternating Wednesdays scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is ad hoc only; the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.
Requirements
- Graduate of an ACPE-accredited College or School of Pharmacy with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and/or 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.
- At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12).
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing to persuade and influence clinical and management decisions.
- Expert understanding of regulatory and quality standards for the program area.
- Ability to solve problems, coordinate, and organize responsibilities to maximize outcomes in the program area or clinical specialty.
- Expert knowledge of a specialized area of clinical pharmacy practice or pharmacy specialty.
- Advanced skill in monitoring and assessing drug therapy outcomes, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters.
- U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated exception for appointments when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Must pass required pre-employment screening, including applicable drug testing, background/security investigation, physical examination, and E-Verify verification; seasonal influenza vaccination is required for VA health care personnel.
- Must meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements.
Responsibilities
- Provide evidence-based pharmaceutical care through direct and indirect interaction with patients and providers in assigned practice areas.
- Initiate, modify, or discontinue medication therapy and provide intensive medication therapy management consultation.
- Order, perform, review, and analyze laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies to monitor and support drug therapy; follow up with patients on results.
- Determine when disease progression or treatment needs require referral to a physician outside the specialist’s scope of practice.
- Identify patients who may benefit from comprehensive medication management through population management reports and team huddles.
- Review medication regimens for effectiveness, drug selection, dosing, contraindications, side effects, interactions, and therapeutic outcomes; communicate findings and alternatives to prescribers.
- Monitor and report medication errors, adverse drug reactions, allergies, and compliance issues, and document findings according to facility procedures.
- Use laboratory results to assess care, recognize significant abnormalities, and recommend dose adjustments.
- Review non-formulary and restricted drug requests for appropriateness and compliance with established criteria.
- Assist the Pharmacy and Therapeutics committee with medication-use evaluations and safety initiatives.
- Promote and monitor compliance with drug therapy policies and national, VISN, and local initiatives.
- Train and provide in-service education to pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, students, residents, and other staff; serve as a preceptor or mentor.
- Assist with new employee orientation, competency assessments, and mentoring; complete required TMS training on time.
- Provide accurate and timely drug information to medical staff, nursing staff, technicians, students, and other customers using appropriate references.
- Coordinate and supervise pharmacotherapy management activities for assigned patients in assigned clinics.
- Serve on assigned medical center and/or VISN committees and adhere to medical center and department policies and regulations.
- Maintain information security and confidentiality, limit access to sensitive information appropriately, and report and address security violations.
Benefits
- Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position eligibility.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
