Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor

Veterans Health Administration • Walla Walla, WA

11h • Onsite

About The Position

The Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor oversees the professional and administrative management of the Outpatient Pharmacy, including daily operations, staffing, controlled substances, medication distribution, inventory, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. The supervisor manages multiple pharmacists and technicians, maintains effective relationships with other departments, and supports the medical facility’s mission and goals. The role includes direct pharmaceutical care and administrative decision-making when higher-level pharmacy leadership is absent. The actual grade for the vacancy is GS-13.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is not eligible for telework or virtual work. Irregular shifts or emergency call-backs may be required. Relocation and recruitment incentives and Permanent Change of Station benefits are not authorized. The position may be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program eligibility and approval; awards may be up to $200,000 for an eligibility period of one to five years. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

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 BS Pharmacy and/or Pharm.D. degree; foreign pharmacy graduates must provide FPGEC certification, including the required examinations.
• Full, current, unrestricted pharmacy license in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, and current registration when required to maintain licensure.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, in addition to GS-12 requirements.
• Ability to effectively supervise subordinate staff.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing to persuade and influence clinical and management decisions.
• Expert understanding of regulatory and quality standards pertaining to pharmacy.
• Skill in managing people or programs.
• Meet the stated VA employment conditions, including required background/security investigation, pre-employment drug screening when applicable, physical examination, seasonal influenza vaccination, onboarding, and a one- or two-year trial period.
• Meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the announcement closing date.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience in outpatient or ambulatory care pharmacy operations, including workflow optimization, staffing coordination, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience leading or mentoring pharmacy staff.
• Experience implementing quality-improvement initiatives.
• Experience using pharmacy informatics systems.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
• Ability to support patient-centered service delivery in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily Outpatient Pharmacy operations to ensure efficient, safe, and compliant distributive services.
• Plan, schedule, assign, and review pharmacists’ and technicians’ work, adjusting staffing to workload demands.
• Oversee controlled-substance management and compliance with VA, DEA, and regulatory security requirements.
• Maintain and optimize pharmacy automation and equipment for accurate and efficient medication distribution.
• Ensure accurate interpretation, verification, preparation, compounding, and dispensing of medications.
• Monitor workflow and maintain systems for accurate dispensing, documentation, and recordkeeping.
• Develop, update, and enforce pharmacy policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.
• Lead performance improvement, quality assurance, and system redesign initiatives, including audits and accuracy reviews.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and professional standards, including USP 797, Joint Commission, and VA policies.
• Coordinate procurement and inventory management, maintain adequate stock, and manage drug recalls.
• Provide pharmaceutical care, including order verification, patient counseling, and medication-related interventions.
• Maintain accurate documentation in the electronic health record in accordance with medical and regulatory requirements.
• Recruit, train, evaluate, and mentor staff; conduct performance reviews; and recommend personnel actions, including promotions or disciplinary measures.
• Communicate with pharmacy leadership and clinical partners about operational, clinical, and administrative issues.
• Make administrative decisions in the absence of higher-level pharmacy leadership and perform other assigned duties, including irregular shifts or emergency call-backs.
• Manage budgetary execution for the assigned pharmacy area.
• Develop performance standards and systems to monitor staff activities and ensure compliance.
• Design and implement staff orientation and training programs.

Benefits

• Potential eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to eligibility and program approval; award amount may be up to $200,000.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for qualifying prior federal or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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