The primary functions will be the interpretation and verification of physician's orders, patient medication profile review providing drug and policy information to patients and medical center staff, and participation in educational programs within the service and medical center. They serve as a staff pharmacist providing pharmaceutical services to Veterans throughout Alaska. They are also involved in the procurement, storage, admixing, distribution, control, and evaluation of drugs. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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 at https://www.acpe-accredit.org/ (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) 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). (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) 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. (COPY OF LICENSE REQUIRED for GS-12) 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: GS-11: Experience, Education, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-12 Clinical Pharmacist (Full Performance Level): Experience or Education. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet one of the following: 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11). OR, Completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program. OR, Have you completed an accredited VA PGY-1 or PGY-2 program, OR, Are you on track to complete an accredited VA PGY-1 or PGY-2 program by the time of hire/appointment, which is directly related to the position to be filled; such as: handling routine medication-related activities in accordance with local, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), and national policies and regulations. These include, but are not limited to: reviewing, interpreting, and verifying medication orders for appropriateness; processing and filling medication orders; interacting with and making recommendations to other clinical staff regarding medication therapy ordered to ensure safe and effective care; reviewing the patient's medications, allergies, labs, and other pertinent information from the medical record to identify and solve medication-related problems; contacting providers as appropriate; documenting recommendations and interventions; providing refill extensions and partial medication supplies; taking health and medication histories; performing medication reconciliation; providing drug information; assisting in formulary management including therapeutic substitutions, nonformulary reviews and medication usage evaluations; documenting and assessing adverse drug events (ADEs); assisting in medical emergencies; providing oversight of technical staff in all aspects of medication distribution? Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the basic requirements and experience, pharmacist assigned to this position must also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities: 1. Knowledge of professional pharmacy practice. 2. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to both patients and health care staff. 3. Knowledge of laws, regulations, and accreditation standards related to the distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs and pharmacy security. 4. Skill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters. Preferred Experience: Licensed Pharmacist References: VA Handbook 5005/55, Part II, Appendix G15, June 7, 2012 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-12. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.), light lifting and carrying (under 15 lbs.), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, standing, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, and near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4. Environmental factors include dry atmospheric conditions, constant noise, working closely with others, and working alone. ["Duties include, but are not limited to: Order Entry/Review Process: Consults with patients and medical center staff when ever there are questions concerning therapeutic or policy matters regarding outpatient prescriptions or clinic physician orders. Ensures the maintenance of perpetual inventories of all controlled substances and a drug distribution system that yields maximum control over procurement, storage, and dispensing of pharmaceuticals. Ensures that the provisions of the MCCR Program (Medical Care Cost Recovery Program) which apply to Pharmacy Service, are fully supported in accordance with all applicable rules, regulations, and guidelines. When appropriate, fills outpatient prescriptions and issues clinic orders for drugs, supplies and narcotics as necessary. Maintains proper records for all transactions. Issues pharmaceuticals to primary care clinics, subspecialty care clinics, and the surgery suite. Clinical: Ensures the accuracy of drug dispensing and the compounding of medications based on patient history and medication profile review, good clinical practice, and other pertinent factors. This includes (but is not limited to) data entry into the computer, screening orders for drug-drug and drug-food interactions, dosing errors, allergies, incompatibilities, contraindications, and formulary availability. Discrepancies are reviewed with the provider and resolved. Once satisfied, the pharmacist will (release) send the order forward for filling. Provides drug information to physicians, nurses and other associated health care professionals. This may involve open training sessions/discussions with providers or patients, questions received via telephone or electronically (e-mail etc.). Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the mature adult, and geriatric veteran patient. This individual must demonstrate knowledge of the changes associated with aging and possess the ability to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age related, physical, psychosocial and cultural needs and to provide the care needed, as described in the Pharmacy Service policies and procedures. Maintains effective interdepartmental relationships by committee membership, active problem resolution skills, and close cooperation with other services in accomplishing the medical center mission and goals. Counsels Veteran patients and their families/care givers regarding the purpose, proper use, storage, side effects, and expected outcomes of their drug therapy. Documents the counseling activities in the patients electronic medical record. Encourages use of formulary agents. When a non-formulary request is required, cooperates with the provider to appropriately obtains a review of the request. Education: Participates in educational programs for patients relating to drug therapy. Provides drug information support to other healthcare providers. Educates prescribers on the appropriate use of pharmaceuticals and the importance of writing indications on medication orders. Supervision: Works generally with supervision by the Chief or Assistant Chief, Pharmacy Service. Functions as a pharmacy expert for policy, therapeutic, or complex problems for pharmacy students, the graduate and new pharmacist. When appropriate, assists in the supervision of work activities of technicians and volunteers in all areas of the pharmacy. Work Schedule: 8:30AM - 5PM, Monday - Friday\nTelework: Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Please contact the VISN 20 EDRP Coordinator Stacy Hermann @ V20CompensationTeam@va.gov for questions/assistance\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]