Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Responsibilities The Associate Chief assists the Chief in planning, directing and coordinating comprehensive Pharmacy Services at this tertiary care and teaching 348 bed GM&S institution, 120 bed NHCU, 12 bed Blind Rehabilitation Center, two Satellite Clinics and four CBOC's. Provides backup to the Chief, Pharmacy Service during periods of absence. Represents VAMC Pharmacy on Advisory Teams, Boards and Committees within the Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs and public/professional Community. Advances clinical practice, Pharmacy and Medical Center research, efficient and effective drug distribution, and education to improve patient quality of life, minimize therapeutic risk and enhance clinical outcome. Duties include but not limited to: Assists in the development and maintenance of general, specialized and sub-specialized Clinical Pharmacy services that are synergistic with other Medical Center programs, promote clinical economics, and optimize patient outcomes. Assists in the development, implementation and/or maintenance of plans to promote therapeutic appropriateness, responsiveness and safety. Assists in the development, implementation and/or maintenance of plans to strengthen managed care and ongoing quality improvement. Assists in the development and maintenance of drug distribution processes that meet the needs of patients and Medical Center. Assists in directing a drug distribution system that assures accuracy, legible labeling, quick responsiveness, and inventory accountability. Develops, implements, and/or maintains a plan to secure and control drug inventory to minimize risk of pilferage. Develops, implements and/or maintains a plan that ensures safe, secure storage and delivery of controlled substance distribution. Assists in staff continuing education needs based on performance. Assists in implementing and/or maintaining a plan to continually build practice skills. Assists in the provision of drug education that meets the needs of patients, Pharmacy and Medical Center staff, and public/professional Community. Assists in the collaboration with Deans and faculties of affiliated schools of Pharmacy and Nursing (including community health care agencies) to strengthen teaching/learning programs and expand educational initiatives. Immediate responsibility for the functions and activities of the Administrative, Procurement, Inpatient and Outpatient Sections. Coordinates and supervises the activities of Pharmacy Program Assistant, Procurement Clerk, and Supply Technician. Promotes participatory management in strategic planning and program development with utilization of CQI techniques. Utilizes sound personnel management practices in administration by: selecting qualified professional/supportive personnel; and assigning personnel in accordance with knowledge, skills and abilities. Helps formulate final decisions in planning, organizing, directing and evaluating the entire operation in order to maintain efficiency and economy. Assists in sound fiscal management (responsibility in administering the Pharmacy budget) by monitoring expenditures and reallocating funds between accounts to meet medical program needs. Delegates authority and responsibility appropriately to address the goals of Pharmacy Service and the Medical Center. Assists in furnishing Pharmacy and Therapeutic Agents Review Committee with accurate cost, drug usage data and synopsis of drug literature to enhance formulary decisions. Supports Medical Center's EEO Program and effective labor/management relations. Assist the Chief of Service in implementing the full range of pharmaceutical services outlined in M-2, Part VI I, commensurate with equipment, space, funds and human resources allocations. Assist the Chief of Service as required in assuring that pharmacy policy and procedural guides are consistent with requirements of regulatory agencies governing professional pharmacy practice. Problems identified by external reviewing bodies will be addressed and corrective act ions on concerned recommendations initiated within specific time frame when required resources are available. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8: 30 am - 5:00 pm, Requires to be on-call, work holidays and weekends. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 60532F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Adam Blas-Rodriguez Email: [email protected], EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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). Selective Placement Factor (SPF) - Spanish Language Proficiency. Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish. EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: 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. NOTE: Prior to 2005 ACPE accredited both baccalaureate and Doctor of Pharmacy terminal degree program. Today the sole degree is Doctor of Pharmacy. Graduates of Foreign Pharmacy degree programs: Must 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). LICENSURE: Candidates must hold a 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. Grade Determination GS-14: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-13. Demonstrated KSAs: The KSAs shown below apply to all assignments at this grade level, and the specific KSA designated by an asterisk (*) applies to assignment 2 and 3. 1. Skill in persuading others and gaining cooperation to accomplish goals. 2. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing regarding complex clinical and technical issues. 3. Skill in utilizing regulatory and quality standards to develop and implement operational programs. 4. Skill in managing multiple and diverse people or programs. 5. Skill in utilizing available resources to support the mission and goals of the organization. *6. Ability to plan, organize and direct the functions of the pharmacy staff. References: VA Handbook 5005/55 Part II Appendix G15 dated June 7, 2012 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-14. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; light lifting, under 15 pounds; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); walking, up to 4 hours; standing, 6 hours prolonged; kneeling; repeated bending; climbing, use of legs and arms; operation of vehicle; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/100 in the other; specific visual requirement, ability to read fine print on labels; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted); clear speech; and emotional stability. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.