Clinical Pharmacist

Veterans Health Administration

Baltimore, MD

JobSummary

The Clinical Pharmacist manages routine medication-related activities in accordance with VHA, DEA, FDA, Joint Commission, VISN, VAMHCS and other governing regulations, standards and policies. Functions as a member of a team to provide optimal pharmaceutical care and timely customer service in accordance with the mission, vision and goal of the VHA, VISN and VAMHCS.

LowGrade

HighGrade

PromotionPotential

SubAgencyName

VA Maryland Health Care System

OrganizationCodes

VA/VATA

Relocation

False

HiringPath

fed-internal-search

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

AgencyMarketingStatement

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

TravelCode

ApplyOnlineUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/Apply

DetailStatusUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/ApplicationStatus

MajorDuties

Duties: Inpatient Activities Ensures that preparations are unaltered therapeutically by incompatible or interacting drugs. Conducts weekly inventory of controlled substances stored in the IV room Automated Dispensing Cabinet (ADC). Centralized Unit Dose Program Consults with the prescriber to correct or resolve potential medication problems by end of shift. Provides information to physicians, nurses, dietitians and other allied health care professionals on drugs, their characteristics, contraindications, dosages, adverse reactions, and availability. Conducts discharge counseling of patients, answering questions regarding their drug regimen, which includes advising patients of potential drug-related or health related conditions which may develop from the use of the medication for which the patient should seek additional medical care. Outpatient Activities Ensures that there are no significant or critical interactions (without intervention documentation) with other drugs that the patient is currently taking, that there is not duplicative therapy and the patient has no known allergy 10 the medications prescribed. Reviews the patient's narrative field to verify approval for non-formulary medications, prior authorized drug requests and/or any other restrictions. Consults with patients, providing information and answering questions regarding their drug regimen. Obtains information from patient regarding the use of any non VA provided medications or herbal products and documents this information into CPRS. Order Processing File Reviews, interprets and verifies all outpatient medications orders to assure appropriateness. Reviews patient's out-patient medication profile to ensure that the medications are prescribed appropriately, at the correct dosage, and free of potential drug interactions or incompatibilities, which could alter the desired or expected therapeutic response. Ensures that there are no significant or critical interactions (without intervention documentation) with other drugs that the patient is currently taking, that there is not duplicative therapy and the patient has no known allergy to the medications prescribed. Ensures allergy assessment information is documented/reviewed before finishing any medication orders. Reviews the patient's narrative field to verify approval for non-formulary medications, prior authorized drug requests and/or any other restrictions. Order Processing General Reviews and evaluates changes in therapy questionable therapy and potential medication problems are discussed with prescribers and alternatives are recommended; and is required to provide sound clinical information and make recommendations on which drugs are therapeutically equivalent, dosage differences, cost comparisons, etc. upon request by the clinical staff. Prescription Dispensing Checks prescriptions filled by technicians for accuracy prior to dispensing to the patient. Dispenses drugs and supplies to ambulatory patients on presentation of prescriptions. Controlled Substances Assures secure, accurate, and accountable distribution of DEA Schedule II through V controlled substances. Fills inpatient/ADC/Ward stock controlled substances orders using the Controlled Substance Module (CSM) program. Conducts the required 72-hour inventory. Reviews inventory and alerts appropriate staff when controlled substances need to be ordered. Checks in all controlled substances in the presence of Supply Chain staff. Processes controlled substances for destruction. Participates in monthly controlled substance inspection of the vault. Reviews all controlled substances dispensed to the ADCs through use of CSM. Clinical Functions and Skills Reviewing the patient's medications, allergies, labs, and other pertinent information from the medical record to identify and solve medication-related problems. Participation in medication education programs; including formulary options. Assisting in formulary management to include therapeutic substitutions/formulary conversions by PBM/P&T guidelines and Non-Formulary Medication or Supply consult reviews with proper training. Performing and documenting medication reconciliation in CPRS template. Medication counseling and assessment on herbal, over-the-counter and alternative medications. General Responsibilities Assures all medication dispensed are not past the use date and appropriate disposition for reverse distribution/returns. Assist with procurement processes when necessary. Other duties as assign based on the needs of the Pharmacy Service. Work Schedule: Multiple; all shifts are determined or approved by management and based on service needs; holidays and weekends rotating Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Available; Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 26002F/25616F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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/.

Requirements

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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Evaluations

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: Current permanent VA employees of the VA Maryland Health Care System facility (512). This includes medical centers and CBOC's within VAMHCS. Health Professions Trainees (HPT's). IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

HowToApply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/08/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12946634. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

WhatToExpectNext

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

RequiredDocuments

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation Resume SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field. Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Benefits

BenefitsUrl

http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp

OtherInformation

Past, current, and upcoming VHA Health Professional Trainees (HPT) are eligible. (NOTE: This applies to the past, current, and upcoming VA Health Professional Trainees (HPT) only. HPT is an individual appointed to temporary positions in one or more VHA medical facilities performing clinical or research training experiences to satisfy program or degree requirements or receiving VA Health Professional Scholarship Program. HPTs can be either VA-paid or Without Compensation (WOC).) Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and wellbeing. As a VA employee, you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care. Note: Clinical Pharmacists are essential employees and follow VA Maryland Health Care System guidance, rules, policies, directives and/or other notifications for essential employees during emergency and/or inclement weather. Past, current, and upcoming VHA Health Professional Trainees (HPT) are eligible. (NOTE: This applies to the past, current, and upcoming VA Health Professional Trainees (HPT) only. HPT is an individual appointed to temporary positions in one or more VHA medical facilities performing clinical or research training experiences to satisfy program or degree requirements or receiving VA Health Professional Scholarship Program. HPTs can be either VA-paid or Without Compensation (WOC).) Note: Telework eligibility and work hours permissible to telework are under the discretion and determination of management at all times.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

ServiceType

AnnouncementClosingType

AgencyContactEmail

ashley.patterson3@va.gov

AgencyContactPhone

910-488-2120 X205642

SecurityClearance

Not Required