Lead Pharmacist (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory

JobSummary

The Lead Pharmacist at ICE Health Services Corps manages pharmacy services at detention facilities, oversees medication dispensing, ensures compliance with policies, provides patient counseling, maintains inventory, and prepares reports. Requires a pharmacy degree, license, and expertise in clinical and administrative pharmacy. Works under the Clinical Director; non-supervisory role. This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.

LowGrade

5

HighGrade

5

PromotionPotential

None

SubAgencyName

ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC)

OrganizationCodes

HS/HSBB

Relocation

True

HiringPath

• public

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

1

AgencyMarketingStatement

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws, safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a comprehensive workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS. The mission of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is to protect America from the cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threaten national security and public safety. ICE focuses on smart immigration enforcement, preventing terrorism, and combating the illegal movement of people and goods. ICE is the principal investigative arm of DHS and the second largest investigative agency in the federal government. Created in 2003, through a merger of the investigative and interior enforcement elements of the U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service, ICE has more than 20,000 employees in more than 400 offices in the United States and around the world. ICE is a key component of the DHS layered approach to protecting our nation from a wide range of threats. For additional information about ICE and career opportunities, please visit www.ice.gov.

TravelCode

1

ApplyOnlineUrl

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

DetailStatusUrl

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

MajorDuties

• DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Oversees and manages the pharmacy services at the assigned facility and provides pharmacy administrative managerial direction for all pharmacy service within the assigned facility. Sets the goals, objectives and direction for the pharmacy program at the assigned facility. Monitors all aspects of the pharmacy program to assure goals and objectives are being met. Reads individual prescriptions and determines the name of the drug, strength, and dosage of drugs to be dispensed. Adjusts prescription instructions and drug quantities to correspond to strengths and dosage forms stocked at the medical clinic. Correlates instructions on the prescription with pharmacy policy limitations and notes such on the prescription. Types accurate and concise labels that precisely convey provider's instructions to the patients. Fills prescriptions by obtaining the correct drug stock, counting the correct amount of medication, placing the medication in smaller containers, and affixing the prescription label and all appropriate auxiliary labels. Counsels patients on the appropriate use of medication(s), utilizing the patient's native language if possible, or medication information handouts in the patient's native language if available. Based on the substantive knowledge and familiarity with a wide range of a articles stocked in the pharmacy, screens all prescriptions upon receipt concerning availability of drug & dosage prescribed. If drug requested is not on formulary, discusses therapeutic options with the provider, suggesting drugs listed in the program formulary where possible. If a non-formulary drug is deemed necessary, assists the provider in filling out a non- formulary request form and obtaining approval where necessary. Answers routine inquiries from doctors, nurses, & other staff on the availability of specific items, e.g., drugs in stock, new drugs on order, & dosage forms available in the pharmacy. Answers questions concerning drug reactions, drug interactions, new drugs, etc. Dispenses "over the counter" drugs, as specified in pharmacy formulary without countersignature of physician. Optional: may practice as a clinical pharmacist if a collaborative practice agreement is approved. Packages bulk drugs (liquids, tablets, capsules, ointments & creams, etc.) into specific quantities and various sized containers. Operates tablet and capsule counting machines and labeling machines for the purpose of repackaging drugs. Records all prepacking information including lot number, expiration date, manufacturer, current date, and initials. Fills all requisitioned items from other areas of the clinic. If the medication is not available in the requested quantity, makes necessary computations to provide the order in a different unit of measure. Prepares bulk compounds and packages a variety of simple solutions & products, most of which are for external application, such as mouthwashes & disinfecting agents, etc. Places orders for supplies from appropriate sources and tracks supply usage to minimize out of stock items or excess inventories. Receives pharmaceutical supplies & checks receipts against requisitions. Checks for shortage, breakage, deterioration & expiration dates. Discrepancies found are reported to the supplier. Inspects stock to determine frequency of re-ordering drug items, maintenance of current pricing & proper stock rotation. Withdraws outdated drugs, determines proper disposition (destruction or credit returns) & prepares necessary paperwork to initiate proper action. Is responsible for general orderliness, cleanliness & maintenance of pharmacy equipment. Participates in monthly & annual inventory of pharmacy service as required. Types narrative & tabular material such as correspondence, memoranda, newsletters, forms & labels. Types from clean copy, rough draft or handwritten notes without errors or corrections when required, & in accordance with the established format. On a daily basis checks the medicine cabinet & all areas of the clinic where night pharmacy service is available. Responsible for refilling any missing pharmacy drug or supply item used during the night. Inspects & logs the temperature of all clinic areas where any types of pharmaceuticals are stored. On a monthly basis, gathers all pharmacy statistical information required to produce a complete monthly report and routes that report to the local H.S.A, the respective Regional Pharmacy Consultant, and the IHSC Chief Pharmacist. On a quarterly basis, submits a Quarterly Narrative Report of Activities for the previous quarter to report to the local H.S.A, the respective Regional Pharmacy Consultant, and the IHSC Chief Pharmacist. This report includes accomplishments, problems and measures taken for resolution, meetings attended, and facilities visited. Also, on a monthly basis, inventories all controlled substances and inspects all clinic areas where pharmaceuticals are stored.

Education

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: B.S. or Pharm. D. degree from a program that is accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education. For positions involving patient care, candidates must have a permanent, full, and unrestricted license from a State Board of Pharmacy to practice pharmacy in a State, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. Expertise in pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics and all management aspects related to the practice of pharmacy in a clinic/infirmary setting. Possesses necessary skills for operating general office technology including Microsoft Office Product. Possess knowledge of grammar, spelling & punctuation to identify and correct errors to insure accurate copy. Possesses knowledge of and is competent in understanding and communicating pharmaceutical nomenclature including generic, chemical & trade names, Latin abbreviations, dosage forms, drug strengths, formulations & English-Metric equivalents. Competent in data entry and ability to work with & analyze numbers, including bookkeeping & basic accounting skills. Competent in the use of office machines including photocopiers, calculators, and personal computers. Competent in the application of computer programs to facilitate management operations in a clinic environment. Possesses ability to work efficiently, accurately & organized in a fast paced environment.

Requirements

Evaluations

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. You may be selected for an interview at the hiring authority's discretion. You will be notified of selection or non-selection.

HowToApply

To apply for this position, you must submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section below. The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/30/2026. PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application. To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process. Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position. Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. If you need further assistance, contact the Human Resources Office representative listed on this announcement at least one day prior to the closing date for further instructions.

WhatToExpectNext

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.

RequiredDocuments

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position. A complete application includes: U. S. Public Health Service Officers Cover Letter/Letter of Interest. Degrees. (Place under "Diploma/GED") Professional license. (If applicable) Additional professional certificates. (If applicable) Three professional references. (i.e., name, title and contact information) Official USPHS Promotion CV - e.g., relevant experience, education, training. (Place under "USPHS Promotion CV") You may provide a civilian resume in addition to the USPHS Promotion CV to capture all relevant work experience. A copy of your Certificate of Investigation (located in your eOPF). *Three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER). (Place under "Performance Appraisal") For IHSC USPHS officers only, a copy of your current Service Remaining Requirements Agreement. Indicate if you have an Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement and the date of the end of your AP Agreement. If you do not, please submit a memo attesting to no AP in the Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement section in the documents section of application. New Call to Active Duty Cover letter/Letter of Interest. Please include location preference here. Degrees. (Place under "Diploma/GED") Professional license. (If applicable) Additional professional certificates. (If applicable) Three professional references (i.e., name, title, and contact information) CV - e.g., relevant experience, education, training. (Place under "USPHS Promotion CV") U.S. Public Health Service - Appointment Board Decision Letter/Email or a screenshot of AES dashboard to the United States Public Health Service

Benefits

BenefitsUrl

https://www.usphs.gov/salary-and-benefits

OtherInformation

The ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC) exists within the organizational structure of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) under the supervision of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Lead Pharmacist adheres to policies and procedures as stated in the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) Pharmaceutical Services and Medication Management Directive and Guide. This is a non-supervisory position. IHSC has a multi-sector, multidisciplinary workforce of more than 1100 employees, including U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) commissioned officers, federal civil servants, and contract staff. The IHSC provides on-site direct patient care to ICE detainees at 22 detention facilities throughout the country and manages the provision of off-site medical care for detainees housed in approximately 240 additional Intergovernmental Service Agreement (IGSA) facilities. The ICE detainee population is approximately 34,000 detainees on a daily basis, with an average length of stay of approximately 30 days, and over 400,000 detainees annually. The IHSC also provides medical support during ICE enforcement operations in the air, on the ground and at sea. DHS SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: DHS ICE ERO HHS SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: DHHS USPHS CC SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Lead Pharmacist works under the direction of the Clinical Director (CD). Accepts supervisory responsibilities in an acting role as assigned by the CD.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

0

ServiceType

02

AnnouncementClosingType

01

AgencyContactEmail

IHSCrecruiting@ice.dhs.gov

SecurityClearance

Other

DrugTestRequired

True

PositionSensitivitiy

Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk

AdjudicationType

• Credentialing
• Suitability/Fitness