Pharmacist (Facility Program Manager)

Veterans Health Administration
East Orange, NJ

JobSummary

The incumbent is a highly skilled Pharmacist (Facility Program Manager), specializing in informatics within the Pharmacy Service at the VA New Jersey Health Care System. This position demands sophisticated expertise in information management and computer applications and will play a critical role in optimizing pharmacy operations through advanced informatics and technology solutions, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and operational efficiency.

LowGrade

13

HighGrade

13

PromotionPotential

None

SubAgencyName

Veterans Health Administration

OrganizationCodes

VA/VATA

Relocation

False

HiringPath

  • fed-excepted
  • fed-internal-search

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

1

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

2

ApplyOnlineUrl

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

DetailStatusUrl

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

MajorDuties

  • The incumbent functions as the program manager for information management and computer applications for Pharmacy Service. The incumbent has full responsibility for Pharmacy software applications that include assessment, integration, modification, maintenance and education. The incumbent also is the manager of Pharmacy data bases and files. The scope of this position crosses organizational lines and affects all clinical services. The scope is not limited to the medical center only. The incumbent works closely with the Office of Information Management, the VISN and National program developers. The incumbent functions as a VISN resource person. The incumbent has control of Pharmacy application programs and data bases and uses this knowledge and authority to assist others within the VISN. The incumbent must be a registered pharmacist having extensive experience in key aspects of hospital pharmacy practice. Detailed knowledge of drug use, drug procurement, and inventory control and drug distribution is required in order to manage information and develop and maintain programs. The incumbent must have detailed knowledge of all VISTA programs relating to pharmacy including the use of Fileman. Knowledge of the MUMPS language may be necessary. Scope of Assigned Duties Functions as program manager for Pharmacy computer applications and information management. Has control and responsibility for the installation and maintenance of pharmacy application software, including Class Ill software. Is responsible for resolving problems with Pharmacy application software in a timely manner. As Pharmacy Information Manager, the incumbent works closely with IT programmers in writing programs to satisfy customer needs. Directs programmers so that finished product meets the intent of the customer. Helps in design development for software application programs for local, VISN and National application. Is responsible for producing a finished product in time frame required. As program manager for Pharmacy the incumbent has a close working relationship with the medical staff. Works in collaboration with CACs to create and develop specialized templates, dialogue boxes, clinical reminders, clinical guidelines and other specialized programs for CPRS application. Design and development is based on identifying needs of clinicians and taking action to solve existing problems or improve process of order entry or data management. Development is not limited to local application. If called upon by the VISN and VA National Headquarters to develop improved computer applications, will participate in these activities. Functions as a member of several committees and task forces at the local, VISN and National level. As program manager for all Pharmacy computer applications the incumbent installs, evaluates and maintains all Pharmacy software application programs and packages. Work closely with IT and others to develop new VISTA, LAN or PC programs, or modify existing programs to meet the needs of Pharmacy and the medical staff. Reviews and evaluates requests for computer hardware and software, including PC's and PC software, and other related computer equipment such as high speed printers, computer equipment for specialized pharmacy equipment like the Omnicell and Optifill automated dispensing machines. Make recommendations for purchase of needed hardware and software at the local, VISN and National level. Coordinates testing and evaluation of such equipment for the VANJHCS sites. Develops safeguards to protect computer databases from accidental or intentional destruction. Develops systems or programs the retrieve critical data when computer system is down or compromised. Has-in-depth knowledge of VISTA, CPRS, MUMPS, and other technical applications like HL7 interfaces. Troubleshoots and resolves problems with the computer system and Pharmacy automated machines using this knowledge. Monitors, maintains and develops HL-7 interfaces with outside vendors. Provides technical assistance for interfacing medical equipment/machines to hospital computer system. Maintains authority to monitor taskman to resolve problems. Maintains knowledge of drug actions, monitoring parameters, dose guidelines, interactions and indications in order to support the pharmacy and medical staff in designing and maintaining computer applications. Develops measures to monitor quality of services provided. Gathers data for identifying trends or patterns. Takes action when data collected indicates that quality of service does not meet pre-established standards. Monitors corrective actions taken for effectiveness. Communicates results to employees and Pharmacy Management. Can supply drug information to others on demand. Can use computer applications to generate drug information. Work Schedule: Full Time; Variable, Rotating Basis Telework: Available; Ad-Hoc only. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

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. 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

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 04/13/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12927636. 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: Proof of 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. 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) Proof of 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. Other (2) 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

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.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

0

ServiceType

02

AnnouncementClosingType

01

AgencyContactEmail

kelli.bencic@va.gov

AgencyContactPhone

716-458-6982

SecurityClearance

Other

DrugTestRequired

True

PositionSensitivitiy

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

AdjudicationType

  • Credentialing
  • Suitability/Fitness
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