The Clinical Pharmacist provides distributive and clinical Pharmacy support service to medicine, surgery and specialty services within the VAWNYHS. The scope of practice of the CP covers direct and indirect patient care, drug therapy monitoring, quality assurance/improvement, staff/patient education and consultation.

Duties

The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist is responsible for providing optimal clinical and pharmaceutical care activities in accordance with the department's mission, vision, and goals. The Pharmacist's primary responsibility is the utilization of evidence- based pharmaceutical care services through direct interactions with patients and providers as well as the safe provision of pharmaceuticals and medication information in a timely manner. This pharmacist promotes and manages drug therapy based on current clinical knowledge and established policies. Responsibilities also include but are not limited to completion of electronic prescription orders, checking of completed prescription orders for accuracy and safety, management of VA and VISN formularies, and assistance in achieving VISN goals related to medication management and patient care. Develops therapeutic care plans utilizing the most effective, least toxic, and most economical medication treatments, recognizing the special drug considerations of the age, developmental and cultural needs for the patient and communicates this plan to the patient's primary provider. Applies pharmacokinetics, using rate order equations as appropriate to equilibrate serum levels using volumes of distribution and/or renal and hepatic clearances when necessary. Analyzes laboratory, imaging and clinical data so as to modify drug dosing when necessary in an effective manner and to rule out drug interferences. This may include ordering and interpreting vital signs and/or lab tests specifically related to drug therapy. Develops rational alternative medication treatment plans in cases where the initially selected plan fails to achieve the desired therapeutic result and communicates this information to the patient's primary provider. Coordinates and carries out polypharmacy reduction efforts, effecting therapeutic changes through treatment recommendations to the patient's primary provider. Evaluates the drug literature to compare and contrast therapeutic regimens and to establish the role of new agents in the medical center. Administers and documents administration of immunizations per current VAWNYHS practice if in possession of a valid immunization certificate from their state of licensure. Identifies drug-induced problems that may be affecting the patient, takes appropriate steps to manage these problems and/or communicates these findings to his/her primary provider (includes drug side effects, allergic reactions, toxicities, dosage regimens, and non-compliance concerns). Counsels patients and family members concerning directions for use, side effects, precautions, and the need to strictly follow the regimen. Monitors patient profiles and ensures information is correct and up-to-date. This may include addition of or correction of documented allergies/ADRs, addition of or discontinuation of non-VA medications and discontinuation of orders per current scope of practice. Provides consultation to physicians, nurses, and other health professionals on medication management issues. This may include formal rounds, informal rounds, formal consults and informal consults and may be verbal, telephone or written consultations. Expand access to evidence-based care, close the treatment gap, and respond to emerging drug threats for substance use disorder. Collaborate with Mental Health team to support Psychotropic Drug Safety Initiative (PDSI) program initiatives. Support ongoing education and training to ensure Veterans continue to have access to state-of-the-art, evidence-based treatment for substance use concerns, including weekly and ongoing medication reconciliation and education for SARRTP and other residential programs as needed. Work Schedule: Rotating tours to include nights and weekends Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 25374-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. 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. 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. 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-13 Pharmacist (a) Experience. Completion of the equivalent of 1 year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level which is directly related to the position to be filled, or board certification recognized by the American Pharmaceutical Association's Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties, or the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (or equivalent), or completion of a two year post Pharm.D. fellowship in a clinical or specialized program. (b) Assignments. Candidates at this grade level are to be in one of the following assignments: Clinical Pharmacy Specialist. Clinical Pharmacy Specialists spend the large majority of their time in clinical practice at a higher level (GS-13) than the GS-12 level. Clinical Pharmacists at this level may be board certified and recognized by the American Pharmaceutical Association's Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties or the America society of Consultant Pharmacists. Examples of practice sites include but are not limited to: medicine, surgery, psychiatry, neurology, spinal cord injury, primary care, ambulatory care including open pharmacy, rehabilitation medicine, geriatrics, medical research and others recognized by the professional standards board. Clinical Pharmacists at this level have a broader Scope of Practice than at the GS-12. Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience requirement in paragraph 3b(4)(a), pharmacists at this grade level must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Expert knowledge of a specialized area of clinical pharmacy practice or specialty area of pharmacy such as quality assurance/utilization review, informatics systems, drug information, etc. This level of knowledge is usually characterized by at least 2 years of experience related to clinical pharmacist duties in a specialized clinical area or advanced training/certification; 2. Expert knowledge of pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacoeconomics and pharmacotherapeutics. This level of knowledge is usually characterized by at least 2 years of experience related to clinical pharmacist duties in a specialized clinical area or advanced training/certification; 3. Advanced skill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters. This level of skill is usually characterized by at least 2 years of experience related to clinical pharmacist duties in a specialized clinical area or advanced training/certification; 4. Ability to communicate orally to persuade and influence clinical and management decisions; 5. Ability to communicate in writing to persuade and influence clinical and management decisions; 6. Demonstrate an expert understanding of regulatory and quality standards for all medications including investigational drugs. This level of knowledge is usually characterized by at least 2 years of experience related to clinical pharmacist duties in a specialized clinical area or advanced training/certification; and 7. Skill to manage people and/or programs. (This is an additional KSA for Pharmacy Supervisor/Program Manager/Service Chief and Assistant Service Chief positions). Preferred Experience: PGY2 Mental Health Pharmacy Residency and/or pertinent board certification (BPS). References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G15. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address VA Western New York Healthcare System 3495 Bailey Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 US
• Name: Victoria Anthony
• Email: [email protected]