The Clinical Pharmacist (Quality Assurance) works in a Veteran Affairs (VA) Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP), a highly automated mail outpatient pharmacy that handles medication assessment and verification of prescription orders transmitted electronically form host sites and prepared for shipment in accordance with local and national CMOP policies and federal regulations.

Duties

Major duties include but are not limited to: Data Management Produces reports to CMOP management, local committees, host sites, and the National CMOP Program to support exceptional organizational performance. Uses basic quality and analytical techniques to process internal and external data and make recommendations for improvement. Develops and maintains a basic knowledge of databases and the pertinent CMOP local and central databases. Works with established systems to effectively extract, analyze, store, and trend data and provide reports to management in a timely manner. Patient Safety Assists in investigation of errors reported through the National CMOP Web Application, telephone reports from host sites, and internal error reporting systems. Uses established systems for monitoring internal and external error data for trends. Upon discovery, immediately reports to the Director through appropriate supervisory channels, any issues posing significant or imminent risks to patient safety. Assist in preparing local, national quality assurance reports on a scheduled or ad hoc basis. Produces reports for CMOP management which provides identification of trends to optimize medication dispensing safety. Automation Support Stays current regarding new pharmacy automated dispensing technology. Monitors performance of the automated dispensing equipment, communicates issues, progress and status to Supervisory Pharmacist to ensure optimal performance, safety, and workflow. Provides leadership and guidance to individuals working with the automated processing equipment, including establishing guidelines for performance, reviewing accuracy, quality and efficiency of general workflow. Assists in developing policies, procedures, and training guidelines for the proper use and maintenance of automated dispensing systems. Accreditation/ Regulatory Compliance Effectively interacts with accreditation and regulatory officials and reports data as required. utilizes established data management tools to ensure continuous survey readiness. Supports continuous survey readiness activities, including but not limited to: supporting alignment of local survey readiness with the national CMOP program, maintaining a working knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC) standards which impact CMOP, and assisting in completion of all accreditation process requirements in a timely manner. Effectively communicates with management and participates in development and implementation of appropriate organizational responses when indicated by current performance or changes in standards or regulations. Inventory/Product Line Support/Liaison Stays current regarding new pharmaceutical therapies, developing standards of pharmacy practice and advances in information technology. Identifies opportunities for increased dispensing efficiency related to product movement, viable pack sizes, re-distribution among systems and sub-systems and makes recommendations to the Supervisory Pharmacist or Logistics Manager. Provides quality assurance guidance for replenishment activities of pharmacy technicians regarding automated dispensing equipment. Participates in coordination of inventory management/procurement in an effort to meet CMOP initiatives. Reviews backorder report and takes action to ensure timely processing Prepares CMOP shortage report for internal and external use. Administrative/Program Support Performs the full range of Clinical Pharmacist (Production) duties as needed. Assists in developing and maintaining local policies, procedures, and training tools to ensure compliance with current standards and regulations. Develops and communicates understanding of laws, regulations, accreditation standards related to the distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs and pharmacy security. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 3:30pm to 12:00am CST Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: QA Pharmacist/70070AA 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. Language: Must be proficient in spoken and written English Education 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. Licensure Applicants must be licensed to practice pharmacy in a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. GS-12 GRADE EXPERIENCE Applicant's qualifications background must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary to perform the work of the position. Pharmacy work requires knowledge of the use, clinical effects, and composition of medications, including their chemical, biological, and physical properties. Qualifying professional pharmacy experience may involve, but is not limited to: Dispensing medications prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and providing information to health practitioners and patients about proper usage of medications and side effects; Evaluating medication use patterns and outcomes for patients in hospitals or managed care organizations; Performing administrative, consultative, or staff advisory work for a medical facility's pharmacy program; Planning, monitoring and evaluating medication programs or regimens; Establishing medication-handling procedures for the storage and preservation of medications; Researching medical literature and/or clinical medication information to provide accurate responses to inquiries; and/or Maintaining all medication records required by law. You 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: You must have one (1) year of professional pharmacy experience in addition to the requirements for the GS-11 (or equivalent) level. Assignment: A Quality Assurance Pharmacist in this position experience includes automated mail outpatient pharmacy services that handles medication assessment and verification of prescription orders transmitted electronically from host sites and prepare for shipment in accordance with local and national Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP) policies and federal regulations; assessing, monitoring, and documenting the quality of services provided; interacting with administrative, professional and technical staff to ensure the provision of timely, quality service while optimizing patient safety and regulatory compliance; interacting with customers, vendors, and delivery system representatives to investigate and resolve quality and delivery issues. References: VA Handbook, 5005, Part II, Appendix G15, Licensed Pharmacist Qualification Standard The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing/sitting for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 50 lbs., and bending/stooping. The work may entail repetitive wrist movement while using various size syringes, vial cap removal, and typing.

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 Lancaster VA CMOP 2962 S Longhorn Dr Lancaster, TX 75134 US
• Name: Ebony Morgan-Freeman
• Phone: (682) 387-0389
• Email: [email protected]