The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist provides clinical and distributive pharmacy service to medicine, surgery and specialty services within the VAWNYHS, including the Batavia location and Community Based Outpatient Clinics. The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist provides medication therapy management related to pharmacogenomics and cardiology.

Duties

CLINICAL PHARMACY PRACTICE: Functions at the highest level of clinical practice, works independently under their scope of practice as defined by VAWNYHS to directly care for patients. Develops therapeutic care plans utilizing the most effective, least toxic, and most economical medication treatments. 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. CLINICAL DUTIES: 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). Reviews and recommends therapeutic care plans utilizing the most effective, least toxic, and most economical medication treatments, recognizing the special drug considerations of the age and stage of life for the patient, and communicates this plan to the patient's primary provider. 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. Applies pharmacokinetics, using rate order equations as appropriate to assess serum levels using volumes of distribution and/or renal and hepatic clearances and to make recommendations when necessary. DISTRIBUTIVE DUTIES: Fills medication orders by selecting the correct drug and dosage form, reducing the drug from bulk to the quantity prescribed, compounding when necessary, then packaging and labeling the drug in an appropriate manner. Responsible for the dispensing of drugs, including controlled substances, investigational and cytotoxic drugs, to assure that legal and agency regulations and instructions are followed, that proper and complete recordkeeping is maintained, and that the drug storage areas are stocked, safe, and secure. Reviews the patient medication profile prior to dispensing drugs and medications to ensure safe and appropriate medication use. Maintains proficiency and accuracy in electronic order processing/verification & navigation of electronic medical record system. HIGH RELIABILITY ORGANIZATION (HRO) / CULTURE OF SAFETY: Demonstrates sensitivity to and acceptance of a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace by encouraging input and ideas from a variety of colleagues and promoting an environment in which colleagues are empowered to participate in and contribute to effective mission accomplishment. Adheres to HRO principle of the Duty to Speak Up when close calls, errors and/or sentinel events are identified. Understands and utilizes patient safety reporting. Offers solutions to avoid near misses, errors or other safety-related concerns. Adheres to HRO principle of Respect when communicating close calls, errors or opportunities for improvement to colleagues or the Pharmacy Management Team ***Performs other related duties as assigned*** Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm with rotations to night, weekends and holidays. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 49529F 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: Ability to communicate orally and in writing to persuade and influence clinical and management decisions. Expert understanding of regulatory and quality standards for their program area. Ability to solve problems, coordinate and organize responsibilities to maximize outcomes in their program area or area of clinical expertise. Expert knowledge of a specialized area of clinical pharmacy practice or specialty area of pharmacy. Advanced skill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters. 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 50019

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

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