Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist) - Pharmacy Informatics, Solutions and Ticket Manager

Summary

The Pharmacy Informatics, Solutions and Ticket Manager serves within the Pharmacy Service Line with the must be licensed pharmacist. The core functions related to Informatics are to plan, coordinate, and manage all aspects of Pharmacy Service's information management systems and automation technology.

Duties

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. The following represent the major job duties for the Pharmacy Informatics, Solutions and Ticket Manager A. Pharmacy Informatics Performs analytical and evaluative work associated with program activities of the Pharmacy Service. Organizes and develops information upon which Pharmacy Service leadership can make effective data-driven decisions to anticipate and meet pharmaceutical needs of customers and goals of the facility and network. Responsible for coordination, development, and implementation of all pertinent information applications to support clinical practice, administration, educational development, and the computerized medical record in the Pharmacy Service. Serves as a subject matter expert on EHR and on joint federal Pharmacy systems operations at a local, VISN, and national level. Manages or consults on the following pharmacy-related software areas such as: Automatic Replenishment/Ward stock (AR/WS) Inpatient Medication which includes IV Admixture and Unit Dose Controlled substances Consolidated Mail Out Pharmacy (CMOP) Outpatient Pharmacy Electronic Health Record (EHR) Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) Automated Telephone Refill system My Health-E Vet and Secure Messaging Alaris (or similar) pump drug file Automation Dispensing Systems (ADS) Systems for the unit dose packager Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP) ScriptPro Remote Access Servers 4. Monitors Pharmacy computer programs and tests changes and updates, as appropriate. Assists with external proficiency testing programs. 5. Works with Pharmacy Management to revise/update policies and procedures relative to pharmacy information systems and automation technology. 6. Assists with Help Desk ticket submissions and coordinate required maintenance and repairs of Pharmacy automation (Omnicell, ScriptPro, etc.) 7. Will plan and supervise the execution of new equipment purchases and rollout including education and training. 8. Coordinates hardware and software installations and upgrades. 9. Responsible for running reports related to Pharmacy Information Systems and resolving issues and/or reporting results before any applicable deadlines. 10. Develops/updates and maintains ADP-related emergency contingency plans required by the medical center. 11. Responsible for maintaining all software packages and pharmacy applications. Works with OI&T and other clinical services to resolve problems and communicates with Pharmacy Management regarding system issues and impact on services provided. 12. Arranges access to electronic systems via the Electronic Permission Access System (ePAS) for all pharmacy employees. In collaboration with the Chief and supervisors, assures proper levels of computer access are issued to all pharmacy employees. 13. Oversees and manages the placement of new VA providers and non-VA providers into appropriate provider files. 14. Maintains pharmacy drug files for optimum function of pharmacy packages and other related facility packages ensuring uniform format and data accuracy. 15. Ensures that all Pharmacy Informatics Systems and processes are compliant with guidelines and policies set forth by regulatory agencies (i.e. TJC, OIG, SOARS, VACO, etc.). 16. Provides technical support and database management for all pharmacy Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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. Qualifications

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. 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. NOTE: Prior to 2005 ACPE accredited both baccalaureate and Doctor of Pharmacy terminal degree program. Today the sole degree is Doctor of Pharmacy. Licensure: 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. Exception: Non-licensed pharmacists who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment at the entry level as a Graduate Pharmacist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of licensure for a period not to exceed 2 years for a pharmacist that provides care under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Foreign Education: Graduates of foreign pharmacy degree programs meet the educational requirement if the graduate is able to provide proof of achieving the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Commission (FPGEC) Certification, which includes passing the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT). English Language Proficiency: Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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 Clinical Pharmacist Experience. In addition to the GS-12 requirements, must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. AND Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following KSAs: a. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to persuade and influence clinical and management decisions. b. Expert understanding of regulatory and quality standards for their program area. c. Ability to solve problems, coordinate and organize responsibilities to maximize outcomes in their program area or area of clinical expertise. d. Expert knowledge of a specialized area of clinical pharmacy practice or specialty area of pharmacy. e. Advanced skill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application. 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/. How You Will Be Evaluated

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: 1. Current permanent VA employees of the Sioux Falls VA Healthcare System. 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. Other Information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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.