SUMMARY

The Pharmacy Associate Chief, Inpatient Pharmacy, manages the Pharmacy inpatient operations in this 120 bed Medical Center. The VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System (VASNHCS) consists of one main campus with four separate community-based outpatient clinics (CBOC) and includes tertiary care medical and surgical beds, acute and chronic psychiatry beds, over 60 Nursing Home Care Unit beds and outpatient services for some 300,000 visits annually.

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.
• 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. Verification of approved degree programs may be obtained from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 20 North Clark Street, Suite 2500, Chicago, Illinois 60602-5109; phone: (312) 664-3575, or through their Web site at: http://www.acpe-accredit.org/. (NOTE: Prior to 2005 ACPE accredited both baccalaureate and Doctor of Pharmacy terminal degree program. Today the sole degree is Doctor of Pharmacy.)
• 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).
• 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. The pharmacist must maintain current registration if this is a requirement for maintaining full, current, and unrestricted licensure. A pharmacist who has, or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16.
• 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: Associate Service Chief, GS-14

• Experience. In addition to the GS-13 requirements, must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Responsible for coordinating multiple programs in pharmacy service in a medical facility. Serves as the Acting Service Chief in the absence of the Service Chief. Develops and maintains a system of internal reviews that ensure service programs operate at a satisfactory level of performance and in compliance with regulatory and accrediting bodies. Responsible for pharmacy utilization of resources and budget. Makes selections, assigns personnel, and serves as a mentor to help employees develop their full potential. (NOTE: Associate Service Chief/ Associate CMOP Director positions should be graded one grade below the grade of the Chief of Pharmacy Service or CMOP Director.). Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following KSAs:
• Skill in persuading others and gaining cooperation to accomplish goals.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing regarding complex clinical and technical issues.
• Skill in utilizing regulatory and quality standards to develop and implement operational programs.
• Skill in managing multiple and diverse people or programs.
• Skill in utilizing available resources to support the mission and goals of the organization.
• Ability to plan, organize and direct the functions of the pharmacy staff.

Preferred Experience: Previous supervisory or leadership experience.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G15
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-14. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-14.
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.

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.

IF YOU ARE RELYING ON YOUR EDUCATION TO MEET QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

DUTIES

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 4:30pm
Telework: Available - Ad-hoc
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified candidates
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
The Associate Chief, Pharmacy Service, may be assigned duties of the Chief, Pharmacy Service in his/her absence. Additionally, the Associate Chief may be required to assist with the Clinical Services or Outpatient Pharmacy operations on an as needed basis. The Associate Chief, Pharmacy Service, maintains a complex pharmacy program consisting of clinical pharmacy specialists, staff pharmacists, and technicians to deliver care to Veterans across all Northern Nevada. The Associate Chief also represents the Medical Center at professional and community organizations and boards at the local, state, and national level.

Duties of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Works in collaboration with physicians on matters concerning therapeutic recommendations, clarification of orders, dosages, dosage indication, contra indications, availability, alternative medications, adverse drug reactions, formulary issues and drug incompatibilities.
• Oversees the following programs: Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Team, Pharmacokinetics, Renal dosing, Heparin protocol and anticoagulation, Sterile compounding - USP797 compliance, Oncology, Unit dose and repackaging, Medication Security and Storage.
• Plans, implements, and reviews specialized pharmacy services, which support specialty and subspecialty programs in medicine, surgery, psychiatry, neurology, rehabilitative medicine, and geriatrics.
• Provide ongoing quality assurance monitoring of clinical programs so problems are identified, and necessary improvement implemented to improve therapeutic outcomes, minimize patient risk, and produce maximum patient care efficiencies.
• Coordinates the training in inpatient pharmacy of all new pharmacy staff, professional and nonprofessional. This training involved the intravenous additive, unit dose, automated dispensing cabinet, and automatic replenishment programs.
• Assist departments throughout the medical center to provide new employee orientation and procedural training to all new medical, nursing and other staff regarding registration, formulary, and other Pharmacy related issues, including inpatient pharmacy services and policies.
• Assist the Controlled Substance Coordinators in providing training for the Controlled Substance Inspectors as needed.
• Assists the nursing educators in ensuring annual in-service training to nurses on intravenous medications, compatibilities and administration, in accordance with the Joint Commission (JC) requirements.
• Supervises the pharmacy residents, interns’ and students’ training in the inpatient pharmacy.
• As an affiliated faculty member, provide the Pharmacy students management training.
• Manages a complex 24-hour, 7-day/week pharmacy employing clinical pharmacy specialists, staff pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and support personnel.
• Makes emergency staffing assignments when necessary to ensure adequate coverage in all areas.
• Motivates staff and creates a clinical and professional atmosphere.
• Supervises the operation of the inpatient pharmacy computer packages including the IV, unit dose, Controlled Substance and ward stock/automatic replenishment packages in conjunction with the service ADPAC.
• Participates in the monthly inspections of controlled substances. Oversees monthly report and follows up on discrepancies timely.
• Makes recommendations to the Chief, Pharmacy Service, on issues which affect personnel status, salary, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
• Issues disciplinary actions to subordinates when necessary.
• Conducts midterm and final performance evaluations on professional and other staff on the basis of productivity and competence.
• Formulates or revises policies and procedures in order to meet changing conditions or situations of pharmaceutical care.
• Applies fiscal management methods in forecasting and administering the pharmacy budget, tracking trending expenditures, and allocating resources within the service to respond to a variety of workload demands across the four-division center.
• Develops performance standards, assures that the program area is compliant with all regulatory and accrediting body requirements (including Joint Commission).
• Works in conjunction with the clinical coordinator in the proper dispensing of investigational medications. Ensures all attendant recordkeeping is complete and accurate.
• Monitors workload and associated expenditures to ensure maximal accountability for pharmaceutical and pharmacy personnel resources expended in the Inpatient Pharmacy.
• Implements and develops programs that provide excellent Customer Service.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

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 (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcrip

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 09/10/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12787878.

• 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