Clinical Pharmacist (Controlled Substances)

Clinical Pharmacist (Controlled Substances)

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Fort Worth, Texas

Salary Range: $125650 - $174473 Per Year

Job Summary: The Primary Purpose of the Position is: To provide pharmacy services to all veteran patients receiving care in the inpatient and outpatient settings, and directly support the Controlled Substances Pharmacy Program. The Organizational Location of the Position is: Controlled Substances Pharmacy Section under the Office of the Associate Chief, Pharmacy Operations (Outpatient), Pharmacy Service, VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), Fort Worth, Texas.

Major Duties:

• To provide pharmacy services to all veteran patients receiving care in the inpatient and outpatient settings, and directly support the Controlled Substances Pharmacy Program at the VA North Texas Health Care System Duties may include but are not limited to: Complies with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Regulations and VHA Handbook 1108.01 2. Prepares all inpatient and outpatient-controlled substance order requests for automated dispensing cabinets (i.e. Omnicell) and maintains necessary activity records. Prepares orders for new stock (in conjunction with the procurement section and in accordance with local requirements, VACO directives, and other state and local requirements as applicable), receives new stock, enters inventoried amounts into the controlled substance package, and maintains invoices in accordance with VHA Handbook 1108.01. Returns stock into inventory ensuring the accuracy of controlled drug records. Conducts inventory twice weekly, maintains a perpetual inventory of all controlled substances, and collaborates with controlled substance inspection officials. 6. Participates in narcotic inspections of the vault and reports unresolved discrepancies immediately to the Controlled Substance Pharmacy Supervisor. Monitors and analyzes orders and distribution patterns to identify questionable circumstances or unusual trends and communicates potential problems to the Pharmacy Supervisor. Provides controlled substances training for technicians, pharmacist, inspectors, students, etc. Removes expired controlled substances and processes the medications for destruction. Mails prescriptions for controlled substances in accordance with standard operating procedures utilizing the current mailing systems. Resolves and reconciles discrepancies in accordance with standard operating procedures Reviews the Omnicell server for controlled substance activity and transactions. Screens, enters, and verifies physician orders. Orders should be screened for accuracy and appropriateness of drug, dose, form, route, and interval. This includes drug-drug and drug-food interactions, allergies, incompatibilities, contraindications, and formulary availability. Prescribers are contacted when necessary. Supports all approved P&T Committee cost containment initiatives during the medication verification process to provide cost effective therapy. Oversees the technician's preparation and dispensing of all prescription and unit dose, controlled substances. Verifies, prepares, and dispenses orders accurately following standard operating procedures for the methadone dispensing and management solution (i.e. Avatar). Utilizes the diversion protocol established by Mental Health Services while dispensing. Ensures the current dosage for methadone and/or suboxone is listed in the patient's medical record. Maintains adequate stock for methadone, suboxone, and supplies to maintain operations. Problems are elevated to the Controlled Substance Program Supervisor. Provides pertinent information concerning the proper use of medications. Provides drug information to physicians, nurses, and other associated healthcare professionals. Acts as liaison between the clinics, wards, other patient care areas, and pharmacy, helping to solve problems, clarify orders, provide guidance, and improve communications. Participates in the Pharmacy Service and Medical Center quality assurance activities. Maintains and obtains clinical knowledge necessary to provide clinical pharmacy services. Participates in the education and training of all new employees, and technician trainees. Provides in-services pharmacy staff, nursing staff and other professional groups. Contributes to informational and educational publications pertinent to the service. Assists in the orientation and training of all new employees, students, technicians, and trainees, and assists in their evaluation by providing feedback on their progress and performance. Assumes the responsibility for the immediate supervision and operation of the area to which assigned; including the supervision of technicians and students, organizing workflow, and handling all routine problems and responsibilities associated with that area. Assists in the collection, tabulation, and preparation of administrative data and reports pertinent to the controlled substance pharmacy program. Keeps the Pharmacy Supervisor informed of changes in the volume or nature of assigned duties which could affect job distribution or task assignments. Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday Tour may be adjusted or extended to meet the patient care needs Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54314-F

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. *HPTs who are on track to graduate/complete the requirements should respond as if they have met the requirements. Provide details in the narrative sections of the assessment. 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 website at: ACPE. (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. NOTE: Individuals who have or have had multiple licenses and had any such license revoked for professional misconduct, professional incompetence or substandard care, or who surrendered such license after receiving written notice of potential termination of such license by the State for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, are not eligible for appointment to the position unless such revoked or surrendered license is fully restored (38 U.S.C. § 7402(/)). 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. For grade levels above the GS-11, the candidate must be licensed. Grandfathering Provision. All licensed pharmacists employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Employees grandfathered into the GS-660 occupational series may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration, that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. If a licensed pharmacist who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. 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-11 Pharmacist: Experience, Education, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. (NOTE: See exception to licensure requirement in subparagraph 2c(1) above.) Assignment. Pharmacists at this grade level serve in a developmental capacity. GS-12 Clinical Pharmacist (Full Performance Level): Experience or Education. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet one of the following: 1. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, OR 2. Completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program. Assignment. A pharmacist in this assignment handles routine medication-related activities in accordance with local, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), and national policies and regulations. These include, but are not limited to: reviewing, interpreting, and verifying medication orders for appropriateness; processing and filling medication orders; interacting with and making recommendations to other clinical staff regarding medication therapy ordered to ensure safe and effective care; reviewing the patient's medications, allergies, labs, and other pertinent information from the medical record to identify and solve medication-related problems; contacting providers as appropriate; documenting recommendations and interventions; providing refill extensions and partial medication supplies; taking health and medication histories; performing medication reconciliation; providing drug information; Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): 1. Knowledge of professional pharmacy practice. 2. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to both patients and health care staff. 3. Knowledge of laws, regulations, and accreditation standards related to the distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs and pharmacy security. 4. Skill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters. Preferred Experience: 2 years of Outpatient Pharmacy Experience; 2 years of VA Controlled Substance Pharmacy Experience; 2 years of VA Controlled Substance Pharmacy Experience; Ability to process orders (medication and clinic) expeditiously and safely Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS11 to GS12. Physical Requirements: A Clinical Pharmacist/Clinical Pharmacy Specialist will be standing for periods of time, walking long distances, stooping, bending, stretching, lifting and carrying loads up to 44 pounds. Will communicate directly with patients and practitioners. Will need to input documentation into a computer. Must be able to reach above his/her shoulders and have the use of both hands and fingers. Must have the ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors.

How to Apply: 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 01/20/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12863713. 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. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Application Deadline: 2026-01-20