Pharmacy Supervisor (PADR)

US Department of Veterans Affairs; Hines (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

US Department of Veterans Affairs Pharmacy Service is seeking a GS-13 Pharmacist (Pharmacy Supervisor) to plan, direct, and coordinate the medical center's Clinical Outcomes and Formulary Management program. The incumbent supervises staff adjudicating prior authorization drug requests and collaborates with VISN leadership to optimize drug use for patients at this medical center.

The role emphasizes improved patient outcomes at lower cost, leadership of pharmacy staff, and compliance with VA

Qualifications

• Pharmacist must meet ACPE education requirements (BS Pharm or Pharm.D.) or foreign equivalent with FPGEC certification if applicable.
• Full, current license to practice pharmacy in a U.S. state or equivalent.
• Evidence of English proficiency and ability to communicate in writing.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and coordinate the COFM program within the medical center.
• Supervise staff responsible for adjudication of PADRs and monitor cost-saving initiatives.
• Collaborate with VISN leadership to optimize pharmaceutical product use and patient outcomes.

Skills

Clinical decision making

Regulatory knowledge

Cost management

Staff supervision

Communication skills

Independent judgment

Program leadership

Education

BS Pharmacy or Pharm.D.

FPGEC Certification (foreign degree)

ACPE transcripts required

Tools

Oracle systems

Database/Spreadsheet programs

Job description

This position is located within Pharmacy Service and is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the medical center's Clinical Outcomes and Formulary Management (COFM) program. The incumbent supervises staff responsible for the adjudication of prior authorization drug requests (PADRs) and works in conjunction with VISN leadership to optimize the use of pharmaceutical products for patients served at the Medical Center, with emphasis on producing better outcomes at a lower cost.

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.
• English Language Proficiency: Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• 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: [phone], 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.) (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)
  • -OR-
  • 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). (DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED)
• 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.

Grade Determinations

GS-13 Pharmacist (Pharmacy Supervisor)

Experience

Experience: In addition to the GS-12 requirements, must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) VA or Non VA Experience

• Examples of GS-12 experience includes, but is not limited to: clinical, administrative, and supervisory responsibilities, clinical knowledge and the ability to apply established criteria and evidence-based medicine are required for the adjudication of prior authorization drug requests (PADRs), along with administrative and supervisory skills for the development and oversight of strategies for meeting and monitoring cost-saving initiatives. Additionally, clinical knowledge is needed to provide comprehensive medication management (CMM) in ambulatory specialty clinics (e.g., gastroenterology, dermatology, pulmonary, rheumatology, etc.) to assist with various clinical requests including but not limited to, initial therapy selection, monitoring, adjustments, education, and compliance assessment. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required, as the incumbent works closely with providers, pharmacy staff, and other medical center personnel. The position requires computer expertise, particularly in database/spreadsheet programs and data analysis, to evaluate and report program metrics. Develops a vision and goals for the program, leads future program development, and ensures compliance with national, VISN, and local policies and initiatives. Familiarity with VA rules, VA clinical direction (e.g., criteria for use), and ethical conduct is required to attain a position of clinical and administrative leadership.

In addition, must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (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.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent technical judgment, without the need for readily available supervision, and comprehensive working knowledge of the most complex practices and procedures.
• Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate pharmacy staff and lead program level initiatives.

Preferred Experience

Prior supervisory experience, PGY2-HSPAL experience working with prior authorizations or a specialty program, and/or experience with Oracle systems preferred.

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.

Physical Requirements

• The incumbent must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the duties of the position.
• The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time, looking at computer screens and other digital devices throughout the day, typing, walking distances within the medical center, frequent twisting/turning, and bending/stooping.
• The incumbent must be able to perform lifting/carrying, pushing, or pulling different types of equipment such as cabinets, carts or supplies weighing at maximum 50 pounds through various terrains.
• This position routinely prepares medications that require special handling and documentation including but not limited to hazardous drug medications. Must be able to wear appropriate respiratory and other