Advance Your Career as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist with the VA
Are you a dedicated pharmacist looking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have served our country? The South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) is currently seeking a highly skilled Clinical Pharmacy Specialist to join their oncology team in San Antonio, Texas. This role offers the opportunity to practice at the top of your license in a prestigious healthcare environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, your daily duties will be dynamic and intellectually stimulating. Key responsibilities include:
- Medication Management: Providing comprehensive therapy management for oncology and hematology patients.
- Regimen Oversight: Reviewing and adjusting chemotherapy and biologic regimens for dose and toxicity.
- Clinical Collaboration: Serving as a liaison between pharmacy, nursing, and physician teams to optimize cancer treatment plans.
- Education and Training: Precepting pharmacy residents and educating staff on complex pharmacotherapy.
- Research: Participating in and publishing clinical research and case studies.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A degree from an ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy.
- A current, unrestricted pharmacist license.
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Proficiency in English.
- Relevant experience at the GS-12 equivalent level.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Category | Basic Requirement | Preferred Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Pharm.D. or BS Pharmacy | PGY1 Residency + Oncology Training |
| Experience | Routine Clinical Pharmacy | Specialized Oncology Clinical Experience |
| Certification | State Licensure | BCOP Board Certification |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $146,389 to $190,308 per year. Beyond the compensation, the VA provides an robust benefits package, including:
- Generous federal health and retirement benefits (FERS and TSP).
- Ample annual and sick leave accrual.
- Continuing education support.
- Opportunities for career growth within a national healthcare network.
Application Tips
Applying for federal positions can be competitive. To maximize your chances:
- Use the Right Template: Ensure you use the specific Clinical Resume Document provided by the VA.
- Highlight Specialized Skills: Focus your resume on your oncology and hematology experience.
- Be Explicit: Clearly define your previous responsibilities to ensure recruiters recognize your GS-12 equivalent experience.
Joining the VA as an oncology-focused Clinical Pharmacy Specialist allows you to combine your clinical expertise with a mission-driven purpose. With a competitive salary and the opportunity to support the health of our nation's heroes, this is a career move that offers both professional satisfaction and personal pride.
Why This Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist) Job Matters
Transform cancer care for our nation’s heroes: The South Texas Veterans Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Clinical Pharmacy Specialist to lead oncology medication management in San Antonio.
Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist) Job Overview
Join the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in San Antonio, Texas. This specialized role centers on providing advanced medication therapy management for oncology and hematology patients. You will serve as a vital member of a multidisciplinary team, overseeing complex chemotherapy and biologic regimens, conducting pharmacokinetic monitoring, and directly impacting the health outcomes of those who have served our country.
Requirements for Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist)
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
- Graduate of an ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy with a BS or Pharm.D. degree.
- Full, current, and unrestricted pharmacist license from a U.S. State or Territory.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Ability to obtain/maintain necessary security clearances.
Preferred Qualifications for Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist)
- Completion of an ASHP-accredited PGY1 Pharmacy Residency.
- Completion of a PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency or significant clinical experience in oncology.
- Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) certification.
- Extensive experience in direct patient care within an oncology clinical scope of practice.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health Insurance
- ✓Federal Retirement Programs (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Generous Paid Time Off (Annual and Sick Leave)
- ✓Paid Federal Holidays
- ✓Continuing Education and Professional Development
- ✓Opportunities for Career Advancement within the VA system
đź’ˇ How to Apply Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist) Job
- Prepare your resume and supporting documents (DD-214, transcripts, licenses).
- Visit the USAJOBS portal to create or update your profile.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA website.
- Submit your application and complete the online questionnaire before the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal for notifications regarding your referral status.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
- Clearly highlight your oncology-specific clinical experience to match the preferred qualifications.
- Ensure all documentation, including professional certifications and state licenses, is legible and up-to-date.
- Double-check that you have uploaded the correct standard Clinical Resume Document to the specified 'Resume' field.
- Submit well before the deadline to account for potential technical delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position remote?
No, this is an onsite position in San Antonio, Texas, with limited ad-hoc telework availability per agency policy.
What level of experience is required for this role?
This position is at the GS-13 level, requiring professional pharmacy experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade, along with specialized clinical expertise in oncology.
Are relocation incentives available?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Does this job offer remote work?
While ad-hoc telework may be available per policy, this is an onsite role at the VA facility in San Antonio.
Do I need board certification?
Board certification in oncology (BCOP) is not strictly required but is highly preferred and will make you a more competitive candidate.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military. The South Texas Veterans Health Care System is one of the nation’s largest, operating across 35 counties and providing comprehensive health care to over 114,000 Veterans. With facilities like the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital, the system supports advanced medicine, surgery, and research in partnership with UT Health San Antonio.
External Resources
- ↗ USAJobs Application Portal
- ↗ Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
- ↗ VA Qualification Standards
- ↗ VA Benefits Information
- ↗ Clinical Resume Template
- ↗ U.S. Department of Education Accreditation
- ↗ Foreign Qualifications Recognition
- ↗ Form I-9 Acceptable Documents
- ↗ VA Careers Pharmacy Video
