Advance Your Career as an Associate Service Chief of Pharmacy at the VA
Are you a dedicated clinical pharmacy leader looking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking an Associate Service Chief for Pharmacy Primary Care & Specialty Clinic Services at the prestigious VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS). This high-level position offers the chance to lead complex clinical programs within one of the most prominent medical research and teaching centers in the country.
Job Responsibilities
The Associate Service Chief plays a critical role in the management and strategic direction of the Pharmacy Service. You will lead a robust team, including Pharmacy Supervisors, Facility Program Managers, and Clinical Pharmacy Specialists. Key duties include:
- Leadership & Supervision: Managing 11.0 FTEE direct reports and overseeing second-level reports across various clinical disciplines.
- Clinical Program Oversight: Planning and implementing pharmacy services for Primary Care, Infectious Disease, Hematology/Oncology, and more.
- Quality Management: Developing systems of internal reviews to ensure compliance with Joint Commission standards and VHA regulations.
- Residency Support: Providing guidance to PGY1 and PGY2 Pharmacy Residency programs.
- Collaboration: Working closely with executive leadership, medical staff, and specialty section chiefs to drive organizational goals.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following federal requirements:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Education: A Doctor of Pharmacy or Baccalaureate in Pharmacy from an ACPE-accredited school.
- Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice.
- Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 level.
- Proficiency: Advanced spoken and written English skills.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement | Essential | Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy License | Required | N/A |
| Pharmacy Residency | Recommended | PGY-1 and PGY-2 Completion |
| Leadership | 1 Year GS-13 Level | 2+ Years Supervisor Experience |
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-14 grade level, with an annual salary range of $209,520 to $228,000.
Benefits
Beyond a competitive salary, the VA offers an unparalleled support system for its healthcare professionals, including:
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Professional Growth: Access to elite clinical teaching and research environments.
- Health and Wellness: Comprehensive Federal health, dental, and retirement programs.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Ensure every KSA (Knowledge, Skill, Ability) is addressed.
- Documentation: Use the specific Clinical Resume template provided on the VA careers site.
- Detailing: Be specific about your supervisory history and the size/scope of teams you have managed.
- Deadlines: All applications must be received by 11:59 PM (ET) on August 27, 2026.
Serving as the Associate Service Chief at the VA Palo Alto is a chance to lead at the intersection of clinical excellence and academic innovation. If you are ready to apply your leadership skills to improve the health outcomes of our Veterans, we encourage you to apply today.
Why This Associate Service Chief - Pharmacy Primary Care & Specialty Clinic Services Job Matters
Lead transformative clinical pharmacy programs at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, a prestigious teaching hospital affiliated with Stanford University.
Associate Service Chief - Pharmacy Primary Care & Specialty Clinic Services Job Overview
The VA Palo Alto Health Care System is seeking an experienced Associate Service Chief to provide strategic leadership for Primary Care and Specialty Pharmacy services. This high-level position involves managing clinical operations, supervising a diverse team of professionals, and ensuring exceptional patient care delivery for our nation's Veterans. This role is based in Palo Alto, California, at a facility recognized for its research excellence and commitment to innovative patient care.
Requirements for Associate Service Chief - Pharmacy Primary Care & Specialty Clinic Services
- United States Citizenship
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Graduate of an ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy with a BS or Pharm.D. degree
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a U.S. state, territory, or district
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and security investigation
- Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements
Preferred Qualifications for Associate Service Chief - Pharmacy Primary Care & Specialty Clinic Services
- Minimum of two years of Pharmacy Supervisor experience
- Prior Clinical Pharmacy Specialist work experience
- Completion of a PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency
- Completion of a PGY-2 Pharmacy Residency
- Proven track record in supervising Pharmacy Supervisors and developing clinical pharmacy services
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package
- ✓Access to state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and residency program oversight
- ✓Annual leave accrual based on service years
💡 How to Apply Associate Service Chief - Pharmacy Primary Care & Specialty Clinic Services Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Associate Service Chief - Pharmacy Primary Care & Specialty Clinic Services Job
- Create or log into a USAJOBS account.
- Complete the required occupational questionnaire.
- Prepare your resume, pharmacy license, and academic transcripts.
- Download and upload the standard Clinical Resume Document as instructed.
- Submit your application and all supporting documentation by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly articulates how your experience meets the specific KSAs listed.
- Do not omit the required one-page Clinical Resume document; failure to upload it correctly may impact your application.
- Verify that your pharmacist license is current and upload a legible copy.
- Double-check that all transcripts are included if your education is being used to qualify for the position.
- Submit well in advance of the August 27, 2026, deadline to avoid technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?
Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan payment reimbursement up to $200,000 for qualified candidates.
Can I perform this job remotely?
No, this is an onsite position located at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, and telework is not available for this role.
What is the EDRP program?
It is the Education Debt Reduction Program which assists eligible health professionals in paying down student loans.
Is this a remote role?
No, this position requires physical presence at the Palo Alto facility.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Palo Alto Health Care System is a vital component of the VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21). As a major teaching hospital affiliated with Stanford University Medical Center, VAPAHCS serves over 67,000 enrolled Veterans. Our facility provides comprehensive healthcare, ranging from primary care to tertiary and long-term treatment. We are recognized globally for our leadership in research and development, supported by the Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR).