Advance Your Career: Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Iowa City VA

The Iowa City VA Health Care System is seeking a highly skilled Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (CPS) to join our Palliative Care team. This is more than a pharmacy role; it is an opportunity to provide compassionate, high-level clinical care to the men and women who have served our nation. If you are a pharmacist dedicated to excellence, symptom management, and interdisciplinary collaboration, we want to hear from you.

Job Responsibilities

As a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Hospice and Palliative Care, your daily work will include:

Direct Patient Care: Managing medication therapies, performing physical assessments, and ordering/interpreting laboratory tests.
Clinical Leadership: Serving as a key member of the palliative care team to guide goals-of-care discussions.
Education: Precepting pharmacy residents, students, and medical staff on palliative pharmacotherapy.
Operations: Maintaining safety standards, formulary management, and participating in quality initiatives.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

U.S. Citizenship.
Valid, unrestricted pharmacy license.
Graduate degree from an ACPE-accredited Pharmacy program.
Proficiency in English.
Ability to clear a background investigation and physical exam.

Comparison: Standard Pharmacist vs. Clinical Pharmacy Specialist

Feature	Standard Pharmacist	Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (CPS)
Core Focus	Medication Distribution	Advanced Clinical Care
Autonomy	Routine Monitoring	Independent Practice Scope
Patient Interaction	Minimal/Consultative	High/Direct Care Provider
Team Role	Support Staff	Member of Clinical Team

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $127,068 to $165,190 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance and federal retirement plans.
Paid leave and vacation time.
Professional development and teaching opportunities.
Access to cutting-edge research facilities.

Application Tips

Use the Template: Use the specific VA-provided resume document to ensure your application is processed correctly.
Highlight KSAs: Draft a separate document covering the specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities requested in the job post.
Double-Check Deadlines: Submit your application by September 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

Serving our veterans is a noble pursuit. As a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Iowa City VA, you will combine your clinical expertise with a mission-driven approach to end-of-life care. Apply today to start your journey with a team that values your skill and commitment.

Why This Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on Veterans' end-of-life care as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the 5-Star rated Iowa City VA Health Care System.

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Job Overview

The Iowa City VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (CPS) to join our multidisciplinary Hospice and Palliative Care team. In this specialized role, you will serve as a key clinical advisor, working directly with patients, families, and providers to manage complex medication therapies, optimize symptom management, and guide meaningful goals-of-care discussions. We are a premier teaching facility affiliated with the University of Iowa, offering a collaborative environment that values innovation and high-quality care for our nation's heroes.

Requirements for Clinical Pharmacy Specialist

Must be a United States Citizen.
Graduate of an ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy with a BS or Pharm.D.
Full, current, and unrestricted pharmacist license in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Ability to complete a background and security investigation.
Requirement to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Pharmacy Specialist

Expert knowledge in palliative care pharmacotherapy and symptom management.
Advanced skills in physical assessment and laboratory interpretation.
Experience in precepting pharmacy residents and students.
Strong ability to influence clinical management decisions through effective communication.
Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems and organize programs for optimal patient outcomes.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary and federal pay scales.
✓Opportunities for professional growth in a 5-Star rated hospital.
✓Collaboration with top-tier academic partners.
✓Access to VA research departments and programs.
✓Annual leave accrual based on federal service years.
✓Comprehensive federal health and retirement benefits package.

💡 How to Apply Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Download the mandatory Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA Careers link.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload your resume, pharmacy license, and academic transcripts.
Submit your application package by the closing date of September 8, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly highlights your clinical pharmacy experience.
Address all Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) in a separate document for the best chance of selection.
Double-check that your license information is accurate and attached.
Utilize the standard Clinical Resume template provided by the VA.
Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS account dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this clinical pharmacy position?

This position focuses on Hospice and Palliative Care, providing direct patient medication management, symptom control, and facilitating difficult goals-of-care conversations.

Are there opportunities for teaching in this role?

Yes, this role involves significant education and precepting responsibilities, including training pharmacy residents, students, and nursing staff.

Is this a remote or virtual position?

No, this is an onsite position located in Iowa City, Iowa, and does not offer remote or virtual work options.

Can I perform my duties remotely?

No, this is an onsite position requiring active engagement with our clinical teams and veterans in Iowa City.

Is there an opportunity to teach residents?

Absolutely. Education is a core component of this role, and you will be expected to train students and residents.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

Since 1952, the Iowa City VA Health Care System has provided exceptional care to veterans across Eastern Iowa, Western Illinois, and Northern Missouri. We are a 5-Star CMS-rated facility and home to the Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE). As a major teaching hospital, we pride ourselves on a culture of innovation and continuous professional development.