Advance Patient Safety as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist with the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, compassionate care to the heroes who have served our nation. As the VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) continues to grow, we are looking for a dedicated and analytical Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist-Patient Safety) to join our team in Dallas. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to work at the intersection of clinical pharmacy, data analytics, and patient safety systems.
Job Responsibilities
As a Patient Safety Clinical Specialist, you will act as a subject matter expert, guiding interdisciplinary teams through systemic improvements. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and supporting patient safety initiatives to reduce Adverse Drug Events (ADEs).
- Facilitating Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (HFMEA) processes.
- Developing data dashboards and reports to inform management and clinical decisions.
- Serving as a resource for frontline staff on medication safety and regulatory compliance.
- Collaborating with the Patient Safety Manager to foster a High Reliability Organization (HRO) culture.
Requirements
To be considered for this prestigious position, candidates must meet specific federal requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: Completion of a degree from an ACPE-accredited College or School of Pharmacy.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a U.S. state or territory.
- Experience: At least one year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-12 level.
- Screening: Successful completion of pre-employment physical and drug testing.
Salary Overview
This position is categorized at the GS-13 level, offering a robust salary range reflective of the expertise required.
| Position Level | Salary Range | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Specialist (GS-13) | $143,798 - $186,940 | Dallas, TX |
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package designed to support work-life balance and long-term financial health, including:
- Extensive health and life insurance options.
- Competitive retirement programs.
- Generous leave accrual (annual and sick).
- Professional networking and growth opportunities in a national healthcare system.
Application Tips
Your application is your first chance to demonstrate your expertise. Ensure you provide a detailed, long-form CV that highlights your specific contributions to quality improvement, data analysis, and patient safety. Because the VA uses a structured review process, verify that your SF-50 forms clearly indicate your time-in-grade to avoid unnecessary delays.
If you are a clinical pharmacist looking to shift your focus toward patient safety science and organizational improvement, the VA North Texas Health Care System provides the perfect environment for your professional growth. Join us in fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served.
Why This Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist-Patient Safety) Job Matters
Join the VA North Texas Health Care System as a Patient Safety Clinical Specialist and help shape the future of veteran care through expert pharmaceutical oversight and high-reliability systems.
Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist-Patient Safety) Job Overview
The VA North Texas Health Care System is seeking an experienced Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (Patient Safety) to lead initiatives in medication safety, system redesign, and patient outcome improvement. As a vital member of the team, you will collaborate across disciplines to drive the facility's Patient Safety Program, analyze clinical data, and implement evidence-based practices that ensure the highest standards of safety for the nation's Veterans.
Requirements for Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist-Patient Safety)
- U.S. Citizenship (unless non-citizenship recruitment is authorized).
- Graduate of an ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy with a BS or Pharm.D. degree.
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Minimum of one year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
- Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance/suitability.
- Requirement for annual seasonal influenza vaccination (or approved exemption).
Preferred Qualifications for Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist-Patient Safety)
- Experience with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems such as CPRS or Essentris.
- Proven background in policy review and institutional quality improvement projects.
- Prior committee experience focused on Quality or Patient Safety.
- Demonstrated expertise in accreditation survey readiness and clinical auditing.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Federal Health and Life Insurance
- ✓Federal Retirement Plans (FERS)
- ✓Generous Paid Annual and Sick Leave
- ✓Federal Holidays
- ✓Opportunities for Professional Development and Training
- ✓Service credit for leave accrual based on prior experience
💡 How to Apply Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist-Patient Safety) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist-Patient Safety) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a detailed long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Review the full vacancy announcement for necessary documentation (SF-50, transcripts, licenses).
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the provided USA Staffing portal.
- Submit your application and all required documents by the 11:59 PM ET deadline on 10/13/2026.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard for email notifications.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—do not assume the recruiter knows your day-to-day duties.
- Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Submit all required documents as a complete package to avoid disqualification.
- Verify your degree accreditation status using the ACPE website prior to applying.
- Highlight any previous experience with Lean systems or patient safety investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this role?
The role centers on the Patient Safety Program, where you will use pharmacy expertise to analyze medication systems, conduct safety investigations, and lead initiatives to reduce adverse drug events.
Is this position remote?
No, this is not a virtual or remote position. It is based at the VA North Texas Health Care System campus in Dallas, Texas.
What is the commitment regarding influenza vaccinations?
As a VA Health Care Personnel (HCP) role, annual seasonal influenza vaccination is a mandatory condition of employment, subject to limited medical or religious exemptions.
What is the work schedule?
The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, this position does not offer relocation or recruitment incentives.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
VANTHCS is one of the busiest VA systems in the United States. Serving approximately 500,000 veterans across 40 counties, our system includes the Dallas VA Medical Center, clinics in Fort Worth, Tyler, and Bonham, and community-based outreach programs. As a major teaching and research center in partnership with UT Southwestern Medical Center, we prioritize high-reliability, evidence-based care in all our departments.