Advance Your Career: Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Ambulatory Mental Health

Are you a dedicated pharmacist looking to elevate your clinical practice? The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly motivated Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (CPS) to join the Ambulatory Care Mental Health team at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. This is a unique opportunity to serve those who have served our country while operating at the top of your professional license.

About the Agency: Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We are dedicated to providing "Whole Health" care, an approach that empowers Veterans to take charge of their well-being. By joining our team, you become part of a compassionate network committed to clinical excellence, research, and innovation.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will function as a mid-level provider. Your duties will be varied and highly clinical, including:

Clinical Practice: Leading independent medication therapy management clinics.
Patient Care: Initiating, modifying, and discontinuing medication therapy based on patient needs.
Assessment: Performing physical assessments and ordering laboratory or diagnostic tests to monitor efficacy.
Consultation: Providing expert recommendations to physicians, nurse practitioners, and interdisciplinary teams.
Documentation: Maintaining accurate clinical records in the electronic health record system.

Requirements

Candidates must meet stringent criteria to ensure the highest quality of care for our Veterans:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education	Pharm.D. or BS in Pharmacy from an ACPE-accredited school.
Licensure	Current, full, and unrestricted U.S. license.
Residency	PGY-1/PGY-2 (Psychiatric preferred) is highly desirable.
Experience	Must demonstrate advanced clinical knowledge in psychiatric pharmacy.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive federal salary range of $154,482 to $200,829. Beyond the base salary, VHA employees enjoy a robust benefits package that includes federal retirement contributions, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, and generous paid time off.

Application Tips

To ensure your application stands out:

Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your specific experience with psychiatric medications and ambulatory care is prominent.
Submit All Documents: Incomplete packages are the number one reason for disqualification.
Use the Questionnaire: Answer the screening questionnaire carefully as it is a critical component of the merit-based selection process.

This position is more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing world-class care to our Veterans. If you possess the clinical expertise and the passion for psychiatric pharmacy, apply today and join our mission-driven team in Ann Arbor.

Why This Pharmacist(Clinical Specialist) - Ambulatory Care Mental Health Job Matters

Transform mental health care outcomes as a specialized Clinical Pharmacist within the esteemed VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

Pharmacist(Clinical Specialist) - Ambulatory Care Mental Health Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Clinical Pharmacy Specialist to join the Ambulatory Care Mental Health team in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In this role, you will operate as a mid-level provider, independently managing medication therapy for Veterans. You will play a critical role in designing, monitoring, and adjusting therapeutic plans, serving as an expert consultant to interdisciplinary teams to ensure patient-centric outcomes.

Requirements for Pharmacist(Clinical Specialist) - Ambulatory Care Mental Health

U.S. Citizenship.
Graduation from an ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy with a BS or Pharm.D.
Current, full, and unrestricted pharmacy license in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Completion of a 2-year trial period.
Pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
Successful background and security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Pharmacist(Clinical Specialist) - Ambulatory Care Mental Health

Completion of a PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency.
Completion of a PGY-2 Psychiatric Pharmacy Practice Residency.
Equivalent professional experience in a psychiatric pharmacy setting.
Demonstrated ability to influence clinical and management decisions through advanced communication skills.
Expert knowledge of regulatory and clinical quality standards.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
✓Generous federal retirement and pension programs.
✓Paid annual leave and sick leave accrual.
✓Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
✓Contribution to a mission-driven environment serving Veterans.
✓Participation in the federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

💡 How to Apply Pharmacist(Clinical Specialist) - Ambulatory Care Mental Health Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Pharmacist(Clinical Specialist) - Ambulatory Care Mental Health Job

Create or update your account on the federal job portal.
Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or CV detailing your clinical experience.
Gather necessary documentation, including pharmacy licenses and official transcripts.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application and all supporting documents before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly highlights your clinical pharmacy practice experience, especially regarding psychiatric care.
Double-check that your license information is current and active.
Submit your transcripts early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
Use the 'Other' attachment category to include any relevant certifications if a specific slot is not listed.
Review your answers on the questionnaire to ensure they align with the KSA requirements mentioned in the job description.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for telework?

No, this is an on-site clinical position within the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

What is the primary focus of this role?

The focus is on Ambulatory Care Mental Health, specifically medication therapy management, patient assessments, and collaborative care within a mental health clinic setting.

Can foreign-trained pharmacists apply?

Yes, provided you have obtained FPGEC Certification and met all other licensure and English proficiency requirements.

What is the work schedule like?

Generally 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, though the schedule may be negotiable.

Is there relocation assistance?

Relocation incentives are currently not authorized for this specific vacancy.