Advance Your Career as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist with the VA
Are you a highly skilled pharmacist looking to elevate your clinical practice while serving those who have served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Eastern Colorado Health Care System is currently hiring a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist to join our PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) initiative. This is a unique opportunity to function as an advanced practice provider, working independently to influence patient outcomes in a dynamic, high-acuity environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, you will act as a mid-level provider with a defined scope of practice. Your primary responsibilities include:
- Direct Patient Care: Conducting face-to-face and telehealth encounters to initiate, monitor, and adjust medication therapy.
- Clinical Assessment: Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and performing physical assessments within your scope of practice.
- Transition of Care: Leading medication reconciliation efforts post-discharge to reduce poly-pharmacy discrepancies.
- Clinical Leadership: Serving as an expert consultant to interdisciplinary teams regarding complex medication regimens and non-formulary requests.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-13 position, candidates must meet rigorous professional standards, including:
- Licensure: You must possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy.
- Education: A graduate degree from an ACPE-accredited program is required.
- Experience: Candidates must demonstrate expert knowledge in a specialized area of clinical pharmacy, ideally supported by residency training or board certification.
Comparison of Potential Qualifications
| Experience Level | Preferred Credentials |
|---|---|
| Entry Clinical | Pharm.D. + PGY-1 |
| Advanced Clinical | PGY-2 or 1+ years experience |
| Specialty Practice | BCPS/BCACP/BCGP Certification |
Salary and Benefits
The VA provides a competitive compensation package designed to support our providers' quality of life. Salaries for this role range from $138,024 to $183,689 annually. Beyond the salary, our benefits include:
- Comprehensive Insurance: Health, dental, vision, and long-term care options.
- Generous Leave: Up to 50 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and holidays).
- Work-Life Balance: Access to paid parental leave and childcare subsidy programs.
- Retirement Security: Federal pension benefits combined with a 401(k)-style investment plan.
Application Tips
When applying for a federal position, precision is key. Ensure your resume highlights your clinical decision-making skills rather than just administrative duties. Be prepared to provide clear documentation of your licensure and residency completion status. Utilize the USAJOBS portal to track your application after submission.
This position is more than a job; it is a commitment to excellence in pharmacy practice and a duty to the brave men and women of our armed forces. If you possess the clinical depth and the desire to serve, we encourage you to submit your application and become a part of the VA community in Colorado.
Why This Pharmacist-Clinical Specialist Pact (Intermittent) Job Matters
Transform lives as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist with the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System. Provide expert, independent care for our nation's heroes in an innovative, patient-centered environment.
Pharmacist-Clinical Specialist Pact (Intermittent) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated and autonomous Pharmacist-Clinical Specialist (PACT) to join our team in Colorado. In this intermittent, advanced-practice role, you will function as a mid-level provider, utilizing your clinical expertise to manage medication therapy, conduct patient assessments, and drive positive outcomes for Veterans. This position offers the opportunity to work within a state-of-the-art health system that values professional growth, collaborative interdisciplinary care, and the unique needs of those who have served.
Requirements for Pharmacist-Clinical Specialist Pact (Intermittent)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Hold a full, current, and unrestricted pharmacist license in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Graduate of an ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy with a BS Pharmacy or Pharm.D. degree.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Must undergo a background and security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Pharmacist-Clinical Specialist Pact (Intermittent)
- Completed PGY-2 Pharmacy Residency.
- Completed PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency with at least one year of ambulatory care clinical experience.
- Board certification (BCPS, BCACP, or BCGP).
- Extensive clinical experience in ambulatory care settings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
- ✓Federal pension system and 401(k) retirement options with agency matching.
- ✓Generous paid time off, including 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave.
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees.
💡 How to Apply Pharmacist-Clinical Specialist Pact (Intermittent) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Pharmacist-Clinical Specialist Pact (Intermittent) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your long-form resume and supporting documentation (licenses, transcripts, etc.).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough when describing your clinical experience.
- Ensure all documentation, including licenses and transcripts, is clearly labeled and uploaded.
- Check your application status frequently via your USAJOBS portal.
- Review your responses to the questionnaire carefully before final submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nature of this position?
This is an intermittent position, meaning hours may vary based on service needs. It is an Advanced Practice Provider role operating under a defined Scope of Practice.
Is relocation assistance available?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Can I work remotely?
While some ad-hoc telework may be available based on service needs, this is not a fully remote or virtual position.
What does 'intermittent' mean in this context?
*A: It means the work hours may fluctuate based on service demand rather than a standard full-time fixed schedule.*
Are there opportunities for professional growth?
*A: Absolutely. As a teaching hospital with robust research opportunities, the ECHCS environment is designed to stimulate continuous clinical growth.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to provide compassionate, whole-health care to our Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Joining our team in Colorado means working within a system that bridges the gap between state-of-the-art research and direct clinical application.