Advancing Veteran Care: Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Careers at the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, comprehensive healthcare to those who have served our country. As part of this mission, the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) is looking for experienced, passionate Clinical Pharmacy Specialists to join their PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) initiative. This role is a unique opportunity to function at the highest level of clinical practice, driving positive patient outcomes in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (CPS), you will act as a mid-level provider with a high degree of autonomy. Key responsibilities include:

Direct Patient Care: Manage medication therapy for chronic diseases through face-to-face, telephone, and telehealth encounters.
Clinical Judgment: Initiate, titrate, and discontinue medications, ensuring the most effective and least toxic therapeutic plans.
Diagnostic Collaboration: Order and interpret laboratory tests, perform physical assessments, and adjust treatments based on clinical findings.
Education: Serve as a subject matter expert for healthcare teams and provide comprehensive education to Veterans regarding their medication regimens.

Comparison of Clinical Roles

Feature	Clinical Pharmacy Specialist	General Staff Pharmacist
Autonomy	High (Scope of Practice)	Moderate (Collaborative)
Patient Interaction	Direct/Long-term	Primarily Dispensing
Scope	Medication Therapy Management	Dispensing/Verification

Requirements

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

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: Graduate of an ACPE-accredited Pharmacy program.
Licensure: Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license.
Proficiency: Must be highly proficient in written and spoken English.
Compliance: Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive salary range between $138,024 and $183,689 per year, commensurate with experience and specific clinical certifications.

Benefits

Work-Life Balance: Generous leave accrual and federal holiday schedule.
Retirement: Includes a federal pension and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency matching.
Insurance: Extensive options for health, vision, dental, and life coverage that can transition into retirement.
Flexibility: Access to child care subsidies and parental leave programs.

Application Tips

Be Detailed: Since the VA cannot make assumptions, clearly document your experience with physical assessments and medication therapy management.
Highlight Certifications: Emphasize your PGY-2 residency or board certifications (BCPS/BCACP).
Stay Organized: Ensure all supporting documents—transcripts, licenses, and SF-50s if applicable—are uploaded before the closing date.

A career as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist with the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System is more than just a job; it is a chance to contribute to a mission of healing and honor. If you possess the clinical expertise and dedication to provide top-tier care to Veterans, we encourage you to apply today.

Why This Pharmacist-Clinical Specialist Pact (Intermittent) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on Veteran health—join the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System as an intermittent Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and provide expert care where it matters most.

Pharmacist-Clinical Specialist Pact (Intermittent) Job Overview

The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) is seeking a dedicated and skilled Pharmacist-Clinical Specialist (PACT) to provide advanced, patient-centered care to our nation's Veterans. This intermittent role offers the opportunity to work autonomously within a dynamic, interdisciplinary primary care team. You will function as a mid-level provider, managing complex medication therapies for chronic conditions and serving as a clinical expert for both patients and healthcare staff. This position is located in the vibrant Denver metro area and surrounding communities, offering a perfect balance of clinical complexity and quality of life.

Requirements for Pharmacist-Clinical Specialist Pact (Intermittent)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
Graduate of an ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy with a BS or Pharm.D. degree.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Ability to complete a background and security investigation.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.

Preferred Qualifications for Pharmacist-Clinical Specialist Pact (Intermittent)

Completion of a PGY-2 Pharmacy Residency.
Completion of a PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency plus at least one year of Ambulatory Care clinical experience.
Board Certification (BCPS, BCACP, or BCGP).
Extensive clinical experience in an Ambulatory Care setting.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with potential for increases.
✓Generous paid time off (up to 37-50 days per year including annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays).
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance packages.
✓Federal pension plan and 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching.
✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
✓Potential for childcare subsidies for qualified families.

💡 How to Apply Pharmacist-Clinical Specialist Pact (Intermittent) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Pharmacist-Clinical Specialist Pact (Intermittent) Job

Create or update your account on USAJOBS.
Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or CV highlighting your clinical experience.
Gather necessary documentation, including pharmacy licenses and official transcripts.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application link.
Submit your complete application package before the deadline of November 2, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses the clinical duties mentioned in the job announcement.
Double-check that all required documents are attached before hitting submit.
Highlight any experience with telehealth or virtual clinical care.
Use the 'Status' tab in your account to monitor your application progress after submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'intermittent' mean for this position?

It means the hours are based on service needs, providing flexibility while allowing you to maintain professional expertise.

Can I work remotely?

While the role supports ad-hoc telework based on service needs, this is not a fully remote or virtual position; it requires clinical presence within the health care system's catchment area.

Is relocation assistance available?

No, this position does not offer relocation incentives.

Does this role require night shifts?

The schedule is Monday-Friday, intermittent, with no holiday work.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. ECHCS, headquartered in Aurora, Colorado, serves as a hub of excellence, offering state-of-the-art facilities, advanced research, and educational opportunities. The system covers the Denver metro area and surrounding regions, offering a lifestyle that balances modern professional success with the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains.