Advance Your Career: Clinical Pharmacist Role at the VA Buffalo

Are you a dedicated pharmacist looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Clinical Pharmacist (Inpatient) to join the VA Western New York Healthcare System. This position offers a rare blend of high-level clinical responsibility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the stability of a federal career.

Job Responsibilities

The Clinical Pharmacist at the VA is a vital member of the inpatient healthcare team. Key responsibilities include:

Distributive Pharmacy: Managing medication orders, dispensing controlled substances, and ensuring strict adherence to pharmacy safety and security protocols.
Clinical Intervention: Reviewing patient medication profiles to identify drug-induced problems, adverse drug events, and therapeutic conflicts.
Collaboration: Providing consultations to physicians and nurses, participating in patient care rounds, and recommending evidence-based therapeutic care plans.
Education: Assisting in the training of residents, medical students, and pharmacy staff, while also counseling Veterans on their medication regimens.

Requirements

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

Educational Background: A degree from an ACPE-accredited Pharmacy school.
Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy.
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
Physical Fitness: Must be able to perform standard pharmacy duties which include standing, walking, and light lifting.

Feature	Details
Salary	$134,789 - $175,229 per year
Location	Buffalo, New York
Job Series	0660 Pharmacist
Grade Level	GS-12
Closing Date	November 4, 2026

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-12 grade level, with an annual salary range of $134,789 to $175,229. Compensation is designed to reflect the high level of specialized clinical expertise required for this role.

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, generous vacation leave, and a strong work-life balance culture.

Application Tips

Customize Your Resume: Clearly highlight your inpatient or hospital experience.
Check Your Documents: Ensure your license and transcripts are attached correctly.
Meet the Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on November 4, 2026.

Serving as a Clinical Pharmacist at the VA in Buffalo is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to serve those who have served us. If you possess the clinical skill and the heart for service, we encourage you to apply today.

Why This Clinical Pharmacist (Inpatient) Job Matters

Advance your pharmacy career with a mission-driven role at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Join our dedicated clinical team in Buffalo, NY, and provide life-changing care to the heroes who served our nation.

Clinical Pharmacist (Inpatient) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a highly skilled Clinical Pharmacist (Inpatient) to join the VA Western New York Healthcare System. This critical role involves direct and indirect patient care, drug therapy monitoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration. You will play a vital part in clinical decision-making, ensuring that our Veterans receive the safest and most effective medication management strategies. From performing medication reconciliations to counseling patients and supervising pharmacy technicians, this position offers a dynamic environment where your expertise directly impacts patient outcomes.

Requirements for Clinical Pharmacist (Inpatient)

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be considered only if qualified citizens are unavailable).
Graduate of an ACPE-accredited College or School of Pharmacy with a BS Pharmacy or Pharm.D. degree.
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
Must successfully complete a background security investigation.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Pharmacist (Inpatient)

Three or more years of professional inpatient or hospital pharmacy experience.
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex medication information to clinical staff and patients.
Experience with pharmacy informatics, formulary management, and adverse drug event reporting.
Knowledge of federal laws and accreditation standards regarding controlled substances.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS)
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
✓Competitive salary based on GS-12 pay scales
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Paid federal holidays
✓Life insurance and long-term care insurance options

💡 How to Apply Clinical Pharmacist (Inpatient) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Clinical Pharmacist (Inpatient) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or CV detailing your relevant clinical experience.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including licenses, transcripts, and any applicable veteran preference documents (DD-214).
Submit your application package before the closing date of November 4, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume—detail your experience with inpatient care and clinical interventions.
Ensure your pharmacy license information is current and clearly listed.
Review your application package for completeness before the deadline; missing documents may disqualify your entry.
Check your application status frequently by logging into your USAJOBS dashboard.
Address all KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) in your resume to demonstrate your proficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this role?

The Clinical Pharmacist focuses on distributive and clinical support, including medication order verification, patient consultation, interdisciplinary team rounds, and drug therapy optimization.

Is residency experience creditable?

Yes, residency and fellowship programs in specialized clinical pharmacy practice accredited by ASHP or with comparable standards may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

What is the shift structure?

The role follows a recurring schedule requiring work every other weekend, including Friday through Monday shifts, to ensure continuous pharmacy coverage.

Can I apply if I am currently finishing my residency?

*A: Yes, residency training may be considered toward the experience requirements.*

What is the work schedule?

*A: This position requires working every other weekend, typically from Friday to Monday.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served in our military. Our mission is to provide compassionate, whole-health care to Veterans and their families. Joining the VHA means becoming part of a community that values clinical excellence and service above all else.