Advance Your Career as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Pain Management at the VA
Are you a dedicated pharmacist looking to apply your clinical expertise in a high-impact, compassionate healthcare environment? The Washington DC VA Medical Center is currently seeking a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (CPS) to join their Pain Management team. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of pain care for our nation’s Veterans while working within one of the most prestigious healthcare systems in the country.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will function as a vital member of the pain management team. Your core duties include:
- Direct Patient Care: Conducting initial assessments, initiating patient agreements, and performing medication reconciliation.
- Clinical Recommendations: Collaborating with physicians and nurses to optimize pain management strategies and reduce medication errors.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Analyzing laboratory results and diagnostic parameters to ensure safe and effective therapy.
- Education & Research: Mentoring pharmacy residents, providing drug information to medical staff, and participating in pain management research.
- Quality Improvement: Leading initiatives to improve the effectiveness of pain services and performing pharmacoeconomic analyses.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen. |
| Education | Pharm.D. or BS Pharmacy from an ACPE-accredited institution. |
| Licensure | Current, full, and unrestricted pharmacy license. |
| Language | Proficient in spoken and written English. |
| Screening | Must pass physical and drug testing requirements. |
Salary Overview
The position is designated at the GS-13 grade level. The salary range for this role is $171,494 to $222,945 per year. The VA offers competitive pay with regular salary increases and the potential for higher step placement based on unique qualifications or specialized experience.
Benefits
Joining the VA means investing in your future. Benefits include:
- Generous Leave: Accrue 13–26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually.
- Work-Life Balance: Access to paid parental leave after your first year.
- Retirement: Benefit from a traditional federal pension and a 401(k)-style plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- Healthcare: Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision coverage that remains accessible into retirement.
Application Tips
- Be Precise: When describing your work history, use specific examples of your clinical decisions and contributions to patient outcomes.
- Check Your Docs: Ensure all your transcripts, professional certifications, and licensure documentation are ready to upload.
- Follow the Portal: Use the USAJOBS portal to track your application status; the system will update you at every stage of the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is there relocation assistance? A: No, relocation incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Q: Is this a virtual position? A: No, this position is strictly onsite in Washington, DC.
Q: What is the deadline to apply? A: The closing date for this announcement is November 9, 2026.
Serving those who have served is a rewarding career path. If you possess the clinical depth and passion required to handle complex pain management cases, we encourage you to apply. This role provides the stability, benefits, and prestige that come with a federal career in one of the most vital healthcare systems in the nation.
Why This Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Pain Management Job Matters
Advance your pharmacy career by joining the Washington DC VA Medical Center as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Pain Management, where you will provide compassionate, high-level care to those who have served our nation.
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Pain Management Job Overview
The Washington DC VA Medical Center is seeking a highly skilled Clinical Pharmacy Specialist to join our specialized Pain Management team. In this pivotal role, you will co-manage high-risk patients undergoing opioid therapy for chronic, non-malignant pain. You will serve as an integral member of an interdisciplinary team, optimizing drug therapy, educating patients and providers, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and care in a complex, Level 1A teaching facility.
Requirements for Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Pain Management
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment exceptions apply).
- Graduate of an ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy with a BS or Pharm.D. degree.
- Must possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
- Subject to background and security investigations.
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Pain Management
- Completion of a PGY-1 and PGY-2 residency specializing in Pain Management.
- Active specialty board certification in pharmacy.
- Three or more years of relevant clinical pharmacy experience.
- Demonstrated ability to influence clinical and management decisions through effective communication.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (annual leave, sick leave, and Federal holidays).
- ✓Paid parental leave for up to 12 weeks after 12 months of service.
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases.
- ✓Federal pension and 401K-style retirement plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
- ✓Child care subsidy program for eligible employees.
- ✓Credit toward annual leave accrual for prior work or military experience.
💡 How to Apply Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Pain Management Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Pain Management Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a comprehensive resume detailing your clinical experience.
- Gather required documentation, including license, transcripts, and any applicable SF-50s or veterans' preference documents.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of November 9, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in clinical pharmacy and pain management, as assumptions regarding your expertise cannot be made.
- Review all required documents to prevent omissions that could disqualify your application.
- Verify your license status and ensure it is current and unrestricted before applying.
- Use the 'Application Status' feature in your USAJOBS account to monitor the progress of your submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework available for this position?
No, this is an onsite position at the Washington DC VA Medical Center.
What is the primary focus of this role?
The focus is on co-managing high-risk patients on opioid therapy for chronic, non-malignant pain through drug therapy management and clinical monitoring.
What happens if I don't have my license in DC?
The requirement is for a full, current, and unrestricted license in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln: “To care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.” As part of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Washington DC VA Medical Center is a Level 1A teaching facility that sets the gold standard for integrated care. Whether supporting traumatic brain injury recovery or providing chronic pain management, our team works at the forefront of medical excellence.