Pharmacist(Clinical Spec)

Summary The Mental Health (MH) Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (CPS) functions at the highest level of clinical practice and works independently under their individual scope of practice to directly care for patients and may be assigned to Mental Health Outpatient Clinic, PCMHI, or DRRTP. The primary responsibility of the CPS is the provision of evidence-based pharmaceutical care services through direct care with patients and consultation with other providers on their team. Responsibilities Will be expected to travel to between Canandaigua and Rochester Mental Health Clinics VA Careers - Pharmacy: Clinical- Direct Patient Care Activities that require a scope of practice Core functions include patient encounters (face to face, telehealth) for comprehensive medication management (CMM) of in practice areas identified in their individual scope of practice Function as a mid-level provider to design, implement, and monitor therapeutic drug plans to achieve definite outcomes through direct interactions with patients and providers in assigned areas. Orders, performs, reviews, and analyzes appropriate laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies necessary to monitor and support the patient's drug therapy. Follows-up with patients on lab or test results to discuss the plan of therapy including changes in medication therapy, referral to primary care or specialty provider. Follows-up with patients on lab or test results to discuss the plan of therapy, i.e. changes in medication therapy, monitoring, and additional testing requirements. The CPS solves potential problems by determining if a referral to a higher level of care is necessary when disease progression occurs, or adverse drug events require treatment interventions. The CPS will communicate findings in multiple ways with prescribers and provide appropriate alternatives to current treatment, which impact clinical and management decisions. Clinical- Indirect Patient Care Activities Identify patients who may benefit from CMM through population management reports and during team huddles Review patient medication patient medication regimens for clinical effectiveness, drug selection, dosing, contraindications, side effects, potential drug interactions and therapeutic outcomes. Communicates findings with prescribers and provides appropriate alternatives to current treatment plans as needed. Obtains medication histories from patients and summarizes significant findings in the medical record. Identifies patient-specific medication issues, including drug interactions, adverse effects, lack of effectiveness, appropriateness, and compliance problems. Applies knowledge of normal laboratory values in the evaluation of patient care and recognizes significant abnormalities. Interfaces with providers, including physicians, PAs, ARNPs in the design of the veteran's treatment regimen to achieve optimization of rational and cost-effective drug therapy. Education Participates in the training and in-servicing of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy students, pharmacy residents and other staff on assigned teams. Using both written and verbal communication techniques in teaching others. The CPS may serve as preceptor for pharmacy students and pharmacy residents in accordance with established protocols. Assist in new employee orientation, competency assessments and mentoring as required. Drug Information Serves as an authority on drug usage, interactions, over-dosages, and compliance, to medical staff, nursing staff, pharmacy technicians and students. Uses appropriate references to research drug information. Uses information resources, both written and electronic, including regulatory and quality standards for influencing clinical and management decisions. Maintains a current understanding of therapeutics and disease management. The CPS will provide timely and accurate responses to drug information inquiries from all customers. The CPS will be able to effectively instruct patients and family members in the appropriate use of medications and medical devices and will be able to adjust communication and tracking methods based on age and developmental considerations. The CPS is able to accurately assess and document patient comprehension and refer patients to educational programs provided at the medical center by multidisciplinary teams when indicated. Program Management Serves on medical center and/or VISN committees as requested. Assists in the development of proposals for improved and/or new clinical pharmacy services when requested. He/she will establish productive, collaborative relationships with staff members inside and outside the department. Coordinates and organizes all duties and adheres to all medical center and department policies and regulations. Completes all mandatory training programs and competency/skills assessments required by the agency in the stipulated time period. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 730-1600 Monday-Friday Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 24623-F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the

Created: 2025-11-10