Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Neurology

The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist for Neurology assists the neurology service and primary care providers in co-managing high risk patients treated for neurological conditions. This position requires specialization in drug therapy management and monitoring in patients with headache, migraine, neuropathy, seizures, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, tremor.

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Monitors medication therapy for neurologic conditions, including initial assessment of new patients (initiates patient agreements, chart review, takes history, orders and evaluates lab tests, medication reconciliation) and follow-up of patients in clinics. Makes recommendations to other team members to optimize drug therapy, prevent and manage adverse drug events and reduce medication errors. Provides drug information for physicians, nurses, trainees, and other health care professionals. Participates in interdisciplinary care conferences (SCAN-ECHO) related to the Neurology program. Promotes rational medication management strategies utilizing current VA resources and the development of medication management protocols. Provides and coordinates medication management services for patients in the designated clinic(s) according to a broad scope of practice focused on disease state management. This shall include: 1. Initiating, discontinuing and/or changing medications through the electronic medical record 2. Ordering labs and other tests to help determine efficacy and toxicity of medication therapy 3. Managing care across the continuum of the health care system 4. Referring patients to appropriate health care providers 5. Performing physical assessments as needed 6. Performing patient triage functions as needed. Provides patients and family members with information about their medication regimen, and counsels them on appropriate use and expected adverse effects. Supervises and precepts pharmacy residents and students as assigned. Presents lectures and conferences to medical, nursing, and pharmacy staff and students concerning neurology medication therapy. Participates in pharmacy research and supports medical center human research involving drugs. Assists in coordinating staff and resident research projects, presentations, and publications. Acts as a liaison between the Neurology program, primary care providers, and the outpatient pharmacy. Participates in quality improvement activities related to assessing the effectiveness of neurology management services. Ensures appropriate medication use of high-cost drugs through non-formulary reviews. Performs drug utilization reviews when assigned to monitor prescribing practices. Evaluates physician orders as to appropriateness based on the patient's medication profile, inputs information into the computer system, and dispenses medications and supplies. Clarifies new medication orders with physicians and nurses. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday; 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 688-260403-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification 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 "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.