Total 15 job vacancies by Veterans Health Administration

The position serves as the Lead Advanced Medical Support Assistant in the VA New England VISN 1 VA Medical Center. S/He uses initiative in completing recurring assignments independently and without specific instructions, but refers deviations, problems and unfamiliar situations to the supervisor for assistance. Duties include but not limited to:

• Provides educational sessions to train new employees in clerical process in an efficient and effective manner to ensure that clerical processes, functions and goals are understood and met.
• Utilizes knowledge of VA policies, regulations, guidelines and process as they relate to the scheduling of patient appointments, consults, NEAR, Electronic Wait Lists, and pre-appointment clinical requirements(i.e. labs, EKGs, x-rays) to ensure readiness for the patient visit.
• Monitors clinic's Access to care.
• Monitors ICB usage ensuring insurance is collected at time of appointments and captured appropriately by the incumbent and other scheduling staff.
• Keeps abreast of rapidly changing regulations, directives, software patches, programs, and processes involved in the delivery of the healthcare benefits package.
• Assists with the clean-up of the EARR (Encounter Action Required Report) and delinquent recall report; supports clinics regarding utilization and clinic profile management i.e. set-up of clinic grids, cancel and restore clinics.
• Screens/receive phone calls in a courteous and timely manner, determine the nature of request and provide the information desired using privacy rules and established clinic processes.
• Prepares correspondence and memos as needed.
• Promotes Veteran registration for and utilization of HealtheVet (MHV).
• Stocks basic office supplies for the executive suite.
• Enters Veterans seeking emergent/urgent care, scheduling appointments accurately.
• Utilizes call lists and telephones Veterans to pre-register them before their scheduled visits. Incumbent updates all patient demographics.

• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal agency employees.
• Applicants must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.
• This position is a LIUNA Bargaining Unit position.
• This position is covered by a special rate.
• Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.
• This position is in the Excepted Service.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Supervise all aspects of the Medical Center's Education Program.
• Accountable for integrated educational and staff development programs that cross service and/or discipline lines and influence organizational mission and health care.
• Manage the coordination and compliance with national and VISN directives on education and training for all employees and the overall educational operations for staff, trainees and patients, including those located in each of the community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs).
• Oversee the medical center simulation laboratory.
• Responsible for New Employee Orientation, New Supervisor Training Programs, and the facility LEAD program.
• Perform fiscal oversight of education program fund control points, including national scholarship programs offered by the VA.
• Consult with VHA's Employee Education System as needed to ensure compliance with staff education functions such as mandatory training, Talent Management System (TMS) implementation, availability of learning resources, and all VACO reporting related to education.
• Perform the responsibilities of the Designated Learning Officer (DLO) including reports, data management and OAA communications.
• Manage programmatic management of scholarship programs, orientation program development, academic affiliations, patient orientation (introduction clinic), patient and professional education, regulatory requirements related to education, performance measures related to education, and consultative services for competency assessment.
• Occupy a key management position within the Medical Center and has the principal responsibility for providing continuing oversight for education and training activities within this institution.
• Supervise clinical and administrative employees.
• Evaluate performance of assigned staff and initiates appropriate action in order to reward, guide, counsel, instruct, etc.

• This position is not a Bargaining Unit position.
• This position is covered by a special rate.
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.
• This position is in the Excepted Service.

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Pharmacy Dispensing/Distribution Services: The Pharmacy Technician will be involved in assuring appropriate, safe, and accurate medications are dispensed to veterans in an efficient manner. The pharmacy technician will provide a range of medication management and administrative services. These activities include:
  • Maintains workflow patterns that assure timely delivery of pharmacy services and ensures accurate documentation and dispensing of pharmaceuticals.
  • Effectively organizes workload, solves problems, and achieves established goals.
  • Provides patient care utilizing an in-depth knowledge of specialized areas of pharmacy practice. Maintains and understands the operation of pharmacy equipment and automation, such as ScriptPro, TCG-Rx, BD Cato, and Pyxis.
  • Assists staff and patients, either by phone or in person, concerning drug distribution, refill requests, mail, and general triaging of requests for the pharmacists. Documents patient requests as necessary in CPRS and alerts the appropriate provider.
  • Assists in assuring that pharmacy programs are compliant with all regulatory and accrediting body requirements (i.e., Joint Commission, FDA, ASHP, DEA, OIG, etc.).
  • Actively participates in the procurement process supporting just in time inventory management. This may include serving as a back-up procurement technician where responsibilities may include ordering or receiving product. This may also include processing of invoices using the VistA Drug Accountability system.
  • Inspects all areas of the facility outside of the pharmacy where medications are dispensed, administered, or stored, including medication carts, automated medication dispensing cabinets, (Pyxis Medstations™), physical cabinets and drawers, supply carts, refrigerators, crash carts, and emergency kits.
• Distributive
  • Interprets pharmacy orders; obtains medication in the correct strength and dosage form; determines proper amount and prepares product; affixes proper label; and documents proper information.
  • Prepares non-sterile compounds independently for dispensing to patients or other health care providers for use in clinical areas.
  • Compounds sterile products to be delivered in the form of large volume, small volume, and other complex pharmaceuticals such as chemotherapy. Completes documentation and uses knowledge of safe handling and disposition of hazardous materials used in pharmacy.
  • Dispenses controlled substances according to current policies and procedures and standards established by DEA, FDA, VA, and Joint Commission.
• Controlled substances:
  • Accurately interpret, fills, and readies prescriptions with appropriate medications for pharmacist verification
  • Appropriately restocks controlled substances items in automated secured cabinets (i.e., Pyxis) in pharmacy or throughout medical center, as assigned.
  • Documents all controlled substance related transactions as indicated by VA and DEA guidelines.
  • Assures that inventory counts are correct at the time of restocking.
  • Ensures that proper handoff occurs when receiving or delivering controlled substances, always assuring that these medications are never left unsecured.
  • Reports unresolvable discrepancies to immediate area supervisor for resolution. Assist in investigating, witnessing, and resolving discrepancies.
  • Complies with all laws, regulations, directives, policies, and procedures applying to the dispensing, storage, transfer, inventory, and accountability of controlled substances. h) Assists inspectors with the inventory and accountability inspections.

The position is a Supervisory Health Systems Specialist (Chief, Quality Management) in a multi-service, complex, tertiary health care system. The Supervisory HSS is under the direct supervision of the Medical Center Director, and has delegated authority and responsibility for managing the Quality Management/ Performance Improvement program.

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Monitors and evaluates quality of care and facilitates the Center-wide reduction of variance in care.
• Enables the integration of quality management into the facilities day to day operations and culture.
• Facilitates management of organizational change required to achieve patient safety improvement and quality management goals, to include aiding in the resolution of obstacles to achieve these goals.
• Identifies innovative quality management and performance improvement activities and supports facility wide deployment, as appropriate.
• Develops, conducts, and directs special studies and analyses of complex issues as assigned to included interpreting such studies for facility leadership.
• Responsible for assuring continuous readiness and compliance with standards of outside agencies, such as The Joint Commission and Office of Inspector General.
• Demonstrates dedication to the attainment of key organizational goals through direct responsibility and/or the application of expertise and oversight for the Quality Management Service (QMS) which includes oversight of the following program segments: Risk Management, Patient Safety, Systems
  Redesign, Patient Experience/Patient Advocates, Performance Improvement (EPRP), Facility Policy Management, and Accreditation Management.
• Ensures assessment and monitoring of the overall QMS for compliance with VHA Directive and ensures findings of patterns and/or trends impacting effectiveness are used to modify and improve the QMS and facilitate accomplishment of the facility's goals and objectives.
• Plans work to be accomplished by subordinates, sets and adjusts short-term priorities, and prepares schedules for completion of work.
• Provides technical requirements and descriptions of the work to be accomplished, and plans/establishes work schedules, deadlines, and standards for acceptable work.
• Establishes work procedures and staffing requirements for QMS program responsibilities and oversees the development of technical data, statistics, and other information useful to higher-level executives in determining goals/objectives and measuring progress towards same.
• Additional duties, as assigned.

• This position is in the Competitive Service.
• Selectee required to serve one year supervisory/managerial probationary period.
• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.
• This position is not a Bargaining Unit position.
• This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay.
• Interchange Agreements with Other Merit System: Employees who occupy medical or medical-related positions and were appointed under 38 U.S.C. 4701(1) or (3) [formerly 38 U.S.C. 4104 (1) and (3)] must be serving in a full-time position without time limit and have served continuously for at least one year in this other merit system to be eligible to convert to the Title 5 System. Some exceptions to this rule may apply if you have previously acquired tenure under a Title 5 appointment.

This MD- Chief, Geriatrics & Extended Care (GEC) position is located in the Office of the Geriatrics and Extended Care at the Providence, RI location. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week.

Included but are not limited to:

• Provides leadership in Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC) Service Line (SL) and for the organization and delivery of these services for the Providence VA Medical Center; and is accountable for ensuring quality and cost-effective care. Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC) Service Line (SL) is aligned under the Chief of Staff.
• Oversees all Geriatric and Extended Care operations at PVAMC.
• Reports directly to the Chief of Staff, and will work closely and effectively with the GEC clinical leadership and collaborate with other clinical and administrative leadership to accomplish the goals and mission set forth from Executive Leadership.
• Manages personal clinic time allocation negotiated with the Chief of Staff.
• Works closely with QM and is expected to support and be actively involved in systems redesign initiatives, to meet or exceed Joint Commission requirements, and to actively work on the establishment on policies and procedures.
• This is an academic position and expectation to be involved actively in research and education, in addition to the clinical activities.
• The VA provides patient centered care, delivered by engaged, collaborative teams in an integrated environment that supports learning and continuous improvement. As a member of the VA professional leadership team, the candidate must be knowledgeable in supervisory duties, administrative responsibilities, and provide high quality veteran-centered care within their area of specialty.
• Interested applicants should be able to demonstrate similar characteristics.
  • Reviews/performs/provides duties and responsibilities of a geriatrician/internal medicine physician. - Demonstrates leadership in interpreting and supporting the VISN mission, vision and values, while operating in accordance with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) policies, facility and VISN policies, and standards of federal professional and accrediting agencies external to VHA.
  • Adheres to the Medical Staff Bylaws and Rules and Regulations as set forth by the medical staff.
  • Provides direction and support to GEC staff regarding equipment technology, policies and procedures employed by the Providence VAMC, ensures that all requirements of regulatory agencies such as the Joint Commission are met.
  • Reviews quality control and quality improvement procedures performed by VA personnel in GEC SL and makes recommendations for improvements, corrective actions, etc.
  • Participates/reviews and documents performance improvement activities, including, but not limited to, external review programs, internal peer review programs. and accreditation requirements.
  • Active member of various Medical Center committees.
  • Responsible for the financial management of the GEC SL.
  • Collaborates with the Chief of Staff to develop and execute a strategic plan and annual budget for the service line.
  • Completes reconciliations for employees who leave their service and still have purchases pending. Complete reconciliations for employees who are on leave for more than seven (7) calendar days.
  • Responsible for action in matters such as promotions, selections, on the job training, awards, EEO complaints, labor relations, disciplinary actions, training, and career development.
  • Responsible for the development of mechanisms to assure staff competency and continuing education compliance.
  • Empowers staff to resolve problems independently at the lowest level.
  • Expected to develop a geriatric research program and build an environment where research is valued.

The Licensed Practical Nurse is held accountable for delivering direct patient care to adult through geriatric aged patients. They recognizes the age-related needs and demonstrates knowledge and care appropriate to that age group while considering the cognitive, physical, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the patients, demonstrating competence and correctly providing appropriate care for that age group or groups.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Serves as an active member of the healthcare team with professional and supportive personnel;
• Attends meeting with the inter-disciplinary treatment team and contributes to the development and changes in the comprehensive treatment plans;
• Demonstrates the ability to vary the order and sequence of assigned procedures based on the knowledge of the patient's condition;
• Assumes the responsibility for patients, in accordance with standards and recommendations, with the Registered Nurse (RN) ultimately responsible;
• Identifies environmental hazards and initiates appropriate intervention;
• Adheres to safety regulations and infection control practices as outlined in the policy and procedure manuals;
• Collects data and collaborates in the assessment of the health status of a patient;
• Implements aspects of the plan of care as delegated;
• Participates in health screening, clinical reminders, telephone calls and treatments as assigned;
• Participates in the evaluation of patient responses to interventions;
• Recognizes, reports and records promptly change in physical condition and behavior of patients;
• Completes routine documentation of results of care and treatment according to policy, guidelines, instructions/templates utilizing the electronic record and information network;
• Uses proper channels to resolve ethical issues;
• Differentiates between emergent and non-emergent conditions. Reports promptly and accurately records critical/emergency situations;
• Ability to draw, centrifuge and package lab samples when indicated.
• Promotes a safe and therapeutic environment. Identifies potentially dangerous or emergency situations and takes appropriate action. Utilizes safety equipment and other devices/procedures appropriately;
• Provides input into the development of policies and procedures to support patient safety;
• Takes proper precautions to prevent injury to self, patients and others;
• Identifies and reports unsafe conditions to appropriate officials;
• Observes standard precautions;
• Serves as an advocate for the patient by communicating and collaborating with other health service personnel as delegated;
• Is sensitive to the individual patient's needs and responds so that a therapeutic relationship is established;
• Demonstrates common courtesy to patients, family members, visitors and staff. Responds to requests for assistance promptly and in a professional manner;
• Other duties as assigned.

• Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement.
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.
• This position is a LIUNA Bargaining Unit position.
• This position is covered by a special rate.
• Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.

Included but are not limited to:

• Implementing an effective and ongoing performance improvement program to monitor, evaluate and improve the quality, safety and appropriateness of care delivered to patients.
• Aligns Quality, Safety and Value with leadership roles, strategic planning and organizational culture.
• Aggregates data and participates in budget process to plan for current, emerging and future resource requirements (human, financial materiel and/or informational) based on Veteran care systems that produce high quality outcomes.
• Provides leadership in addressing ethical issues that impact the patient and staff in, or beyond, the organization and the local health care community

• This is not a Bargaining Unit Position
• This position is in the Excepted Service
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.

This Registered Nurse-Surgical position is located in Surgical Service at the Providence location. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week.

Included but are not limited to:

• Knowledge of ambulatory care nursing with an emphasis on outpatient surgical specialties.
• Optimize clinic workflow and efficiency. Including the tracking of test results and scheduling OR surgical procedures/cases.
• Assessment skills to determining the acuity levels of patients, to promote patient safety and improve quality of care.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving involving providers and staff to assure positive outcomes for the veteran.
• Accountable for adherence to and implementation of policies. Responsible for the oversight of practice and compliance with JC and IG regulations and requirements in conjunction with the nurse manager.
• Work collaboratively with surgical clinic staff to include: MSAs, RNs, Providers, residents, and medical students.
• Leadership role in assuring all staff have the knowledge base to work with patients who demonstrate limited mobility, multiple comorbidities, advanced age, complexity of care needs and many cognitive care needs.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and evaluate programs/projects needed to meet performance measures which positively affect access and quality of care for our Veteran population.
• Ability to collaborate by integrating Surgical Services from the outpatient clinic setting to the operating room through OR scheduling and post-operative outpatient care
• Adhere to evidence-based practice (EBP) standards of care and EBP standards of practice
• Ability to learn all aspects of surgical clinic operations with the ability to assist surgical providers in outpatient minor surgical procedures.
• Proficient with medication administration and phlebotomy skills.
• Knowledge of infection control guidelines.
• Proficient in Sterile Technique.
• Proficient in specimen collection and specimen labeling per hospital policy.
• Proficient with computer skills, CPRS and VISTA.

• This is a Bargaining Unit position.
• This position is in the Excepted Service.
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.
• This position is covered by a special rate.

Included but are not limited to:

• Implementing an effective and ongoing performance improvement program to monitor, evaluate and improve the quality, safety and appropriateness of care delivered to patients.
• Aligns Quality, Safety and Value with leadership roles, strategic planning and organizational culture.
• Aggregates data and participates in budget process to plan for current, emerging and future resource requirements (human, financial materiel and/or informational) based on Veteran care systems that produce high quality outcomes.
• Provides leadership in addressing ethical issues that impact the patient and staff in, or beyond, the organization and the local health care community

• This is not a Bargaining Unit Position
• This position is in the Excepted Service
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.
• This position is covered by a special rate.

The facility Privacy/FOIA Officer has oversight for the data governance program and initiatives in the VHA Medical Center or Healthcare System and its supporting catchment area. The position makes unique facility-level determinations about disclosures, issuance of denials, redactions, access, use and dissemination of federal agency records. The position formulates policy, ensures compliance with federal and state laws and conducts thorough research of federal implementing regulations.

Duties include, but may not be limited to the following:

• Implements unique policies and procedures to manage agency information, providing assistance and services to the general public and an organization, agency or facility staff members;
• Supports developing a local level strategy for data governance, which includes leading from the executive office and creating a unique program that includes diverse processes and specific policies which are independent of other facilities;
• Monitors and covers all aspects of the collection, use, dissemination, disclosure and destruction of information within an organization, agency or facility;
• Develops and integrates policy based processes, roles and controls that influences how data is created, collected, used, stored and destroyed throughout the organization;
• Adjudicates complex privacy and FOIA decisions that affect employees, customers and commercial businesses in the absence of supervision;
• Performs in-depth legal research that pertains to both federal and state statutes to render expertise, provide solutions and facilitate corrective action;
• Safeguards information while supporting accountability and transparency initiatives;
• Analyzes all of the interrelated issues that affect the privacy/FOIA program and plans and conducts monitoring activities which measure the overall level of operational compliance by the facility;
• Teaches and trains employees on general data protection procedures and detailed service specific practices for daily operations and uses technology to provide required privacy/FOIA training and supplemental education;
• Performs assessment of privacy-related risks associated with business activities that involve processing of personal and sensitive data;
• Investigates non-compliance of privacy related issues at all levels of an organization, agency or facility and outside of these entities when information is involved;
• Strengthens and sustains the operational life cycle of the privacy/FOIA program by developing a communication strategy that fosters awareness for both internal and external partners to improve compliance, provide training and engage the public.
• Ensures that organization, agency or facility correspondence for data governance is transparent, timely, accurate and complete in response to requests for information from the general-public, Congressional representatives, law enforcement, courts and commercial business.
• Creates a communications process and tools that are flexible, customizable and interactive to address unique compliance challenges and educational/training needs.

• This position is in the Competitive Service.
• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
• Interchange Agreements with Other Merit System: Employees who occupy medical or medical-related positions and were appointed under 38 U.S.C. 4701(1) or (3) [formerly 38 U.S.C. 4104 (1) and (3)] must be serving in a full-time position without time limit and have served continuously for at least one year in this other merit system to be eligible to convert to the Title 5 System. Some exceptions to this rule may apply if you have previously acquired tenure under a Title 5 appointment.
• Current employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.
• This position is not a Bargaining Unit position.
• This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay.

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Outpatient Ambulatory Care Program Services: The Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist will provide clinical pharmacy services, support pharmacoeconomic activities, and is directly responsible for assessing, monitoring, managing, and documenting intensive medication therapy for assigned patients. Activities include:
  • Responsible for outpatient ambulatory care pharmacy activities involving highly innovative methods of health care delivery in clinic, telehealth, or home-based primary care environments.
  • Participates in a patient-focused, team-based multi-disciplinary model of patient centered care to promote positive patient outcomes through direct and indirect interaction with patients and providers.
  • Serves as a mid-level provider by directing therapy; ordering lab tests; performing physical assessments; and initiating, modifying and discontinuing medications as defined within the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist's scope of practice.
  • Conducts medication therapy management clinics, anticoagulation clinics, and group forums. Provides drug information, observations on patient response to therapy, and develops appropriate treatment plans regarding treatment alternatives or additional interventions to maximize patient care outcomes taking into consideration choice of therapy, safety, efficacy, and pharmacoeconomics.
  • Evaluates appropriateness of pharmacologic therapy at clinic visits and as the level of care changes. Develops appropriate therapeutic monitoring plans and documents the activities in the medical record via electronic progress notes.
  • Provide medication reconciliation and patient medication counseling verifying and documenting patient understanding of the medication, proper medication use, expected outcomes, how to obtain refills of medication and how the current prescription will be processed.
  • Report actual and/or potential medication errors or adverse events and participate in quality improvement initiatives to promote patient safety. Participates in the VA Adverse Drug Reaction reporting program.
  • Plays a role in budget execution by working with and educating providers to ensure adherence to the formulary process so that patients receive the most cost-effective drug therapy. Process non-formulary and restricted drug consult requests.
• Outpatient Pharmacy Program Services: The Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist will be involved in the independent professional practice of pharmacy in accordance with the guidelines set forth in pharmacy service policies and procedures, VA Regulations, and state and federal laws governing the practice of pharmacy. The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist will work in conjunction with Clinical Pharmacists, other Clinical Pharmacy Specialists and other health care professionals to form an organized team approach to the delivery of pharmaceutical care. Activities include:
  • Maintains work flow patterns that assure timely delivery of outpatient ambulatory care pharmacy services, ensures accurate dispensing and record keeping documentation, and oversees technical and nonprofessionalstaff in the outpatient pharmacy setting.
  • Effectively organizes workload, solves problems, and achieves established goals.
  • Participates in quality improvement activities, pharmacoeconomic initiatives, committees, and workgroups in support of the pharmacy service strategic plan in all areas of the outpatient pharmacy section.
  • Provides patient care utilizing an advanced in-depth knowledge of outpatient ambulatory care specialized areas of pharmacy practice. Oversees day-today maintenance and operation of pharmacy equipment and automation, such as ScriptPro.
  • Assists in assuring that the outpatient pharmacy program is compliant with all regulatory and accrediting body requirements.
  • Distributive:
    • Review pharmacy orders to include patient information, dose, and route, frequency of administration, patient allergies, drug interactions, incompatibilities, duplication, and priority. Resolves prescribing and dispensing issues, including pharmacotherapeutic and formulary issues. Documents interventions as necessary.
    • Finish, input and/or verify information and orders in the computer system if assigned; and dispense medication in accordance with dosage form requirements
    • Identify actual or potential drug-related problems prospectively, thereby eliminating duplication of efforts, reducing medication errors and increasing patient satisfaction.
    • Dispenses controlled substances according to current policies, procedures, and standards established by DEA, FDA, VA, and Joint Commission.

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Outpatient Ambulatory Care Program Services: The Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist will provide clinical pharmacy services, support pharmacoeconomic activities, and is directly responsible for assessing, monitoring, managing, and documenting intensive medication therapy for assigned patients. Activities include:
  • Responsible for outpatient ambulatory care pharmacy activities involving highly innovative methods of health care delivery in clinic, telehealth, or home-based primary care environments.
  • Participates in a patient-focused, team-based multi-disciplinary model of patient centered care to promote positive patient outcomes through direct and indirect interaction with patients and providers.
  • Serves as a mid-level provider by directing therapy; ordering lab tests; performing physical assessments; and initiating, modifying and discontinuing medications as defined within the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist's scope of practice.
  • Conducts medication therapy management clinics, anticoagulation clinics, and group forums. Provides drug information, observations on patient response to therapy, and develops appropriate treatment plans regarding treatment alternatives or additional interventions to maximize patient care outcomes taking into consideration choice of therapy, safety, efficacy, and pharmacoeconomics.
  • Evaluates appropriateness of pharmacologic therapy at clinic visits and as the level of care changes. Develops appropriate therapeutic monitoring plans and documents the activities in the medical record via electronic progress notes.
  • Provide medication reconciliation and patient medication counseling verifying and documenting patient understanding of the medication, proper medication use, expected outcomes, how to obtain refills of medication and how the current prescription will be processed.
  • Report actual and/or potential medication errors or adverse events and participate in quality improvement initiatives to promote patient safety. Participates in the VA Adverse Drug Reaction reporting program.
  • Plays a role in budget execution by working with and educating providers to ensure adherence to the formulary process so that patients receive the most cost-effective drug therapy. Process non-formulary and restricted drug consult requests.
• Outpatient Pharmacy Program Services: The Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist will be involved in the independent professional practice of pharmacy in accordance with the guidelines set forth in pharmacy service policies and procedures, VA Regulations, and state and federal laws governing the practice of pharmacy. The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist will work in conjunction with Clinical Pharmacists, other Clinical Pharmacy Specialists and other health care professionals to form an organized team approach to the delivery of pharmaceutical care. Activities include:
  • Maintains work flow patterns that assure timely delivery of outpatient ambulatory care pharmacy services, ensures accurate dispensing and record keeping documentation, and oversees technical and nonprofessionalstaff in the outpatient pharmacy setting.
  • Effectively organizes workload, solves problems, and achieves established goals.
  • Participates in quality improvement activities, pharmacoeconomic initiatives, committees, and workgroups in support of the pharmacy service strategic plan in all areas of the outpatient pharmacy section.
  • Provides patient care utilizing an advanced in-depth knowledge of outpatient ambulatory care specialized areas of pharmacy practice. Oversees day-today maintenance and operation of pharmacy equipment and automation, such as ScriptPro.
  • Assists in assuring that the outpatient pharmacy program is compliant with all regulatory and accrediting body requirements.
  • Distributive:
    • Review pharmacy orders to include patient information, dose, and route, frequency of administration, patient allergies, drug interactions, incompatibilities, duplication, and priority. Resolves prescribing and dispensing issues, including pharmacotherapeutic and formulary issues. Documents interventions as necessary.
    • Finish, input and/or verify information and orders in the computer system if assigned; and dispense medication in accordance with dosage form requirements
    • Identify actual or potential drug-related problems prospectively, thereby eliminating duplication of efforts, reducing medication errors and increasing patient satisfaction.
    • Dispenses controlled substances according to current policies, procedures, and standards established by DEA, FDA, VA, and Joint Commission.

This position is located in the Nutrition and Food Service at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Providence. The person in this position prepares nutritious, high quality meals for service to veterans.

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Independently prepares and cooks a variety of items including regular and therapeutic diet (diabetic, low sodium, low protein, gluten free, etc.) entrees and dessert items.
• Follows menus, production sheets, and recipes to prepare items in the quantity needed.
• Grills eggs, meat patties, pancakes, French toast; broils meats; makes cold sandwich fillings and assembles a variety of sandwiches.
• Uses a variety of methods to prepare meats, fish, and poultry including broiling, roasting, baking, frying, boiling, steaming, stewing, braising, and grilling.
• Slices meat items by hand, confirming to specific size requirements or weight specifications.
• Prepares fresh, canned, and frozen vegetables; bakes frozen potatoes, pre-made cookie dough, and muffin batters.
• Prepares and heats convenience items, and prepares pureed foods and adjusts consistency with thickeners.
• Washes, peels, and cuts fruits and vegetables; assembles and mixes salad ingredients and dessert items, including gelatin molds and fruit crisps.
• Plans cooking processes to produce meals on time and at the proper temperature which may require coordination of cooking several items with different cooking times.
• Makes a variety of desserts such as cobblers, brownies, cookies, and pastries.
• Weighs, measures, and assembles ingredients for regular and modified diets.
• Operates a variety of kitchen equipment and follows appropriate safety procedures.
• Follows sanitary food handling procedures.
• Disassembles and reassembles equipment for cleaning.
• Cleans and sanitizes work areas, and performs deep cleaning tasks when needed.
• Operates industrial dish machine.
• Performs other related duties.

• This position is in the Competitive Service.
• This position is a LIUNA Bargaining Unit position.
• This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay.

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Tracking and reporting on Veterans who have attempted suicide or are at high risk for suicide
• Responding to referrals from the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) and self-referrals from other sources
• Ensuring that all VA staff members have received discipline-appropriate suicide prevention training (VA S.A.V.E. training or equivalent)
• Collaborating with community organizations and partners to increase awareness of suicide prevention best practices and providing training to individuals who have contact with Veterans
• Providing subject matter consultation to providers on available resources for suicidal individuals, as well as expertise and direction in the areas of system design to prevent deaths by suicide.
• Working with providers to ensure that monitoring and treatment is intensified for high-risk patients while making sure that those who are at elevated risk receive education and support about approaches to reduce risks
• Reporting to OMHSP on Veterans who attempted or died by suicide and sending OMHSP requested data, which is used to determine characteristics and risks associated with these groups of Veterans
• Ensure NWI follows prescribed practice related to the activation, management and deactivation of High Risk for Suicide Patient Record Flags (HRF-PRF).
• Implement facility suicide prevention strategies in accordance with VHA policies and clinical practice guidelines
• Use available online tools, training materials, and resources to enhance the care provided to Veterans and raise awareness among community stakeholders
• Assist, as needed, with clinical outreach contacts related to VCL consults, REACH VET outreach, flag reviews, post-discharge f/u or any other contacts necessary to meet clinical needs and program requirements.
• Document services rendered to support the accurate tracking of workload and productivity
• Professional knowledge of the principles and theoretical concepts of counseling and social work, as well as the administrative mechanism and processes appropriate to the assignment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to provide direct care to suicidal and/or mental health patients, as well as ability to provide patient/staff education.
• Ability to select the pertinent techniques for data collection and identify aspects of successful program operations that can be used for improving this and similar programs, including the ability to utilize a variety of fact-finding techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of the program objectives to ensure that actions taken are appropriate.
• The incumbent participates in training activities and scheduled conference calls as required by OMHSP. In addition, the incumbent may have contact with staff at VISN 23 who provides training, education, mentoring, and technical assistance. Other applicable guidelines include treatment plans, tour reports, procedural manuals, VHA and medical center regulations, treatment program policies, treatment manuals, and accepted clinical practice.
• The incumbent uses judgement in meeting patient needs by selecting and adapting various therapies in accordance with the guidelines. Significant deviations from the guidelines are referred to the supervisor. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining case records in a manner consistent with medical center, JCAHO, and other applicable standards.
• Facilitate/participate in community outreach events which provide information, education and awareness of suicide prevention efforts and resources.
• Disseminate resources such as literature and other mediums within VA facilities and to external shareholders as needed/requested.

The Nursing Assistant is an integral part of the care team in providing care to veterans at the Providence VA Healthcare System. They are responsible for the delivery of patient care under the direction of a Registered Nurse, Advance Practice Nurse/Physician Assistant, or Physician. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Performs assigned technical procedures (such as taking and recording BP, temperature , pulse, respiration, pulse oximetry, height, weight, collecting specimens, and administering oxygen using tank and/or wall oxygen, etc);
• Provides simple dressing changes;
• Observes and documents patient's response to medication administrated;
• Observes, identifies, and responds to the patients' needs for nursing, medication, and equipment assisted care and recognizes deviations from normal;
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to emergency situations;
• Performs active and passive range of motion exercises. Supports and assists patient with turning, moving, lifting, or transferring, as well as ambulating;
• Performs environmental duties to ensure the safety of self, patients and coworkers; and
• Other duties as assigned.

• This position is in the Excepted Service.
• This position is a LIUNA Bargaining Unit position.
• This position is covered by a special rate.
• Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement.