Position Overview
The Pharmacist at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP) in Ladson, SC is responsible for verifying prescription accuracy, ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, VA, and DEA regulations, and overseeing the pharmaceutical operations of a high-volume mail order pharmacy serving veterans nationwide. This role requires a licensed pharmacist committed to upholding the highest standards of patient safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence in a mission-critical federal healthcare environment.
Key Responsibilities
Pharmaceutical Oversight
- Verify and authorize prescriptions for legend drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and controlled substances classified as DEA Schedules III through V
- Perform pre-verification review of prescription orders prior to dispensing to ensure accuracy, appropriateness, and compliance
- Ensure all prescriptions comply with DEA regulations, VA formulary requirements, and applicable federal law
- Review medication orders for drug interactions, contraindications, dosage accuracy, and clinical appropriateness
- Provide pharmacist-level verification at all required checkpoints in the dispensing workflow
- Counsel pharmacy staff on complex pharmaceutical issues as needed
Leadership & Quality Assurance
- Supervise and provide professional oversight of pharmacy technician staff engaged in prescription processing and dispensing activities
- Ensure all CMOP operations meet The Joint Commission (TJC) accreditation standards and VA pharmacy policies
- Participate in and support quality assurance (QA) initiatives, error prevention programs, and process improvement activities
- Assist in identifying and documenting prescription discrepancies and near-miss events in accordance with facility protocols
- Contribute to staff training and continuing education efforts within the pharmacy team
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure proper handling, storage, labeling, and disposal of hazardous medications and pharmaceutical waste in compliance with applicable regulations
- Adhere to all CMOP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and enforce compliance among pharmacy staff
- Maintain strict HIPAA compliance and ensure the protection of veteran patient health information at all times
- Participate in facility inspections, audits, and accreditation activities as required
Qualifications
Required
- Graduate of an ACPE-accredited Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program or equivalent
- Current, active, and unrestricted pharmacist license in any U.S. state or territory
- Credentialed and privileged in accordance with VHA Handbook 1100.19 and applicable VA policies
- Thorough knowledge of federal pharmacy law, DEA regulations, and VA formulary requirements
- Strong clinical judgment and attention to detail in a high-volume prescription verification environment
Preferred
- Prior experience in a mail order, federal, or VA pharmacy environment
- Familiarity with CMOP operations, VA pharmacy information systems, and TJC accreditation standards
- Experience supervising pharmacy technicians in a production or high-throughput setting
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and remain on feet for 8 to 10 hours per shift
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds
- Sufficient visual acuity to accurately review prescription labels, medication packaging, and documentation
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume pharmacy production environment