Position Overview
The Lead Pharmacist at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP) in Ladson, SC is responsible for overseeing the daily operational and pharmaceutical activities of the CMOP facility. This supervisory role combines advanced pharmacist-level verification duties with leadership responsibilities including staff management, orientation of new pharmacists, performance evaluation, quality assurance oversight, and regulatory compliance. The Lead Pharmacist serves as a senior resource for pharmacist staff and works closely with facility management to ensure the delivery of safe, accurate, and efficient pharmaceutical services to veteran patients.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Operations Management
- Manage and coordinate the daily operational activities of pharmacist staff within the CMOP facility
- Orient and onboard new pharmacists to CMOP workflows, systems, VA policies, and facility protocols
- Conduct and support performance evaluations for pharmacist staff in coordination with facility management
- Serve as the primary pharmacist resource for operational issues, escalated clinical questions, and staff guidance
- Coordinate pharmacist scheduling and workflow assignments to ensure adequate coverage and throughput
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and patient safety
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 and oversee pre-verification review of prescription orders prior to dispensing
- Ensure all prescription processing activities comply with DEA regulations, VA formulary requirements, and applicable federal law
- Identify, document, and manage prescription discrepancies in accordance with facility and VA reporting protocols
- Provide clinical oversight and guidance to pharmacy technician staff on complex pharmaceutical matters
Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure all CMOP operations comply with applicable federal regulations, VA policies, DEA requirements, and TJC accreditation standards
- Lead and support quality assurance (QA) oversight activities, error prevention programs, and performance improvement initiatives
- Conduct QA oversight of pharmacy technician activities and ensure adherence to verification checkpoints
- Ensure proper handling, storage, labeling, and disposal of hazardous medications and pharmaceutical waste
- Adhere to and enforce all CMOP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Maintain strict HIPAA compliance and ensure the protection of veteran patient health information
- Participate in and lead preparation for facility inspections, audits, and accreditation reviews
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
- Demonstrated experience in pharmacy operations with strong clinical judgment and attention to detail
- Thorough knowledge of federal pharmacy law, DEA regulations, and VA formulary and policy requirements
Preferred
- Prior supervisory or lead pharmacist experience in a mail order, federal, or VA pharmacy setting
- Familiarity with CMOP operations, VA pharmacy information systems, and TJC accreditation standards
- Prior VA or DoD pharmacy experience
- Experience leading pharmacist teams in a high-volume production pharmacy environment
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