Career Center

A pharmacy technician in this assignment provides a broad range of technical support function in pharmacy. These include but are not limited to: performing outpatient duties necessary for pharmacy operation; answering questions from patients, and other customers, including pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel, regarding drug distribution and medication delivery; utilizing professional demeanor and common courtesy during performance of duties. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) Education or Experience. A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. Certification is required at the GS-06 level. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain licensure/certification/registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. Grandfathering Provision. The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all Title 38 hybrid qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/ registration requirements that apply to this occupation. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Pharmacy Technician, GS-06 - Experience. One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. Assignments. Pharmacy technicians may be assigned to any area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive function assignments; for example assignment as team leaders for specific process improvement teams involving technical areas or performing more highly complex duties including preparation of oncology agents for clinical pharmacy specialists. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Preferred Experience: Use of ScriptPro; Use of Secure Messaging; Use of Vista Outpatient Pharmacy Package; Use of HRC PCC Microsoft Dynamics 365 system; Use of VISTA eRx; Knowledge of Mission Act/Community Care. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15, PART II, APPENDIX G28, APPENDIX G-28. PHARMACY TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0661. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-06. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4 hours) Standing (2-8 hours); Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted); The work requires the incumbent to be mobile throughout the Medical Center as needed. Should be capable of prolonged standing/walking and be physically capable of pushing equipment. ["The CTVHCS is recruiting for a highly qualified Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient) for the Pharmacy Service located in Austin, Texas. Major Duties as Assigned, but not limited to: Dispensing (70%) - Receives and processes prescription refill requests through the computer system for disposition. Issues medication to patients and responsible third parties. Maintains files of dispensing records. Utilizes knowledge of the computer system, printer operation, and organizational skills to facilitate the dispensing process. Accurately fills prescriptions and medication orders by selecting, packaging, and labeling the correct and proper drug and dosage. Documents all quality assurance information on the dispensing record. Utilizes knowledge of automated devices, quality assurance requirements and team approach to fill prescriptions and medication orders in accordance with the facility's customer service standards. Packages medications and supplies for mailing or transfer to other sites. Takes precautions to ensure only medications for addressee are included in the package. Includes any correspondence intended for the patient. Independently fills and maintains levels in the automated dispensing machines (Ex. Script Pro, Pyxis, Robot Rx, etc.). Maintains inventory balance with potentially out-of-date drugs. Adjusts the flow of inventory to correspond with CMOP dispensing ENRICHING ELEMENTS, Ward Maintenance/Supply and Inventory (10%) - Conducts and documents monthly ward inspections and monitors for expiration dates of all stock. Reports shortages and out of stock conditions as discovered. Inspects pharmacy stock for expiration dates. Inspects for cleanliness of inventory bins/pyxis/refrigerator Compounding/Manufacturing (10%) - Determines and coordinates pre-packaging needs for outpatient dispensing. Packages, or coordinates volunteer staff (where available) to package and properly label all pre-packaged units. Utilizes automated devices. Verifies work of volunteers and other technicians. Administrative (10%) - The incumbent is knowledgeable of, adheres to and applies established policies and procedures during the performance of duties. This includes knowledge and support of the facility's EEO programs and OWCP procedures concerning work related injuries and or illnesses. In the performance of official duties, the incumbent has regular access to sensitive data which is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974. The employee is responsible for protecting the data from unauthorized release, loss, alteration or deletion. Incumbent is responsible for supervising the organization of workflow and finished products prepared by pharmacy aids or trainees. The incumbent is also responsible for being cognizant of workload situations which may require his/her direct intervention to maintain Customer Service Standards and is a willing participant of the Pharmacy Team to assist colleagues in handling these workload situations when necessary. Incumbent is responsible for answering phone calls to assist hospital staff, veterans, and outside factors with maintaining timely and accurate information is passed along to keep up with high quality of care standards. Work Schedule: Full time; Rotating shifts between 7:00am - 5:00pm to include weekends/holidays as necessary to meet the needs of the facility.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient) 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]