This is an open continuous announcement until December 30, 2022. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. If you are a current, permanent VA employee, or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply under CBST-11676413-23-ER. May be assigned to any area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive functions (ie. assignments to process improvement teams) or performing more highly complex duties including preparation of oncology agents. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education or Experience: A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience. Certification: PTCB certification is required at the GS-06 grade level. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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-6: Experience: One year experience at the next lower level (GS5) which includes operating automated dispensing devices, ability to perform aseptic technique, knowledge of basic inventory procedures and pharmacy information systems. Resume must include hours worked per week for work experience credit. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) required for the GS-6 grade level: 1. Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. 2. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. 3. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. 4. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. 5. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. 6. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. (KSAs must be clearly reflected in resume under description of duties in order to be found qualified for this position/grade level). Preferred Criteria: None References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28, Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. This vacancy is announced above the full performance level at the GS-6 level. Physical Requirements: This position requires prolonged standing and walking with a moderate amount of stooping, reaching or lifting, and pushing or pulling. A technician may be required to lift, push/pull up to 40 pounds. A dispensing system may be used for varying lengths of time. Pharmacy technicians may be required to work irregular tours, weekends, and holidays as assigned. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services). ["The duties of a Pharmacy Technician in the Pharmacy Service may include but are not limited to: Correctly reads, interprets, fills and dispenses prescriptions according to established guidelines and VA policy after appropriate pharmacist review. Inventories and replenishes emergency carts with a pharmacist review. Collects drug use evaluation data for quality improvement purposes. Operate and maintain pharmacy dispensing/pre-packing equipment. Compounds and/or reconstitutes IV, oral, topical or external medications with a pharmacist review, including calculating and converting the proper weight and measurement of the drug or solution to be used. Answers questions from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution. Identifies basic therapeutic problems such as duplicate therapy with drugs in the same class and alerts the pharmacist to the possible need for clinical intervention. Assists in total quality improvement activities by participating in medical center and service process assessment and action teams and continually seeks to improve services. Conduct monthly ward inspections of patient care areas as assigned. Maintains, verifies, stocks, and replaces outdated or short dated medications in patient care areas. Monitors inventory needs in patient care areas, relays this information to the Pharmacy Supply Technician. This also includes placing stock in proper storage areas, rotating stock on shelves, and removing/replacing outdated items. May be required to monitor refrigerator temperatures on a daily basis in Pharmacy Service and monthly in patient care areas. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-4:30PM; Hours may vary to include nights, weekends & holidays as scheduled. (Additional shifts may vary between hours of 5:00AM to 10:00PM depending on availability). Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #: Pharmacy Technician/000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
