Serves as Pharmacy Technician in the Pharmacy Service providing either Inpatient or Outpatient support as follows: Outpatient: Provides technical and automated outpatient pharmacy support under the guidance of a registered pharmacist and under the direct supervision of the Outpatient Supervisor Pharmacy Technician. Inpatient: This position functions primarily inpatient non-ambulatory medical, surgical and intensive patient care areas of Pharmacy Service within the VA Medical Center. 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. 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: 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 this grade level and above. 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. For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) at all grade levels, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation for which he/she qualifies if a placement opportunity exists. For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) in assignments above the full-performance level only, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may remain at an appropriate lower grade level in the occupation when both of the following apply: the credential is not a requirement and placement opportunity exist. GS-6 Experience: One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower lever. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, April 15, 2002, Part II Appendix G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: Routinely involved in walking, bending, stooping, lifting and handling items not to exceed 50 lbs. Includes prolonged periods of standing and irregular work shifts. ["VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 5 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be February 5 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Outpatient: Performs duties involved in all facets of outpatient distribution which includes computer entry of prescriptions and prescription filling with the correct medication. Ensures proper identification of patient picking up medications, which include controlled substances. Deals appropriately with direct and telephone inquiries from patients, Medical Center staff and others. Uses computer packages to update patient information and provides technical information to customers. Performs standard assays on products before they are packaged and labeled. Maintains communication with the Material Management section concerning inventory needed and possible shortages. Provides assistance and coverage during periods of heavy workload and during the absence of the Controlled Substances Technicians, to include preparing, filling, and decrementing all outpatient orders and requests for controlled substances; receives new stock and returned stock into inventory. Repackages liquids, tablets, capsules, etc., into specific quantities and various size containers. Inpatient: Reads and interprets prescriptions, obtains proper medication or material in the prosper strength dosage form; determines proper amount and counts, pours, or measures the medications; affixes proper label; and records required data on pharmacy's copy of prescription/order. Inventories and replenishes emergency carts. Collects drug use evaluation data for quality improvement purposes. Operates and maintains complicated pharmacy dispensing equipment. Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile) without a second review. This includes calculating and converting to proper weights and measures the amount of 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. Enters correct drug, strength, dosage form, and quantity into the patient's medication profile (VISTA or otherwise). Work Schedule: Rotating Schedule Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. 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.
