This is an open continuous announcement from which applicants will be selected as vacancies become available within the facility. The Pharmacy Technician acts as a representative of the Pharmacy Service in a variety of pharmacy related functions within the Medical Center. This position functions both in the Inpatient and Outpatient Pharmacy settings, as well as other areas throughout the VA Medical Center as deemed appropriate for patient care and service needs. 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. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. Physical Requirements. See Below 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. Grade Determinations: GS-6 Level 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 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. 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. Next Lower Level, GS-5: (One year experience Required) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment. 2. Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique. 3. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. 4. Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 MARCH 17, 2006 PART II APPENDIX G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Work involves some sitting and lifting, pushing, or pulling of weights up to 50 pounds. The incumbent will be subjected to bending and stooping. Able to operate motor vehicle and able to work 8-10 hour shifts with compressed schedules. Willing to work some weekends and holidays. Able to carry 20 pounds for short distances. ["Although the primary assignment of work schedule and tours may be in either the Inpatient or the Outpatient Pharmacy service area, the incumbent will be trained and expected to function and maintain competency in both areas as needed and assigned. As deemed necessary by the Pharmacy Supervisor(s) in order to meet the needs of the service; the incumbent may be assigned to work in any Pharmacy service area, may be assigned any duties, and may be periodically asked to volunteer or be assigned to work irregular shifts, weekends, holidays, or be called back in for emergencies. The incumbent is responsible for providing a full range of pharmaceutical service functions including: Answers pharmacy phone calls timely and triages them appropriately. Collects, trends and reports drug use evaluation (DUE) data for quality improvement purposes as required. Actively assists in quality improvement activities by participating in Medical Center and service-level process assessment and action teams and continually seeks to improve services. Identifies basic therapeutic problems such as duplicate therapy with drugs in the same class and alerts the Clinical Pharmacist (CP) to the possible need for clinical intervention. Assists with inventory management and procurement of medicines, monitors inventory and relays information to the Pharmacy procurement staff. This also includes placing stock in proper storage areas, rotating stock on shelves as required, and removing/replacing outdated items and notifying procurement for replacement. Provides training to new or existing Pharmacy staff to ensure competencies are developed and maintained. Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile). This includes calculating and converting to proper weights and measurements for the amount of drug or solution to be used/dispensed. Possess an advanced technical knowledge of drug and medication brand names, generic/chemical names, general and special storage requirements, expiration date requirements, manufacturer and distributor sources, dosage forms, applicable systems of weights and measures. Conducts monthly ward inspections of patient care areas. Assists with adverse drug event reporting in VA Adverse Drug Event Reporting System (VAADERs). Performs all the duties of lower graded technicians, as required. Work Schedule: 6:00am - 7:00pm; 8 hour shifts which may be subject to rotating schedule and including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Final determination at management's discretion. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
