Pharmacy Technician

SummaryThis position functions in all the patient care areas of pharmacy service and can be assigned to either outpatient or inpatient services. The pharmacy technician represents the pharmacy in the medical center and is to follow all established hospital and pharmacy service policies and procedures to ensure high quality care of the Veteran. This position assists with pharmacy related duties as assigned by the supervisor or lead pharmacist.ResponsibilitiesDuties include but are not limited to: Inpatient services may include but not limited to such areas as aseptic admixture, automatic and on-demand ward stock replenishment, maintenance and operation of automated prepackaging and dispensing equipment, properly packaging with documentation of single unit of use medications, and filling and delivering patient medications. Outpatient services may include but not limited to outpatient prescription filling, pharmacy phone triage, window prescription dispensing, maintenance and operation of automated prescription dispensing equipment, and packaging of mail out prescriptions. Assists as deemed necessary by the pharmacy supervisor, in any patient care area (including inpatient and outpatient pharmacy) to maintain the consistency of overall pharmacy services. Work Schedule: 1:30 pm to 10:00 pm, 3 pm to 11:30 pm; 7:00 am to 3:30 pm; 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; or other shifts deemed necessary based on needs of the service. Financial Disclosure Report: Not requiredRequirementsConditions of EmploymentQualificationsBasic 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. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met: (a) 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 (): (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. 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 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28The 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: Requires frequent movement within work areas, regular and recurring bending, stooping, and stretching, standing for long periods, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Requires manual dexterity and acute hearing.

EducationIMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Additional InformationReceiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.