Description
Summary Pharmacy technicians function in various areas of the pharmacy, e.g. inpatient pharmacy, outpatient pharmacy and other patient care areas, under the supervision of the Outpatient or Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor or a registered pharmacist in the absence of a pharmacy supervisor. Responsibilities Pharmacy technicians typically carry out the full range of technical support functions including filling outpatient prescriptions and filling inpatient unit dose medication orders, but are not limited to: A. Outpatient Pharmacy Performs duties involved in all facets of outpatient medication distribution which includes use and care of automation (i.e. Script Pro) for prescription filling. Interprets physician orders or prescriptions to determine the kind of medication, strength and dosage to be dispensed. Obtains the correct medication, counts, pours or dispenses by automation, the correct amount and places it into the appropriate container. Labels and prepares the contents for a final check by a pharmacist. Packages medication for delivery to the patient in accordance with United Postal and/or shipping company (i.e. FEDEX) regulations. Uses company software to generate shipping labels. Upon request by a patient, provides procedural information pertaining to obtaining medications from this healthcare system (i.e. how to request a refill). All patient interactions will be performed in a courteous, helpful and friendly manner. B. Inpatient Pharmacy Dispenses unit dose medication to patient's medication cassette or other patient medication storage system(s) used within the medical center. Applies knowledge of the pharmacy VISTA unit dose package to generate pick lists used to fill patient cassettes. Uses pharmacy automation such as Automed Fast Pack, Euclid and Pyxis to support unit dose medication dispensing. Prepares IV admixtures assigned, to include large volume parenterals and "piggybacks". Demonstrates knowledge of aseptic technique and basic calculations. C. Material Management/ Inventory Returns stock medication and supplies to their appropriate areas by the end of each tour of duty. Maintains a clean, orderly workplace and supports prescribed safety practices. Rotates stock, checks for and removes outdated medication. Provides assistance to procurement technicians during times of heavy workload. Work Schedule: The tour of duty for this position will be a rotating schedule (including weekends and holidays when necessary) as established by the Chief, Pharmacy Service. Assigned work areas are not restricted to the inpatient or outpatient pharmacies. The incumbent may be assigned to expanded pharmacy service areas as deemed by the chief of pharmacy. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications 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: U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English language proficiency. Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (proof of graduation or equivalent required) or at least 3 months of experience. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with the scope of pharmacy technician practice. Part-time experience as a pharmacy technician is credited according to its relationship the full-time work week. For example, a pharmacy technician would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work. Preferred Experience: Experience in a hospital pharmacy setting is preferred, but not required. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Must have a valid drivers license to be able to drive a government vehicle Grade Determinations: GS-2: (Entry Level) Experience: None beyond the basic requirement. GS-3: Education or Experience: Completion of 1 year of post-high school course work related to medicine (e.g. chemistry, biology, college mathematics, etc.), or successful completion of a 1 year accredited pharmacy technician training program, or 6 months of general experience, that may have included experience in another medical field(licensed practical nurse, laboratory technology, etc.). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1.Ability to maintain appropriate files 2.Ability to prepare sterile compounds under supervision 3.Ability to communicate with patients and other health profession GS-4: Education or Experience: Successful completion of 2 years above high school with courses related to pharmacy or pharmacy technology, or 1 year of general experience that may have included experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, laboratory technology, etc.) Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program conducted by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision is creditable on a month-for-month basis for general experience. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1.Ability to process and fill prescriptions under supervision 2.Ability to operate and maintain dispensing equipment 3.Ability to operate pharmacy information systems 4.Ability to maintain appropriate files 5.Ability to prepare sterile compounds under supervision GS-5: Education or Experience. Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included at least 24 semester hours of courses related to pharmacy or pharmacy technology; successful completion of pertinent specialized training courses in pharmaceutical and pharmacy services while serving in the Armed Forces is creditable on a month-for-month basis up to the 1 year of experience required for the GS-5 level; or at least 1 year of experience at the next lower level that demonstrates the core competencies (KSAs) described at the GS-4 level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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, Part II, Appendix G28, PHARMACY TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATION STANDARD, dated March 2006. Reference is available in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. 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). Preferred Experience: Pharmacy Technician Board Certification The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-2 to GS-5. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time, typing, walking distances within the medical center, lifting/carrying (up to 50 pounds) of pharmaceutical supplies, and bending/stooping/stretching. Education IMPORTANT: 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: 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: Additional Information 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. COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or onboarding with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), if after November 22..... click apply for full job details
