Career Center

GS-6 Pharmacy Technicians function in various areas of the pharmacy (eg. inpatient pharmacy, outpatient pharmacy, chemotherapy satellite, various storage areas, offices and patient care areas) under the supervision of the outpatient or inpatient pharmacy supervisor, depending upon the area of administrative assignment of the incumbent or a registered pharmacist in the absence of a pharmacy supervisor. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for highly qualified applicants. 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 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). Grade Determinations: GS-6 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 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 G28. This position is above the full performance level. Physical Requirements: Work is primarily physical, and demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying items up to 50lbs (and at times may be more). ["Inpatient and Outpatient: GS-6 Pharmacy Technicians must possess an advanced technical knowledge of drug and medication brand names, generic names/chemical names, general and special storage requirements, expiration date requirements, manufacturer/distributor sources, dosage forms, applicable systems of weights and measures and medical terminology to interpret providers' orders and verify correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose is prepared and/or distributed; working knowledge of drug use and dosage forms available to be able to screen drug orders for propriety and assist the pharmacist in solving potential drug related problems; working knowledge of hospital computer system(s), specifically the applicable VISTA and CPRS and Class-Ill software applications and processing options and a thorough knowledge of the operation and basic daily maintenance and minor repair of automated dispensing equipment. Intravenous Admixtures: GS-6 Pharmacy Technicians require mastery of aseptic technique used in the preparation of pharmaceuticals for parenteral administration; advanced technical working knowledge of various administration routes for various parenteral pharmaceuticals and the special preparation considerations that must be taken into account in their preparation, handling, storage, distribution and disposal; advanced technical working knowledge of equipment and supplies used in the preparation of intravenous admixtures including but not limited to horizontal laminar flow hoods, admixing pumps, needles, syringes, various drug reservoirs, etc. Specialized knowledge regarding chemical and physical compatibilities is essential for the proper preparation of parenteral pharmaceuticals. Controlled Substances: GS-6 Pharmacy Technicians require advanced knowledge of principles relating to controlled substances and the requirements of Medical Center and Network policy and state and Federal regulations, that apply to these drugs. Knowledge of trending and analysis is necessary to ensure that problems associated with waste, fraud, diversion or abuse are identified quickly and reported to appropriate supervisor(s). Cytotoxic Chemotherapy: GS-6 Pharmacy Technicians, in addition to the advanced technical working knowledge required for intravenous admixtures, require an advanced technical knowledge of hazards of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, including but not limited to the dangers posed to those who prepare, deliver, administer and/or receive treatment with these agents; equipment and supplies used in the preparation of cytotoxic chemotherapy including but not limited to vertical laminar flow hoods and personal protective equipment, admixing pumps, needles, syringes, various drug reservoirs, etc. and advanced knowledge of specialized techniques and procedures required for safe handling of cytotoxic agents such as negative pressure technique, hazardous waste disposal, and cytotoxic spill response. Procurement and Stock Maintenance: GS-6 Pharmacy Technicians require advanced technical knowledge of all aspects of drug characteristics and nomenclature including generic/chemical and brand names, dosage forms, various systems of weights and measures, drug product codes, drug interchangeability and therapeutic equivalence; characteristics of drug packaging; various uses for drugs; VA and regulatory agency requirements for drug storage; special requirements for procurement, storage, distribution and handling of various classes of drugs. Work Schedule: M-F 8-430 with rotations to 930-6, some weekends and holiday\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Pharmacy Technician/PD21O43A and PD21043A\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]