Career Center

This position is located at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. The incumbent must be able to perform in all areas of the Pharmacy including expanded distribution functions, which require an extensive knowledge of pharmaceuticals and pharmacy practice. Incumbent performs the full range of technical support functions. 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. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations, In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Pharmacy Technician, GS-6: Experience: One year experience at the next lower level (GS5) which includes operating automated dispensing devices, ability to perform aseptic technique, knowledge of basic inventory procedures and pharmacy information systems. IMPORTANT NOTE: Resume must include hours worked per week for work experience credit. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) required for the GS-6 grade level: 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. (IMPORTANT NOTE: KSAs must be clearly reflected in resume under description of duties in order to be found qualified for this grade level, please be specific in describing duties performed which demonstrate that you possess the KSAs listed above that are required for this position/grade level) Certification: PTCB certification is required at the GS-06 grade level. (CURRENT Certification document MUST be provided at time of application) References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28. This vacancy is announced above the full performance level at the GS-6 level. Physical Requirements: The work involves standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting or carrying of pharmaceutical supplies, including bending and stooping to include the transporting of mail collection container to mailroom. Moderate lifting may be required (up to 40 lbs.). ["If you ARE a current, permanent VA employee, or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply under CBST-11477224-22-AH TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE, OR YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ELECTRONIC NOTICE THAT YOU ARE RATED INELIGIBLE. SEE QUALIFICATIONS SECTION AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SECTION FOR DETAILS. KSAs MUST BE DEMONSTRATED IN YOUR RESUME. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT AND REFER BACK TO IT OFTEN WHEN WRITING YOUR RESUME. *RESUME REQUIREMENT: YOUR RESUME MUST INCLUDE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FOR EACH POSITION LISTED: JOB TITLE, AVERAGE HOURS WORKED PER WEEK, DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES, BEGINNING AND ENDING DATE (MONTH/YEAR) Duties may include but are not limited to: Provides various technical support services within the pharmacy department. Carries out the full range of technical support functions including: Filling outpatient prescriptions for scheduled and non-scheduled federal legend drugs and medical devices, over-the-counter products and supply items; Inpatient preparation and distribution of unit dose medications and ward stock items, intravenous admixtures including cytotoxic chemotherapy, stock management; operation, maintenance, re-stocking and troubleshooting of automated dispensing equipment. Preparation and maintenance of various logs, records and reports. Demonstrates a 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. Demonstrates mastery of aseptic technique used in the preparation of pharmaceuticals. Possesses 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. Utilizes advanced knowledge of principles relating to controlled substances and the requirements of Medical Center and Network policy and state and Federal regulations, which apply to these drugs. Work Schedule: Possible shifts include: Monday-Friday 7:00AM-3:30PM, 3:30PM-12:00AM, Rotating Weekends and Some Holidays.\nTelework: Not Available.\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 580-00332-F\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required."]