Career Center

The Salem VA Medical Center Pharmacy processes and delivers over 600 prescriptions per day to support the inpatient and clinic functions of the medical center. The Salem VAMC needs an experienced Inpatient Pharmacy Technician to work independently and under direction of a Pharmacist to provide inpatient pharmacy services to our Veterans, and prepare all the inpatient medications needed for patients each day and delivers to the respective floors. 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: National Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be re-appointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determinations:GS-6 (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) Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. (c) 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. Preferred Experience: Preferred 3+ years inpatient pharmacy technician experience References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28, dated March 17, 2006. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (3 hours); Standing (4 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted). ["Major duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to:\nServes as a direct assistant to the pharmacist, requiring performance of duties with an understanding of the workflow, the pharmacy routine, and the responsibilities of the pharmacy programs. Demonstrates the ability to carry out the instructions as given by a pharmacist. As deemed necessary by the pharmacy supervisor, assists in other patient care areas to maintain the consistency of overall pharmacy services. Knowledgeable on pharmacy policy and Medical Center Memorandums and must be able to follow them. Knowledgeable on pharmacy production reports and how to interpret them for comparison to individual production. Receives and reviews pharmacy dispensing orders for accuracy of information, duplication, and authorization for dispensing in order to process. Functions as first-line telephone contact for nursing units, nurses, and providers. Addresses telephone requests in a timely and courteous fashion. Prepackages medication in unit of use or unit dose packaging utilizing automatic equipment in an efficient and timely manner; properly labels, pre-packs and completes quality control records. Provides technical support for the unit dose medication program. Performs all bar-coding functions necessary to support the BCMA program without secondary pharmacist check. Prepares inpatient drug orders including all medicinal dosage forms such as chemotherapy, intravenous admixtures, oral solids, etc., according to established procedures and protocols. Has thorough understanding of code box and WVEMS box refill procedures. Inventories and replenishes code boxes and WVEMS boxes. Coordinates and assists students, volunteers, and other staff members in various areas of job related duties and responsibilities. Has thorough knowledge of the operation and basic daily maintenance and trouble shooting of all automated equipment in the inpatient pharmacy. Fills ward/Omnicell orders for a variety of drugs including tablets, capsules, liquids, injections, etc. for wards and clinics without secondary review. Fills unit cart-fill from the automated dispensing machine in an efficient and timely manner. Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile).Answers routine inquiries from providers and nurses regarding drug distribution, availability of specific drugs or supplies in the pharmacy, i.e., drugs in stock, drugs on order, dosage forms, etc. Work Schedule: Various tours including some nights, weekends and holidays.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]