Career Center

The Pharmacy Technician (PT) serves as a representative of the Pharmacy Service in a variety of positions throughout the Medical Center. The PT is a certified professional that performs technical support work in support of the pharmacy program under the direction of a registered pharmacist. Basic Requirements: a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) b. Education or Experience. A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience. c. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. 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 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. (d) Assignments. Pharmacy technicians may be assigned to any area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive function assignments; for example assignment as team leaders for specific process improvement teams involving technical areas or performing more highly complex duties including preparation of oncology agents for clinical pharmacy specialists. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Operations- Medication Stock and Storage:\n- Adequate stock of pharmaceuticals and supplies for the areas assigned is maintained by communicating with the procurement personnel for items that are below par levels or out of stock.\n- Usage of medications is monitored, and par levels are adjusted accordingly. In addition, out of stock medications are communicated to the pharmacy supervisors and procurement staff at the time of discovery so that arrangements can be made to prevent delays in patient care.\n- All pharmacy areas are maintained according to facility and service level policies (e.g., separate areas for high alert medications, proper disposal of corrugated cardboard, etc.).\n- Assigned monthly ward inspections are thoroughly and consistently performed within established timeframe, including inspection of investigational drug areas, if assigned.\n- Recalled drugs are properly returned to Pharmacy Service, segregated, and secured to prevent re-dispensing.\n- Outdated, deteriorated, and damaged medications are disposed of in the appropriate pharmaceutical waste containers or placed inside the return bin for credit processing according to policy and procedures for reverse distribution.\n- Stock is rotated as necessary to utilize the shortest expiration date items first.\n- Packaging supplies are monitored and restocked by alerting procurement staff in a timely manner.\n- Refrigerators/freezers are monitored daily for adequate temperature control according to facility policies and procedures. Appropriate action is initiated and documented for out-of-range temperature, and problems are resolved in a timely manner to ensure no drug is wasted due to improper storage.\n- Equipment problems are identified and concerns are brought to the immediate attention of the supervisor and/or Informatics/Automation personnel. Repackaging equipment is monitored daily to ensure safety and effectiveness. Equipment is routinely cleaned and properly maintained and calibrated, according to policies and procedures and/or manufacturer recommendations.\n- Maintains a safe, clean, uncluttered work area in the storage and dispensing areas.\n- Prepares items necessary for storage according to policy and requirements.\nDistribution- Medication Order/Prescription Preparation\n- Medications, supplies, vaccines, etc are filled accurately in accordance with current state and federal laws/regulations and are checked and verified by a pharmacist before dispensing to the patient. This includes selecting the correct medication or supply item and dosage form, accurately counting or measuring the quantity to be dispensed, reconstituting, labeling the medication with a barcode, affixing the appropriate auxiliary labels, and completing all necessary documentation per policies and procedures, including making appropriate entries on the pharmacy record and decrementing in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) for proper inventory. Potential problems are brought to the attention of a pharmacist and reported to by the supervisor for review in an accurate and timely manner.\n- Workload is prioritized; orders/prescriptions are processed, filled and delivered in a timely manner; and assignments are completed within specified time frames. Work Schedule: Rotating\nCompressed/Flexible: Yes\nTelework: Not Authorized\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]