Career Center

Functions encompass a broad range of technical, social, and problem solving skills. Assignments are diverse in nature and range over many essentially different functions including the outpatient and inpatient sections of Pharmacy service requiring a high degree of experience and adaptability. The pharmacy technician represents the pharmacy in the medical center and is to follow all established hospital and pharmacy service policies and procedures to ensure high quality care of the Veteran. 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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 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. 5. Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. 6. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. 7. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. 8. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. 9. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. 10. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15, PART II, APPENDIX G2 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-06 Physical Requirements: Safely lift 40lbs repeatedly including lifting above the waist. Incumbent required to have physical strength to safely perform these lifting moves daily to receive, store, and distribute IV fluids to point of care areas. The incumbent will be able to operate a pallet jack without injury to self, facility, supplies, or other equipment. ["Duties include but are not limited to: Ability to interact with facility personnel and our Veteran customers in a professional manner that promotes proper rapport and insures the highest level of customer service and patient care. Ability to recognize and solve problems, makes recommendations to avoid potential problems, and refers appropriate concerns to Lead Technician/Procurement Technician or supervising Pharmacist. Uses knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management to receive and inventory pharmacy stock, relay inventory information to the Lead Technician/Procurement Technician, and to obtain additional medication and supplies from our prime vendor when Lead Technician/Procurement Technician is unavailable. Communicates with facility personnel regarding drug distribution. Monitors all Pharmacy refrigerator and freezer temperatures. Receives and inventories drug stock from prime vendor including controlled substances. Knowledge and ability to safely and accurately clean IV Hoods and prepare IVs and routine sterile products using proper aseptic technique. Performs complex calculations to ensure proper dose is prepared. Accurately and safely compounds chemotherapy and hazardous products using aseptic technique. Uses appropriate personal protective equipment. Responsible for running daily IV Admixture pick-list. Prepares all daily, one-time and pre-op IVs required and delivers them to the appropriate ward in a timely manner. Knowledge of policies and procedures for prescription interpretation, drug selection, prescription filling and dispensing. Utilizes that knowledge to accurately and safely fill outpatient prescriptions using ScriptPro automation to ensure appropriate drug therapy for out veteran patients. Responsible for outpatient Pharmacy Call Center telephone calls, processes prescription renewals, refill and partial requests in VISTA and follows up each telephone call, enters prescription renewal requests into Access program. Refers inquires of a professional nature to a Pharmacist as appropriate. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00a-4:30p\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Pharmacy Technician/PD51101A\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]