The Clinical Pharmacy Technician (Anticoagulation) position is located in Pharmacy Service at the VA Portland Health Care System, with partial telework eligibility of up to 4 days per week with required on-site responsibilities. 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. English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English 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). Grade Determinations: GS-7 (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) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities *1. Ability to evaluate, analyze workflow, and coordinate work activities. 2. Ability to independently gather, evaluate, and analyze data to generate reports and/or for other projects/statistical purposes. 3. Knowledge of pharmacy policies and procedures sufficient to train and orient new employees and other staff 4. Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and care of specialized pharmaceutical equipment. 5. Comprehensive knowledge of the procurement and formulary process. 6. Comprehensive knowledge of investigational drug policies and procedures. 7. Comprehensive knowledge of controlled substance policies and procedures, and the ability to identify and investigate discrepancies in these policies and procedures. 8. Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to, analyze data in VA information systems. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. ["Duties of this position include, but are not limited to: 1. Clinical Provide support to anticoagulation pharmacists. Serves as a point-of contact for Veteran Secure Messaging and Anticoagulation Clinic email group. Assists pharmacists by troubleshooting prescriptions prior to forwarding to pharmacist for review. Routinely review computer medication profile for prescription duplication, therapeutic duplication, refill noncompliance, and allergies/adverse drug reactions. Reports identified issues to a pharmacist for further action. Performs patient medical chart, medication profile, and action profile reviews to identify polypharmacy. Reports identified issues to a pharmacist for further action. Documents clinical and operational activities in the medical record as assigned. Assists clinical staff with implementing projects to reduce errors related to formulary management and/or patient safety. Participates in QA/QI processes and programs as assigned. Recognizes and solves problems, makes recommendations to avoid potential problems, and refers appropriate concerns to the Anticoagulation Supervisor. Aware of general drug therapy guidelines such as duplicate therapy. Uses extensive knowledge of drug and medication brand and generic names; general and specific storage requirements; expiration date requirements; dosage forms; pharmaceutical weights and measures; medical terminology; and the computerized prescription process to accurately process prescription and medication requests in the outpatient settings. Tracks prescriptions to determine delivery status/timeline and communicates information to patients. Communicates all interactions dealing with medication problems to the assigned pharmacist. Interacts face-to-face and by telephone, electronic mail, or via other media with patients, caregivers, and other professionals, documenting patient care activities and patient information in the electronic heath record. Educates patients on their drug therapy with respect to compliance and dietary restrictions, heightening awareness of toxicity and interactions with other medications in collaboration with a pharmacist. Responsible for the review of medication regimens within area of clinical practice and notifying pharmacist of any findings that might require action, including but not limited to: i. Misuse of medication, i.e. abuse, overuse, or underuse ii. Inappropriate dose, dose interval, or dosage form iii. Adverse drug reactions Applies knowledge of normal laboratory values in the evaluation of patient care, recognizes significant abnormalities potentially requiring intervention and notifies the pharmacist of any abnormalities that may require action. Screens patients for adherence and safety concerns and alerts CPS as indicated by clinic processes. 2. Education Collaborates with ACC Supervisor to proactively provide ongoing communication regarding services provided by the ACC to professional staff. Maintain competency in best practice in the community, medication management, and other areas related to ambulatory care pharmacy services. Remains up to date about new technology and pharmacy operations by reading relevant material in reputable journals and resources. Participates in the training and in-servicing of pharmacy technicians and other medical center personnel as assigned. Maintain competence by participating in staff development programs. Supervises high school and community college level students and volunteers and responsible for orienting and training new pharmacy technicians, students, and volunteers. Successfully completes annual competency certifications based on specific activities/clinical functions assigned. 3. Program Management/Administrative Assists in the operations of other areas of the Pharmacy Service, including distribution and clinical work in other areas as needed (e.g. operational support, customer service support, helping in other clinics or pharmacies). Ensure timely completion of all position pre-requisites and requirements as established by VAPORHCS, VISN 20, and VHA (e.g. documentation of licensure, education hours, mandatory training). Completes appropriate training and performs duties related to timekeeping responsibilities, providing coverage for other sections on an as needed basis, while maintaining the privacy and confidentially of staff. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
