Outpatient Pharmacy technicians at this level have a major impact on the operational aspects of the Pharmacy Service for providing timely, efficient, and accurate prescription filling and dispensing with minimal need of supervision. This position is also announced as an Inpatient Pharmacy Technician - see Duties section for more information. This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is October 15, 2022. Additional applications will be referred as needed. 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. 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 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. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain licensure/certification/ registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/ registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) at all grade levels, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation for which he/she qualifies if a placement opportunity exists. For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) in assignments above the full-performance level only, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may remain at an appropriate lower grade level in the occupation when both of the following apply: the credential is not a requirement and a placement opportunity exists." 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 and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Grade Determinations: GS-06 Experience. One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 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. 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. Preferred Experience: 1 year Outpatient pharmacy experience 1 year of experience to operate and care for automated pharmacy dispensing devices and equipment Ability to communicate with patients and other health professions 1 year of experience processing, filling, and dispensing prescriptions Knowledge and experience of policies and procedures for inventory management References: MARCH 17, 2006 VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44lbs),moderate carrying (15-44 lbs), straight pulling (3 hrs), pushing (3 hrs), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, long periods of walking, standing, kneeling, pushing, and pulling maybe required. The incumbent must have the ability to distinguish basic colors, have near vision and DVA correctable vision. S/he could work around machinery with moving parts, work closely with others, and may work irregular hours or shifts. ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until March 15, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be October 15, 2022, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 15th of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants will need to update applications after 90 days for further consideration. Candidates are encouraged to apply to the vacancy announcement that matches their specific experience (Inpatient Pharmacy Technician or Outpatient Pharmacy Technician), as each position has very specific duties unique to each. We are unable to move applications to other vacancy announcements...please make sure you are applying to the appropriate announcement. Inpatient Pharmacy Technician (INTERNAL Candidates): CAZM-11648536-22-JS, GS-0661-6 Inpatient Pharmacy Technician (ALL US Citizens): CAZM-11648537-22-JS, GS-0661-6 Outpatient Pharmacy Technician (INTERNAL Candidates): CAZM-11648538-22-JS, GS-0661-6 Outpatient Pharmacy Technician (ALL US Citizens): CAZM-11648539-22-JS, GS-0661-6 Outpatient Pharmacy Technicians have become a vital component of medication distribution in the VA, and the need for fully functional and reliable personnel is critical to our mission. They provide various technical support services within the pharmacy department to include but not limited to: Advanced technical knowledge of medication brand names, generic names/chemical names, general and special storage requirements, expiration date requirements, manufacturer/distributor sources, dosage forms, basic pharmaceutical calculations, applicable systems of weights and measures Advanced knowledge of medical terminology to interpret providers' orders and verify correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose, is prepared and/or distributed Ability to perform a full administrative and technical review of the patient's medication and computer profile, being sure that the most current prescriptions are being processed, all older prescriptions for the same mediation(s), checking for remaining authorized refills, checking for frequency of refills Participate in the preparation of a prescription order by verifying the correct patient, appropriateness of the label, selecting the proper medication, selecting the correct strength, counting/pouring the intended quantity, packing the medication appropriately, and completing all necessary filling documentation. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm or 10:00 am to 6:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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.
