Located within the Pharmacy Department at the VA Western Colorado Health Care System, pharmacy technicians perform routine pharmacy functions including receiving prescriptions from patients in writing or electronically from physicians. Pharmacy technicians prepare prescriptions by counting, pouring, weighing, measuring, and mixing the medication if necessary. Pharmacy Technicians also require a high degree of experience and adaptability. 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: Citizenship. Citizens 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). 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 in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Pharmacy Technician GS-6 Experience. One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level GS-05. Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II, Appendix G28. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Major Duties: Interacts with facility personnel and Veterans customers in a professional manner that promotes proper rapport and insures the highest level of customer service and patient care. Recognizes and solves problems, makes recommendations to avoid potential problems, and refers appropriate concerns to the Lead Technician/Procurement Technician or supervising Pharmacists. Protects patient sensitive information, electronic and in print in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, Federal Regulations, VA statues and policy, and VHA policy. Operates automated Pharmacy equipment; specifically the Omnicell, ScriptPro, and UNIT DOSE pre-packing machines. Compounds medications for inpatient medications for inpatient and outpatient use following written instructions and using proper aseptic technique without a second review. Conducts monthly ward and clinic inspection per VA Medical Center (VAMC) policies and procedures. Replaces outdated drugs in all patient care areas. Inspects all emergency carts in the facility, replacing any outdated or short dated drugs. Uses extensive knowledge of drug and medication brand and generic names; general and specific storage requirements, expiration date requirements, dosage forms, pharmaceutical eights and measures; medical terminology; and the computerized prescription process to accurately process prescription and medication requests in the inpatient and outpatient settings. Monitors all Pharmacy refrigerator and freezer temperatures. Receives and inventories drug stock from prime vendor including controlled substances. Supervises high school and college level students and volunteers. Orients and trains new pharmacy technicians, students, and volunteers. Safely and accurately cleans IV Hoods and prepares IVs and routine sterile products using proper aseptic technique. Runs 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. Maintains UNIT DOSE prepackaging as well as ScriptPro automated machine. Packages medications and supplies for mailing. Takes precautions to ensure only medications for the addressee are in the package, mailing address is correct and the delivery method is appropriate. Applies and understands the relationship between the VA Core Values (I CARE) and the involvement and support within the unit. Work Schedule: Rotating (includes weekends). Possible shifts include; 7:00am-3:30pm, 8:00am-4:30pm, and 9:00am-5:30pm. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 51101-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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.
