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This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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. 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. Grade Determinations: Certification: Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. Experience: One year experience at the next lower level (GS 6) and must fully meet the GS 6 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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: Ability to evaluate, analyze workflow, and coordinate work activities. Ability to independently gather, evaluate, and analyze data to generate reports and/or for other projects/statistical purposes. Knowledge of pharmacy policies and procedures sufficient to train and orient new employees and other staff. Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and care of specialized pharmaceutical equipment. Comprehensive knowledge of the procurement and formulary process. Comprehensive knowledge of investigational drug policies and procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of controlled substance policies and procedures, and the ability to identify and investigate discrepancies in these policies and procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to, analyze data in VA information systems. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28 ["Performs technical support work in support of the pharmacy controlled substance program under the direction of a registered pharmacist Performs controlled substance program support functions for one or more pharmacies Performs controlled substance program support work such as the collection, compilation, reconciliation, research, and/or tracking of data & program information Instructs pharmacy staff on controlled substance policy & procedure Provides written instructions & reference materials when required Gives on the job training to new employees in accordance with established protocols & practices Maintains a current knowledge of national, state, & local laws, regulations, directives, policies & procedures pertaining to controlled substances Educates pharmacy staff on laws, procedures, policies, directives, etc. Amends or rejects work not meeting established standards & refers to supervisor questions or matters not covered by standards Resolves controlled substance discrepancies & staff controlled substance issues Reports to supervisor on controlled substance related performance, & training needs of employees Informs Logistics of narcotic inventory procurement for preparation of DEA forms Maintains all required DEA logs for order & receipt Provides accurate orders for all classes of controlled substances & orders from the Prime vendor Maximizes inventory to control costs while assuring 24/7 supply of needed controlled substances Conducts Vault inventories & maintains required reports Reviews all delivery records for accuracy & signatures Reviews & maintains monthly narcotic inspection reports from all pharmacy sites Conducts primary investigations of all discrepancies discovered on wards or dispensing areas & advises Chief of Pharmacy Service/Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor, Controlled Substance Officer & Police & Security Service on controlled substance related matters Ensures and/or Prepares DEA & VA forms for proper destruction of non-usable controlled substances Inventories & prepares controlled substances stock for all automated dispensing equipment sites Reviews use of automation dispensing records & makes recommendations to increase/decrease stock levels to IP Pharmacy supervisor Reviews & maintains perpetual computerized records for all controlled substances in all areas of the Medical Center Follows correct procedure for recalled controlled substances based on level of severity Fills other controlled substance prescriptions as required Maintains accurate electronic inventory through decrementing prescriptions, entering received inventory, & transferring to automated dispensing cabinets Disseminates & implements all Medical Center, VISN and/or VACO Policies that affect Pharmacy Service relative to controlled substances Disseminates & implements all Federal & State laws, rules & regulations relative to controlled substances Ensures Pharmacy Service adheres to all rules & regulations set forth by DEA Regulations on Controlled Substances, All Department policies & procedures relating to Controlled Substances & VA Controlled substance handbook Serves as liaison to Police and/or Controlled Substance Officer & Nursing Services to resolve discrepancies Arranges & participates in training for internal narcotic inspectors Initiates & conducts annual complete controlled substance inventory Maintains records of all investigational exhibits held for police & Security Service until possession is transferred in writing Advises supervisor of shifts in workload & areas of staff shortages to ensure safe & timely delivery of medications Resolves patient & staff concerns regarding controlled substances Maintains all required controlled substance records for a time period dictated by Federal Rules & Regulations Serves as consultant to Pharmacy Service supervisory staff, procurement staff, pharmacists & technicians as to issues with controlled substances Serves as a source of knowledge & expertise to trouble shoot & assist staff pharmacists & other Medical Center Care Lines/Services Applies rigid aseptic techniques in preparing sterile solutions Manufactures simple sterile products without additional certification Uses proper sterile technique to ensure the solution is not contaminated & potentially dangerous to the patient Prioritizes drug orders according to established pharmacy procedures Performs final certification of non-routine sterile products compounded by other technicians prior to dispensing Inspects the final product for accuracy, suitability & elegance Work Schedule: Rotating shifts to include nights, weekends & holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 50249-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Liz.Licea@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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