Truman VA's Pharmacy Service seeks a pharmacy technician with PTCB certification and prior pharmacy experience to join our team to work in any area of Pharmacy Service. Please review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement below. 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. Experience and Education (Entry Level): 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 (Must provide copy) 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. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: GS-6 - Experience. One year experience at the GS-5 level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the GS-5 level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 1. Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. 2. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. 3. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. 4. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. 5. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. 6. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II- Appendix G-28, Pharmacy Technician. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Principle duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers. May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 44 lbs.), including boxes, equipment, unit dose cassettes, and IV solutions; stooping or kneeling; sitting, walking or standing for long periods of time (4-8hours). Normal ranges of hearing and vision are required to perform work and communicate effectively; must have the visual ability to distinguish between basic colors and shades of color. An ability to perform tasks requiring rapid mental and muscular coordination functions simultaneously is necessary. Must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used for the job. ["The incumbent must be reliable, team oriented, and be willing to positively contribute to meeting goals in our busy environment. The incumbent is the technical specialist in providing patient care related to inpatient and outpatient care. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification is required at this grade level and above. A broad and in-depth knowledge of the components of medication preparation and dispensing practices is required including: sterile compounding, aseptic technique, brand and generic names, general and specific storage requirements, expiration dates, manufacturer and distributor sources, dose forms, systems of weights and measures, medical terminology, common medication preparation and distribution issues, hospital computer systems such as VISTA, CPRS, and BCMA, and a working knowledge of the operation and basic daily maintenance and minor repair of automated dispensing equipment. S/he works under the supervision of the Supervisory Pharmacist and works independently under established procedures. Completed work is checked by the pharmacist. Guidance is always available from a pharmacist and must be sought when clarification is needed. Work Schedule: Various, (Alternating weekends and holidays, Our technicians work a set schedule, with weekend rotation, and sometimes flex to meet changing workplace needs) Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
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.
