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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. 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. 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. 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 GS-6 Experience. One year experience at the next lower level (GS-5), AND must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level (GS-5): Employees at the GS-5 grade level serve as staff pharmacy technicians receiving little guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patients and procedures, and require minimal supervision. AND possess the following KSAs: Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment. Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. 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: 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 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Preferred Experience: Must have national certification Outpatient or Retail pharmacy experience Experience with Veteran population Experience with ScriptPro automation Experience with perpetual inventory management References: MARCH 17, 2006 VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 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. ["The pharmacy technician provides various technical support services within the pharmacy department to include but not limited to the processing and filling of inpatient medication orders (unit-dose, IV admixtures, ward-stock, cart fill etc.), emergency room/inpatient discharge and outpatient orders. To perform in this position the pharmacy technician must possess an 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 and medical terminology to interpret providers' orders and verify correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose, is prepared and/or distributed. Has the ability to perform USP 797 IV sterile compounding using aseptic technique in accordance with facility and national policies. The pharmacy technician must also possess knowledge in the operation and maintenance of the department's automated dispensing cabinet (ADC), automated unit dose prepacking devices, and outpatient automated filling machines.???????Must participate in the preparation of inpatient/outpatient medication orders 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. Duties and responsibilities of the GS-6 Pharmacy Technician include but are not limited to: Ability to interpret IV (ie., admixtures, piggybacks, syringes, TPNs etc .. ) medication order request by selecting appropriate ingredients safely and aseptically, inspecting the final product for accuracy, labeling the product, recording all pertinent information for record of the preparation of the product, and delivering the product after final verification by a pharmacist. Fills on-demand clinic request for hospital ward or clinic stock. Restock and maintain drug items stored in automated dispensing cabinets (ADC) on the hospital units per ADC restocking report. Ensure par levels are maintained and drugs that are set to expire are pulled in advance of expiration date. Assure all medications and supplies are stored appropriately with proper attention to rotation of stock and complying with all laws and station policies. Remove expired medications from stock and follows facility policy and procedures for disposal of medications. Performs ward inspections as assigned: removes/replaces outdated items and excessive quantities of medications and accurately documents findings using appropriate forms in accordance with established policy and procedures. Possess an advanced technical knowledge of drug and 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 and medical terminology to interpret providers' orders and verify correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose, is prepared and/or distributed. Possess working knowledge of drug use and dosage forms available to be able to screen drug orders and assist the pharmacist in solving potential drug related problems. Appropriately prepares medications and supplies for window pick up and for mail out. Provide patient education on pharmacy topics such as requesting refill process, drug information sheets, and relaying judgmental questions to the pharmacist. Possess a thorough knowledge of principles relating to controlled substances, and the requirements of medical center policy and federal and state regulations that apply to these medications. Perform other duties of a pharmacy technician as assigned to maintain the consistency of overall pharmacy services when required. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm or 8:00am-4:30pm or 9:00am-7:30pm or based on needs of service. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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