Career Center

Current, permanent VA employees or Federal employees from another agency should apply under CBST-11717177-23-AK. This position functions primarily in the Inpatient and Outpatient Sections of Pharmacy Service within CAVHS. The incumbent is a rotating generalized pharmacy technician, who, under the authority of the Chief, Pharmacy Service, is directly involved in all aspects of the preparation and dispensing of drug orders and prescription items. 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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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. Grade Determinations: PHARMACY TECHNICIAN, GS-0661-6 Experience. One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. Examples of experience at the GS-5 include but not limited to ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment, knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique, knowledge of basic inventory procedures, and 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 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. Preferred Experience: It is preferred candidates have both inpatient and outpatient experience, but not required. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II Appendix G28, Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The position is above full performance level (GS-6). Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), straight pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending, specific visual requirement (ability to read prescriptions), hearing (aid permitted). (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services). ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 30, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 28, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st 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. VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws The duties of the PHARMACY TECHNICIAN in the Pharmacy Service include but not limited to: Solves problems and makes recommendations, e.g., troubleshoots operational problems and refers for appropriate action.- Performs daily maintenance/minor repairs as well as manual/replenishment and bulk functions of automated dispensing systems. Operates all equipment normal to the area operation and assures quality assurance measures involving automated dispensing systems. Ensures applicable procedures are followed and appropriate documentation is made. Assists in the total quality improvement activities by participating in medical center and service process assessments and action teams and continually seeks to improve services. Screen all phone calls, answering questions of veterans, caregivers, physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals concerning the processing of prescriptions/orders. Identifies basic therapeutic problems such as compliance problems or duplicate therapy with drugs in same class and refers to a pharmacist the need for clinical intervention. Maintains work area in a clean, neat and orderly manner. Maintains stock levels by periodic inventories, submissions of requests for needed items, receiving, storing and/or transporting incoming orders, removing outdated or deteriorated items and preparing them for proper disposal. Demonstrates knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas. Ensures accuracy and accountability of all receiving reports. Responsible for communicating with pharmacists and supervisors when problems arise with supplies of medication. Assures that an ample supply of drugs, appliances, labels, containers, supplies and related necessities are readily available in the work area. Develops and formulates many investigational drugs used by physicians in clinical research. Registers investigational drugs into VISTA system, stores, packages, labels and prepares drugs as necessary. Responsible for setting up recordkeeping and monitoring system for investigational studies involving drugs. Coordinating with pharmacists and study coordinators issues related to dispensing investigational drugs. Ability to follow written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials. Knowledge of NIOSH medication handling requirements per USP 800 guidelines. Reconstitutes oral suspensions/liquids. Compounds various external non-sterile medications using appropriate procedures, calculations and weight/volume conversions. Prepares bulk compounding activities to include ophthalmic, oral and topical preparations. Maintains required records for extemporaneous compounding and reports atypical occurrences regarding change in color, consistency, etc. Performs monthly ward inspections/out of date areas as assigned and within the appropriate timeframe. Documents and performs follow-ups on discrepancies. Assists in total quality improvement activities by participating in medical center and service process assessment and action teams and continually seeks to improve services. Maintains statistical records either manually or computerized for all pharmacy dispensing actions. May be required to monitor refrigerator temperatures daily in Pharmacy Services and inpatient care areas. Monitors and analyzes orders and distribution patterns of controlled substances to identify questionable circumstances or unusual trends. Communicates potential problems to supervisor. Receives new stock and returns stock to inventory, ensuring accuracy of controlled drug records. Performs other miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor or attending pharmacist and assist in other patient care areas as deemed necessary to maintain the consistency of overall pharmacy services. Performs all other duties and functions performed by technicians of an equal or lower grade common to the work area. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am-4:00 or 8:00am-4:30pm (May be assigned other hours if needed to meet patient needs) Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Return to Search Results