The Pharmacy Technician provides pharmacy services, inventory management and other technical pharmacy duties within the VA North Texas Health Care System. The Pharmacy Technician will perform functions and duties associated with the stocking, preparation, labeling, dispensing and delivery of medications under the supervision of a Pharmacist. The Pharmacy Technician will serve as a staff inpatient pharmacy technician and is expected to maintain a high level of productivity. 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. English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English. Preferred Experience: One year of inpatient pharmacy experience Sterile compounding experience Omnicell automation training Grade Determinations: GS-6 (a) Experience. One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: (b) Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. (d) 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting: (15-44 pounds); Moderate Carrying (15-44 pounds); Straight Pulling (less than 30 minutes); Pushing (less than 30 minutes); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 6 hours); Standing (up to 6 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted). ["OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT: This vacancy announcement will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is May 2, 2023. Additional applications will be referred as needed. Duties include but are not limited to the following: Delivers IV and unit dose medications to patient care areas according to Pharmacy guidelines and standards operating procedures and replenishes medication carts and automated dispensing cabinets. Conducts monthly clinic and ward inspections and retrieves expired medications in according with local policy. Assists with procurement activities to maintain an adequate inventory and reconciles discrepancies to ensure the correct items have been received. Ensures pharmaceutical and supply items such as controlled substances, hazardous materials, and refrigerated items are stored in accordance with applicable policies and regulations. Operates state of the art automation equipment, maintains it in good working conditions, and troubleshoots minor software/hardware issues. Staffs the After-Hours Pharmacy window to dispense medications and/or supply items to patients and nursing staff. Answers telephone calls and provides professional, courteous and efficient customer service to internal and external customers. Maintains a clean and safe work environment throughout all inpatient pharmacy areas. Completes all required VA mandatory training and maintains PTCB certification. Work Schedule: M-F 7:00am to 3:30pm, 2:30pm to 11:00pm, or 11:00pm to 7:00am with rotating weekends/holidays. Hours may be adjusted or extended to meet patient needs. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
