Pharmacy Technician - Outpatient

The Outpatient Rotational Pharmacy Technician is a highly trained technician responsible for a variety of functions in the outpatient pharmacy. These include dispensing/distribution of medications/supplies/related products, operation of various technologies/automation, entering patient notes, and other technical functions under the supervision of a pharmacist. This role provides cross coverage in multiple areasQualifications: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 Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).

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-7 Pharmacy Technician

• Experience: Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-6. This experience includes but is not limited to:
  • Knowledge of Federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice;
  • Knowledge of preparation, storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation;
  • Use of pharmacy information systems or operating pharmacy dispensing equipment;
  • Knowledge of basic inventory procedures;
  • Communicate with patients and staff and direct questions to appropriate personnel. AND
• Certification: For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either:
  • PTCB as a CPhT. OR
  • NHA as a ExCPT.

AND Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate MUST demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of Pharmacy Technician principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work.
• Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent.
• Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers.
• Ability to train developmental Pharmacy Technicians and students.
• Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution.
• Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases.

It is HIGHLY recommended that the KSAs above be demonstrated on a supplemental document.
References: VA Handbook 5005/159 Part II appendix G28 11/7/2023The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 7
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: FULL_TIME