Pharmacy Technician

Summary
Pharmacy Technician serve Sheridan VA Healthcare System by assigned clinical duties and rotating through assignments in both inpatient and outpatient pharmacy, functioning independently within each area. Technician are responsible for functions including inpatient medication preparation and distribution, sterile intravenous admixture preparation, automated equipment use and maintenance, filling of outpatient controlled substances in preparation for pharmacist verification, mail order rejects
This job is open to

• The public
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency
This Job Announcement is open to all US Citizens
***If you are Current Federal Employee, please apply to the Internal Jon Announcement: CBSU-12203215-24-AGL***
Videos
Duties
VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws
Outpatient Pharmacy Functions

• Outpatient Prescription Preparation: Reads prescription and then retrieves repackaged, labeled container or bulk stock container and measures proper amounts into a smaller container. Pharmacists perform a final check of the work. Reads individual prescriptions and determines kind, strength, and dosage of drug to be dispensed. Applies pharmacy policy limitations. Obtains correct stock container, counts or pours correct amount of medication, and placing medication in an appropriately sized container.
• Correctly packages medications for shipment to patients or to Community Based Outpatient Clinics. Knowledge of special packing techniques for various medications; e.g., liquids, flammables, hazardous, and narcotics. Ensures adherence to facility, service, and postal regulations governing shipment. Adheres to federal and VA policy (USP 800) for the management and regular use of all hazardous medications, to include appropriate labeling, storage and destruction.
• Utilizes pharmacy information systems to answer patient questions related to status of their medication, completion date, package tracking. Operates and maintains complicated pharmacy equipment including ScriptPro outpatient pharmacy automation.
• Ensures that information such as generic name of drug, manufacturer's name, lot number, control number, shipment number are properly recorded on log books and on labels.
• Uses appropriate Opioid pain note templates and documents accurate data in computer entry system for use by medical providers to reorder high risk medications. Renews or flags maintenance medications under medical providers per local policy.
• Utilizes pharmacy phone system efficiently and with appropriate customer service in line with VA ICARE values.

Inpatient Pharmacy Functions

• Replenish and update stock in automated dispensing cabinets. Accurately packages unit dose medications utilizing unit dose packaging machine for all inpatient units. Monitors inventory needs in-patient care areas. Includes placing stock in proper storage areas, rotating stock on shelves, and removing/replacing outdated items. Maintains, verifies, stocks, and replaces outdated medications on inpatient wards and through inpatient pharmacy storage cabinets.
• Compounds sterile products in accordance with federal and VA policy (USP 797). Performs all quality control measures, to include using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and performing and documenting cleaning procedures.
• Conducts monthly ward inspection of patient care areas. Monitors refrigerator temperature and maintains destruction receptacles (Cactus-Sink) on in-patient care areas. Inventories and replenishes emergency carts.
• Ensures that information such as generic name of drug, manufacturer's name, lot number, control number, shipment number are properly recorded on log books and on labels.
• Reads and interprets orders, obtains proper medication or material in the proper strength and dosage form; determines proper amount and counts, pours, or measures the medications; affixes proper label; and records required data on Pharmacy's copy of prescription/order.
• Answers questions from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution. Identifies basic therapeutic problems such as duplicate therapy with drugs in the same class and alerts the pharmacist to the possible need for clinical intervention.
• Receives supplies, checking for shortages, tampering, breakage, deterioration, or expiration.
• Operates and maintains complicated unit dose packaging machines, and inpatient pharmacy automation equipment. Utilizes all pharmacy equipment according to manufacturer, facility, and service policies and procedures.
• Distributes inpatient and outpatient orders and requests for controlled substances according to established pharmacy procedures.

Academic/Teaching/Training

• Responsible for the self-development, mandatory training, and education necessary to maintain licensure, stay current with the practice of pharmacy and Joint Commission standards, and meet facility training requirements.
• Coordinates training new employees in duties and responsibilities of Pharmacy Technicians.

Other Significant Responsibilities

• Assists in total quality improvement activities by participating in healthcare system and service process assessment and action teams and continually seeks to improve services.
• Represents the Healthcare System at professional/program community group/events and committees.
• Additional duties may be assigned by the Chief, Pharmacy Service and the Associate Chief, Pharmacy Operations as necessary.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm, 8:00am-4:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications
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:

• Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
• Education or Experience.
  (1) None required.
  (2) For all grade levels and positions that accept both education and experience to qualify, equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 100% are qualifying. The combined percentage is determined by adding total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level to the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level.
• 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).

Pharmacy Technician, GS-06.
(1) Education or Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower level. Pharmacy technicians at this developmental level perform all duties expected of employees at lower grade levels; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgement, require less supervision and operate in accordance with all established policies and procedures. Pharmacy technicians at this grade level will fill orders and dispense/ deliver medications using automated systems. These technicians require oversight of assigned duties by full performance level technicians and or pharmacists.
(Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of Federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice.
(b) Knowledge of preparation, storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation.
(c) Ability to use pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment.
(d) Knowledge of basic inventory procedures.
(e) Ability to communicate with patients and staff and direct questions to appropriate personnel.
Preferred Experience:

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
• 3 years of Pharmacy Technician Experience

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/159 November 07, 2023 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 in the range of GS 3 to GS 6.
Physical Requirements: This position provides services to patients and their families. Incumbents must be physically and mentally able to
efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others. Normal work of the position requires visual acuity (with the ability to read typewritten characters without strain, corrective lenses permitted), keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, manual dexterity. This position may require reaching above shoulder-level height and requires potentially moderate levels of lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds). This position requires long periods of sitting, standing and walking. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

• Benefits
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  Review our benefits
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service program...