The duties of this position are performed in all areas of the Inpatient/Outpatient Pharmacy Section, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS), Pharmacy Service. 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. 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: 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 of 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 in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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 of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-5) and must fully meet the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) at the next lower grade level: (1)Ability to operate and care automated dispensing devices and equipment. (2)Knowledge of, and ability to perform aseptic technique. (3) Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. (4) Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28, Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard dated March 17, 2006. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: The work involves regular and recurring physical exertion including walking, bending, prolonged standing, stooping, lifting and carrying packages weighing up to 40 pounds. Dexterity is required for the operation of Pharmacy equipment. ["Duties of the Pharmacy Technician include and are not limited to: Performs final review of medication (prepared by another technician) to be dispensed to inpatient areas (unit dose carts) and/or fills unit dose carts independently without secondary review. Inventories and replenishes emergency carts with a second review. Operates and maintains complicated pharmacy equipment. Appropriately restocks medications in Pyxis cabinets throughout medical center. Maintains confidentiality of access codes and assures that inventory counts are corrected at the time of restocking. Reports discovered discrepancies to immediate area supervisor for resolution. Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile). This includes calculating and converting to proper weights and measures the amount of drug or solution to be used. After orders are reviewed by a pharmacist for therapeutic propriety, the technician reviews orders for technical accuracy so that the item dispensed corresponds to the drugs and dose ordered. Enters correct drug, strength, dosage form and quantity into the patient medication profile (VistA or otherwise). Performs final verification of simple, non-sterile compounds prepared by lower level technicians. Answers questions from pharmacy on 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. Assists in total quality improvement activities by participating in medical center and service process assessment and action teams and continually seeks to improve services. Compounds uncomplicated and/or complicated parenteral admixtures to be delivered in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringe or other modality as required. Prepares sterile ophthalmic preparations and other complex sterile pharmaceuticals (e.g., cardioplegia solution). Correctly interprets physician orders, selects and measures appropriate ingredients, mixes ingredients in a safe and effective manner, inspects the final product for accuracy, suitability, and elegance, labels the product, maintains records of the manufacturing process and supplies the product for delivery. Performs monthly ward/clinic inspection as assigned, turns them in to Supervisors for further review by stated deadline, and assures all required entry into the VistA AR/WS computer package as required to account for any and all stocked medication distribution to wards/clinics/cbocs. Independently prepares prescriptions (except controlled substances) for final check by pharmacist for immediate or mail-out processing. Processes batch refill prescription ordering for mail-out processing and ultimate fulfillment of patient requests. Interacts personally with patients or their representatives to assure medication profiles are updated, reviewed, and needed prescriptions items or supplies are appropriately processed. Accurately fills prescriptions orders by selecting correct product based on label requirements and assures each item is filled and labeled according to all applicable standards. Answers questions from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding outpatient procedures. 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. Compiles, categorizes, and records workload data for various reports in order to establish a comprehensive record of work performed. Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition by assuring that all stock and equipment are in assigned places and all shelves and counters are free of dust and debris in order to create option work areas. The technician will be assigned additional duties by the supervisor as necessary for the smooth operation of the pharmacy. Work Schedule: Based on needs of service (the specific tours of duty will be discussed during the interview).\nTelework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Pharmacy Technician/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Recruitment Incentive may be authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]