Pharmacy Technician in the San Francisco VA Health Care System Pharmacy Call Center (SFVAHCS PCC). The Pharmacy Call Center Technician will provide and support administrative and clinical activities as assigned. All assigned clinical activities and functions shall be completed in accordance with approved pharmacy protocols. 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 Training. A high school diploma or equivalent; OR at least three (3) months experience. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. [NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR CURRENT CERTIFICATION WITH THE APPLICATION PACKAGE] Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: GS-6 Pharmacy Technician: Experience: One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-5 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment and fully meets all of the performance requirements for the GS-5 Pharmacy Technician. Certification: PTCB certification is required at this grade level. [NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR CURRENT CERTIFICATION WITH THE APPLICATION PACKAGE]C) In addition to meeting the basic requirements and grade determinations, applicant must demonstrate the following: 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 5005/16, Part II, Appendix G28 Pharmacy Technician Qualifications Standard, dated March 17, 2006, http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: Employees are typically expected to work varying work schedules. This may include nights, weekends and/or holidays as assigned. Principle duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., preparing IV admixtures, use of a computer keyboard, etc.). May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 44lbs.), including boxes, equipment, unit dose-cassettes, and IV solutions; stooping or kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, remove and replace items on lower shelves, sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours). Normal ranges of hearing and vision are required to perform work and communicate effectively; must have the visual ability to distinguish between basic colors and shades of color. An ability to perform tasks requiring rapid mental and muscular coordination functions simultaneously is necessary. Must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used for the job. ["Duties include but are not limited to the following:\n* Works collaboratively with all SFVAHCS Call Center staff, other pharmacies throughout the VISN, and VISN programs to provide access to care and meet the needs of Veterans, their family members and/or legal representatives via various available contact modalities to include but not limited to telephone calls, secure messaging, chat, text messaging and video regarding a broad range of topics, including medication refills/renewals, copay inquiries, and procedural pharmacy activities.\n* Routinely reviews computer medication profiles for therapeutic duplication, prescription non- compliance and allergies/drug reactions. Transfers identified patients to a pharmacist or supervisor, for further evaluation, if needed.\n* Processes and submits patient requests for new prescription orders and renewals (including controlled substances) into the computer accurately, thoroughly and in a timely manner. Uses approved Pharmacy Service protocols when appropriate to satisfy patient medication requests.\n* Consistently documents patient contact and call resolution to include but is not limited to what was requested, what action was taken and any other information which may be pertinent. Assists in the documentation of medication variances.\n* Seeks assistance from designated pharmacist or supervisor when responding to unusual questions or when reasonable attempts to satisfy a caller have been unsuccessful.\n* Actively and diligently treats all Veterans with respect and utmost dignity. Seeks to solve Veteran's concerns at first contact. When required, refers to other VA resources to assist in the resolution process. Always resolves all Veteran issues in a timely and caring manner with emphasis on providing first contact resolution\n* Maintains National Pharmacy Technician Certification.\n* Participates in continuous daily improvement and SFVAHCS/VISN CCC initiatives.\n* Participates in daily huddles and staff meetings. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (various tours)\nTelework: 100%\nVirtual: This is a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #:000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]