This is an open-continuous announcement open to employees of other federal agencies, veterans, and the public. Candidates will be reviewed and referred as positions become available. If a candidate is not selected from a list, they will remain active for the next review. 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 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: GS6 (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 and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) 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. (b) Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. Preferred Experience: Previous outpatient/inpatient/dispensing experience using automated equipment; previous experience in direct patient care; and experience with USP Chapters 797 and 800, to include handling of hazardous drugs. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS6. Physical Requirements: Some of the work involves extended periods of time standing, sitting or doing computer work. Duties regularly involve lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds, lifting to stock shelves, bending/stooping, and walking to various parts of the Marion VA Medical Center which may involve some minor exertion. Endurance of very stressful periods may be required due to uncontrollable workload demands. This position requires average agility and dexterity. Professional appearances per pharmacy dress code, attitude and demeanor are required. ["The city of Marion is situated in beautiful southern Illinois - a business-friendly area featuring world-class outdoor activities, cultural amenities, unique shopping, workforce opportunities and renowned educational facilities. Marion provides its residents with a hometown feel while ensuring steady growth and economic development. Marion is an affordable, convenient and friendly place to live. This position functions primarily in both the inpatient and outpatient care of Pharmacy Service within the VA Medical Center and must be able to read, interpret and fill orders for both settings. The incumbent must be able to assist with inventory management, answer questions for both patients and non-pharmacy personnel and participate in quality improvement initiatives. The incumbent must be certified by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Duties include but are not limited to: Assist in total quality improvement activities by participating in the medical center and service process assessment and action teams, continually seeks to improve services. Independently conducts monthly ward inspection as assigned; Monitor inventory needs in patient care areas, inspect areas in the inpatient pharmacy and relay information to the appropriate pharmacy personnel; Place stock in proper storage areas, rotate stock on shelves and remove/replace outdated items; Maintain a training/education manual for the focus area assigned; Provide training to new or existing staff so that these competencies are maintained; Provide patient education on pharmacy topics such as the requesting refill process, drug information sheets and relaying judgmental questions to the pharmacist; As deemed necessary by the Pharmacist in Charge, assist in other patient care areas to maintain the consistency of overall Pharmacy services. Services may include such areas as, outpatient prescription filling, pharmacy phone triage, window prescription dispensing, narcotic vault assignments, mail booth inspections or other areas that may develop from patient pharmacy needs; Pharmacy services may include such areas as aseptic admixture preparation including cytotoxic agents, automatic and on-demand ward stock replenishment, maintenance and operation of automated prepackaging storage and dispensing equipment, assembly and documentation of controlled substances requests and properly packaging with documentation of a single unit of medication; Perform duties of lower graded technicians as required and Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Rotating Monday through Friday to include evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet operational needs at management's discretion\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]