The Pharmacy Technician positions at the VA Maryland Health Care System Medical Center are located in Baltimore and Perry Point, Maryland. Pharmacy Technicians provide various technical support services within the pharmacy department. The Pharmacy Technicians in these assignment performs varied technical duties in the Inpatient and/or Outpatient Pharmacy under the direction of a supervisory/lead pharmacy technicians or licensed pharmacists. 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. NOTE: This applies to the past, current, and upcoming VA Health Professional Trainees (HPT) only. HPT is an individual appointed to temporary positions in one or more VHA medical facilities performing clinical or research training experiences to satisfy program or degree requirements or receiving VA Health Professional Scholarship Program. HPTs can be either VA-paid or Without Compensation (WOC). 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. Note: VA Health Professional Trainees (HPT) pending the completion of educational may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with the VA policy. Grandfathering Provision: 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: In addition to the basic requirements of employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Experience (GS-06): One (1) year of experience at the next lower level (GS-05), i.e., performing duties of pharmacy technician at aa full performance level receiving little guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patients and procedures, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level (GS-05) i.e., ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment; knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique; knowledge of basic inventory procedures; knowledge of pharmacy information systems. (The experience must be demonstrated on your resume.) Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) 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. Preferred Experience: Two or more years of experience in both the retail (outpatient) and hospital (inpatient) pharmacy. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28. Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard GS-661. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: Physical demands of the position require regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds, pushing and pulling of large carts. The job may include significant time at a computer terminal. ["This is an open-continuous announcement and may be extended if needed. The announcement will remain open for 30 days or until there is no longer a need. The following cut-off dates will be used to refer applications to the selecting official: First cut-off date is June 13th, 2022. Second cut-off date is June 23rd, 2022. Final cut-off date is July 3rd, 2022 Major Duties include but are not limited to: Filling inpatient & outpatient (prescriptions) medication orders (non-controlled and controlled substances) or preparing IV admixtures (piggybacks, large volume parenteral and chemotherapy) utilizing appropriate precautions and aseptic techniques in a timely manner for final check by a pharmacist. Using computer systems and software to maintain reports and produce records- Maintaining appropriate stock levels of medications in pharmacy areas and institution automated medication dispensing cabinets Maintaining proper records of medications and supplies issued to provide data for reports as needed (i.e. changing use patterns). Filling, replenishing, packaging, and/or exchanging medications in unit dose carts, emergency crash carts, medication storage areas, and automated dispensing cabinets. Checking medication expiration dates in unit dose carts, emergency crash carts, medication storage areas, and automated dispensing cabinets and document as indicated. Accepting pharmaceutical deliveries validating quantities ordered on invoice versus quantities received along with other information notifying procurement technician or appropriate supervisor of any discrepancies. Notifying Supervisor or other designated person of actual or anticipated shortages of medications and supplies. Answering telephone calls responding to inquiries and triaging as appropriate- Assisting in maintaining the orderliness and cleanliness of the Pharmacy. Drug recall CACHE activities and performing other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Various and rotating shifts to include evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays to meet operational needs of the service, at the discretion of management.\nTelework: Not Available.\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required. Pharmacy Technicians are essential employees and follow VA Maryland Health Care System guidance, rules, policies, directives, and/or other notifications for essential employees during emergency and/or inclement weather."]