~INCENTIVES ARE AUTHORIZED~ The Pharmacy Technician provides support to all areas of the Pharmacy Service. Duties include receiving/filling/distributing medication orders, daily operation and maintenance of automated equipment, participation in inventory control, and collection of data for reports/statistical purposes. A lead technician and/or Pharmacy Supervisor is available for guidance. Technicians at the GS 6 level will have and maintain a Pharmacy Technician Board Certification. Basic Requirements: 1. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 2. Education or Experience. A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience. 3. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. Grade Determinations: GS-6. 1. 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: 2. Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. 3. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (a) Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. (b) Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. (c) Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. (d) Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. (e) Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. (f) Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. Reference: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28 Dated: March 17, 2006. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.), Reaching above shoulders, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Standing (8 hrs.), Lifting, moving, stacking or otherwise manipulating packages (over 45 lbs.) may be required, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Hearing (aid permitted), Working closely with others, Working alone, Electronic data entry and reading and working with figures for prolonged periods may also be required. Work Environment: Work is performed in the environment of a large hospital outpatient pharmacy. Special precautions and safety measures are required in the handling of chemotherapeutic agents and RCRA hazardous (P, U, and D) meds. ["The duties and responsibilities of the Pharmacy Technician include but are not limited to: Major Duties: -Reads and interprets prescriptions, obtains proper medication or material in the proper strength and dosage form; determines proper amounts and counts, pours, or measures the medications; affixes proper labels; records required data on Pharmacy's copy of prescription/order. -Prepares prescriptions per established procedures and protocols, and dispenses the medication after a final check by a pharmacist. -Provides phone coverage for the Pharmacy ensuring timely and accurate information is given to the veteran. -Provides patients education on pharmacy topics such as the process to request refills and drug information sheets. Relays clinical patient questions to the pharmacist. -Operates and maintain pharmacy equipment as assigned. -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. -Conducts periodic inventory inspection of assigned pharmacy and non-pharmacy medication areas with completed reports. -Maintains perpetual inventory of controlled substances, and work in the pharmacy vault as assigned. -Completes any repackaging of medication following pharmacy policies, including unit-of-use medications. -Processes mail-out prescriptions. -Monitors and documents refrigerator temperature within the pharmacy. Ensures that clinic areas are following policy as it relates to their refrigerator logs. -Inventories and replenishes assigned patient care areas. -Stocks Omnicells according to par levels set by the Chief of Pharmacy or designee. -Performs all other duties as assigned. COMPLEXITY: A full range of technical and procedural duties will be performed in support of the service operation. The incumbent will utilize experience and extensive knowledge to perform the duties of the position. A technician at this level will perform administrative functions as directed, which may include but not limited to risk management reporting or assisting with compiling data for studies or evaluations. Skills utilizing the VA computerized data processing system will have been developed such that information will be accurately entered or modified. Such multiple duties and workload pressures are inherent in this position, the incumbent must be flexible, must be able to recognize and select, appropriate alternatives, and must be able to establish priorities. Incumbent has full responsibility for performing the final check on a variety of pharmaceuticals. A pharmacist checks those medications as required by pharmacy procedures. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Walking, bending, stooping, sitting and standing for long periods of time are required. Lifting, moving, stacking or otherwise manipulating packages weighing up to 45 pounds may be required. Electronic data entry, and reading and working with figures for prolonged periods may also be required. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in the environment of a large hospital outpatient pharmacy. Special precautions and safety measures are required in the handling of chemotherapeutic agents and RCRA hazardous (P, U, and D) meds. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday: 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Pharmacy Technician, GS-0661-6; FS: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be Authorized for Highly Qualified Applicant Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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