The Pharmacy Technician in this assignment performs varied technical duties in the Inpatient and/or Outpatient Pharmacy under the direction of a supervisory/lead pharmacy technician or licensed pharmacist. The employee arranges the timing and sequence of assigned task to meet variable workload demands. All work on prescription/medication orders and intravenous solutions is checked by a licensed pharmacist; other work is reviewed for overall accuracy of results. Qualifications: 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. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain licensure/certification/ registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/ registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) at all grade levels, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation for which he/she qualifies if a placement opportunity exists. For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) in assignments above the full-performance level only, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may remain at an appropriate lower grade level in the occupation when both of the following apply: the credential is not a requirement and a placement opportunity exists." 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: 2 or more years of combined experience in retail (outpatient) and hospital (inpatient) pharmacy. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 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. ["Duties of Pharmacy Technician include but are not limited to: Filling inpatient & outpatient (prescriptions) medication orders (non-controlled and controlled substances) or preparing IV admixtures (piggybacks, large volume parenterals 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 Performing other duties as assigned 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. Work Schedule: Full time, Sunday through Saturday; Rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays as determined by management and service needs. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Bargaining Unit: Yes"]

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