Pharmacy Technicians may be assigned to any area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive function assignments in inpatient pharmacy, outpatient pharmacy, medication and fluid storage areas, offices and patient care areas. This position involves providing services related to inpatients and/or ambulatory patients. 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. Experience and Education (Entry Level): A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3months experience. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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: GS-5 Education or Experience: Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included at least 24 semester hours of courses related to pharmacy or pharmacy technology; successful completion of pertinent specialized training courses in pharmaceutical and pharmacy services while serving in the Armed Forces is creditable on a month-for-month basis up to the 1 year of experience required for the GS-5 level; or at least 1 year of experience at the next lower level that demonstrates the core competencies (KSAs) described at the GS-4 level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment. 2. Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique. 3. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. 4. Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. Assignments. This is the full performance level for pharmacy technicians. Employees at this grade level serve as staff pharmacy technicians receiving little guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patients and procedures, and require minimal supervision. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II- Appendix G-28, Pharmacy Technician. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. Physical Requirements: Principle duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers. May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 44 lbs.), including boxes, equipment, unit dose cassettes, and IV solutions; stooping or kneeling; sitting, walking or standing for long periods of time(4-8hours). 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. ["The incumbent must be reliable, team oriented, and be willing to positively contribute to meeting goals in our busy environment. The incumbent is the technical specialist in providing patient care related to preparation and dispensing of bulk, unit dose, and parenteral medication. A broad and in-depth knowledge of the components of medication preparation and dispensing practices is required including: brand and generic names, general and specific storage requirements, expiration dates, manufacturer and distributor sources, dose forms, systems of weights and measures, medical terminology, common medication preparation and distribution issues, hospital computer systems such as VISTA, CPRS, and BCMA, and a working knowledge of the operation and basic daily maintenance and minor repair of automated dispensing equipment. S/he works under the supervision of the Supervisory Technician and works independently under established procedures. Completed work is checked by the pharmacist. Guidance is always available from a pharmacist and must be sought when clarification is needed. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Day/Evening and Weekends, Holidays, Rotating Shifts Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Return to Search Results