The Pharmacy Service is seeking full-time Pharmacy Technicians for vacancies at the VA Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama. 10% Recruitment or Relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified applicants. A 10% retention incentive is authorized and may be approved after 90 days of successful performance. 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. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations: GS-5: (a) 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 (GS-4) that demonstrates the core competencies (KSAs) described at the GS-4 level, which are: (1) Ability to process and fill prescriptions under supervision. (2) Ability to operate and maintain dispensing equipment. (3) Ability to operate pharmacy information systems. (4) Ability to maintain appropriate files. (5) Ability to prepare sterile compounds under supervision. In addition to the above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs required for the GS-5 grade level: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. NOTE: Your description of your work experience in your resume must reflect all of the KSAs listed above. (c) 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. The full performance level of this position is GS-5. Applicants selected at lower grade levels will be eligible (but not guaranteed) to be promoted to intervening grades up to and including the full performance level without further competition. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G28 - Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard. Physical Requirements: The position requires frequent and/or constant walking and standing; repeated bending; moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds); the ability to read handwritten or typed characters with or without glasses; ability to hear conversation/voice with or without aid; and emotional and mental stability. ["The Pharmacy Technician provides support for the licensed Pharmacist. The incumbent will be expected to perform supportive functions independently while under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist . The incumbent is expected to maintain a high degree of accurate productivity and performance when performing critical functions. The technician's major duties will include: Setting up, filling, and preparation of medications, including sterile products, for dispensing. Labeling all medications appropriately for dispensing to patients, wards or clinics; including all applicable auxiliary labels. Delivering medications to appropriate areas. Noncomplex preparation of sterile compounds (if trained and locally certified to perform this function). Using automated pharmacy equipment. Answering telephone calls and receiving messages for the Pharmacist. Customer service duties to include answering general questions from external and internal customers. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: One or more years of Pharmacy Technician experience Work Schedule: 8-hour tours of duty TBD by service needs, with rotation to evening/night/weekend/holiday tours. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required NOTIFICATIONS: This position is in the AFGE bargaining unit. This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay. Current and former Federal employees must submit a copy of their most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that shows position title, grade, step, tenure, and type of service (competitive or excepted). All applicants MUST submit VA Form 10-2850c, Application for Associated Health Occupations (see \"Required Documents\" section for link) Incomplete applications will not be considered."]

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