The Pharmacy Technician functions independently under the supervision of the Pharmacy Supervisor. Duties include, but are not limited to the following: controlled substance and non-controlled prescription filling involving Optifill® and FastFill® automation equipment and software, non-sterile compounding, packaging and metering orders for mail delivery using Endicia® equipment, and assisting with procurement functions. 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: You must provide copy of certification in application packet for consideration. Physical Requirements: Outlined below. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, VA Handbook 5005. 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). Preferred Experience: N/A Grade Determinations: To qualify for the GS-6 grade level, you must have one year of experience at the next lower grade level. Examples of experience includes, but is not limited, to the following: serving as a staff pharmacy technician receiving little guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patients and procedures; operating and caring for automated dispensing devices and equipment; performing aseptic technique; practicing inventory procedures; and, working within pharmacy information systems and databases, etc. In addition to meeting the experience, you must also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAS): 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is at the GS-6 grade level. Physical Requirements: Physical requirements of this position may include moderate lifting, moderate carrying, use of fingers, both hands, walking and standing (up to 4 hours), involve rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, usage of both eyes required, ability to distinguish basic colors and/or shades of colors. ["VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Production Prepares and fills outpatient orders and requests for non-controlled and controlled substances. Receives new and returned stock into inventory, thereby ensuring accuracy of controlled drug records. Conducts inventories and assists with controlled substance inspections. Provides customer service and interacts appropriately with patients, other healthcare employees, controlled substance inspectors, and regulatory officials. Provides information to those officials responsible for ordering non-controlled and controlled drugs to ensure stock levels are maintained at appropriate levels. Monitors and analyzes orders and dispensing patterns to identify questionable circumstances or trends and communicates potential problems to supervisor. Resolves discrepancies to the satisfaction of the supervisor and/or Controlled Substance Program Manager in a timely manner. Packages and meters orders for mail delivery. Works closely with the Controlled Substance Program Manager to ensure activities, policies, and procedures abide by all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Handles chemotherapy and other hazardous drugs in accordance with local and national regulations. Automation Equipment Oversight Maintains computerized records of dispensing system. Provides routine cleaning and maintenance of equipment as per the manufacturer's recommended schedule. Provides clerical review and analysis of prescriptions. Provides technical and clerical review related to prescription clarification. Performs prescription set-up, filling, and mailing. Performs operation and maintenance of all aspects of the OptiFill, including but not limited to the computer system, conveyer system, printers, filling stations, vial and cap loaders, video system, and any other system/equipment related to the operation of the OptiFill. Troubleshoots equipment as necessary to maintain peak performance of the system. Calibrates OptiFill and FastFill drug cells as necessary. Operates and monitors computer systems and peripheral equipment such as printers, CRTs, and external modems. Monitors equipment controlling environment and executes emergency procedures in case of natural or man-made disasters and security risk situations. Performs daily quality assurance to monitor equipment performance/accuracy. Investigates system malfunctions to determine the cause. Maintains manuals, reference books, and/or software instructions associated with the programs and systems used in the organization. Work Schedule: Monday thru Sunday with varied hours from 6:30am - 8:30pm, will include rotating weekends and holidays. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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