This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more. 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. 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, this part. Certification. The National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required for this position. 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: Prior work experience as a Pharmacy Technician PREFERRED. GS-6 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 and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. 2. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment 3. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. 4. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. 5. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. 6. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. Assignments. Pharmacy technicians may be assigned to any area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive function assignments; for example assignment as team leaders for specific process improvement teams involving technical areas or performing more highly complex duties including preparation of oncology agents for clinical pharmacy specialists. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 PHARMACY TECHNICIAN The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: This position may involve potentially extended periods of sitting, standing, carrying of items weighting up to 20 pounds; i.e., files, medical records, and manuals. In general, the work does not require special physical demands. ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file 90 days after this announcement closes. The Pharmacy Technician works within the pharmacy and performs the full range of pharmacy technician functions in support of Pharmacy Service operations. These functions include processing medication orders, controlled substance processing, inventory management, sterile product compounding, and unit dose processing. The pharmacy provides services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so the incumbent may work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, etc. Some of the major duties of this position include, and are not limited to: Utilizes knowledge of VHA, Durham VA Health Care Systems and Pharmacy Service regulations and policies concerning pharmaceutical practices in performing day to day functions. Performs duties involved in all facets of unit dose drug distribution, in all areas of the pharmacy. Uses specialized equipment to package and/or dispense medications and provides required equipment maintenance. Conducts ward inspections by inspecting inpatient wards areas for proper storage of medications and documents findings on inspection report form. Performs substantially all sterile technical operations in the IV rooms of the pharmacy, which serves all areas of the hospital. Based on usage rates, the incumbent maintains levels on bulk intravenous fluids that are stocked in assigned areas. The incumbent receives, reviews, interprets, and prioritizes doctor's orders for IV medications after verified by a pharmacist, informs the clinical pharmacist of any perceived questionable orders, prepares labels, selects IV additives and containers, calculates the amount of medications to be used, mixes and/or prepares IV medications, checks prepared IV admixture for particulate matter and affixes labels to containers for clinical pharmacist checking. Strictly adheres to aseptic technique procedures and performs normal preventive maintenance for the special IV equipment, such as the laminar air flow hood and data processing hardware. Prepares complicated and uncomplicated parenteral admixtures in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringes, ophthalmic and other complex pharmaceuticals (e.g. total parenteral nutrition). Training/Education: Comprehensive knowledge of medical center and pharmacy policies and procedures sufficient to train and orient new employees and other staff. Assist pharmacy management with development and updating of Durham VAHCS policies. Successfully complete annual competency certifications based on specific clinical function/assigned activities. Maintains licensure/certification/registration within the required time frame. Failure to maintain the required licensure/certification/registration will result in removal from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. Customer Service and Teamwork Maintains excellent working relationship with Pharmacy staff, and providers. Is courteous and professional at all times. Effectively promotes teamwork among staff, residents and students. Provides prompt and personal attention to each patient. Demonstrates responsiveness to customer needs and is empathetic to their problems. Maintains clean surroundings and well-groomed appearance. Responds to request for assistance from patients, families, and staff in a friendly and cooperative manner. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts, including weekends, evenings and holidays Telework: Position not eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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