The incumbent is responsible for performing routine pharmacy functions for inpatients or outpatients requiring medications such as IV solutions or oral medications under the supervision of a pharmacist. The technician also applies standards relating to all aspects of distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs. The primary function of a technician is to assure the safe and appropriate dispensing of medications under guidance of a pharmacist. 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 (Creditable Experience. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with the scope of pharmacy technician practice). 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. Grade Determinations: GS-2/3/4/5 GS-2 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements which are: Education or Experience. A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience (Creditable Experience. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with the scope of pharmacy technician practice). GS-3 Education or Experience. Completion of 1 year of post-high school coursework related to medicine (e.g. chemistry, biology, college mathematics, etc.), or successful completion of a 1 year accredited pharmacy technician training program, or 6 months of general experience, that may have included experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, laboratory technology, etc.). AND In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to maintain appropriate files. Ability to prepare sterile compounds under supervision. Ability to communicate with patients and other health professions. GS-4 Education or Experience. Successful completion of 2 years above high school with courses related to pharmacy or pharmacy technology, or 1 year of general experience that may have included experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, laboratory technology, etc.) Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program conducted by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision is creditable on a month-for-month basis for general experience. AND In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to process and fill prescriptions under supervision. Ability to operate and maintain dispensing equipment. Ability to operate pharmacy information systems. Ability to maintain appropriate files Ability to prepare sterile compounds under supervision 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. AND In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 MARCH 17, 2006 PART II APPENDIX G28 Preferred Experience: This pharmacy technician training program does not have specific preferred competencies and/or certifications; however, it is an expectation that the trainee will attain certification from the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) by the conclusion of the training. This exciting training program will provide on the job education to the pharmacy technician trainee in order to better understand the critical role of the pharmacy technician which includes performing routine pharmacy functions for inpatients or outpatients requiring medications such as IV solutions or oral medications under the supervision of a pharmacist. The technician also applies standards relating to all aspects of distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled medications. The primary function of a technician is to assure the safe and appropriate dispensing of medications under guidance of a pharmacist. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-2 to GS-5. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), Straight Pulling (2 Hours), Pushing (2 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (4 hours), standing (8 hours), kneeling (3 hours), Repeated bending (2 hours), Climbing, legs only (0.3 hours), ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted), good vision 1 eye-glasses permitted, Emotional/mental stability ["Major Duties General Maintains work flow patterns that assure timely delivery of all pharmacy services and ensures accurate dispensing and record keeping documentation. Organizes workload, troubleshoots and solves problems. Triages appropriate issues to the pharmacist from internal or external patient or staff contacts. Answers telephone calls and attempts to resolve problems at the lowest level possible and manages inquiries in a timely and courteous manner before directing questions to the appropriate member of the pharmacy staff. Performs general maintenance and housekeeping tasks for assigned work areas. Reports adverse drug events (ADE), near misses, and medication errors and participates in quality improvement initiatives to promote patient safety. Dispensing Accurately and efficiently packages, labels, and transports medications to patient care areas or dispenses to patients as appropriate after verification by a pharmacist. Accurately and efficiently prepackages medications. Compounds and fills a range of drugs to be checked by a pharmacist. Applies all standards of sterile compounding (USP ) practices when preparing nonhazardous sterile compounds including appropriate cleansing and garbing procedures. Applies all standards of medication preparation standards when preparing nonsterile products for dispensing. Involved in all activities related to the automated dispensing machines, including ScriptPro, medication cart filling, restocking/returns of the Omnicells, pre-packing medications and trouble shooting under the supervision of a pharmacist. Educational Provides education to health care providers when appropriate. Maintains knowledge in the area of practice. Keeps abreast of new developments in pharmacy practice and drug therapy by reading pharmacy and medical literature and participating in continuing education programs. Research Participation in research activities must be in accordance with FDA guidelines and regulations and VHA policy. May participate in research studies by collecting data or in special medication preparation or dispensing procedures under the supervision of the pharmacist. Other Actively participates in committees and projects as assigned. Work Schedule: Full Time, Various Shifts from 6 AM - 10 PM, weekends, holidays. 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 **THIS POSITION IS A TEMPORARY POSITION WHICH CAN BE TERMINATED, EXTENDED, OR MADE PERMANENT AT ANY TIME BASED ON FUNDING OR THE NEEDS OF THE AGENCY.**"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
