The incumbent applies knowledge of pharmacy practice, VA regulations, and hospital procedures. Judgment and skill is used to complete technical functions and provide coverage in outpatient pharmacy services. 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 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: Works in all areas of the outpatient pharmacy including: prescription filling, packaging and mailing, medication delivery, window and mail prescription dispensing and other duties as assigned by the pharmacy technician supervisor. The incumbent works a rotational schedule in outpatient and is available for days, evenings, and nights. Fills medication and supply items using current automated medication equipment. Recognizes the limitations of his/her practice authority and understands not to exceed them. In cases where there is any question about the technician's role, the incumbent consults a pharmacist. Provides training in all work processes and associated technologies as needed. Ensures productivity is maintained at the established level for the duties for which he/she is responsible. Reviews medication orders for accuracy and appropriateness. Understands the requested drug, strength, dose form, directions, route of administration, physician name, and patient name. Communicates to the assigned pharmacist, all interactions dealing with medication problems. Resolves problems that relate to urgent, pending or incomplete prescription orders within technician job duties. Refers to or consults. with pharmacist as appropriate. Assesses patient refill requests. Completes this work in an accurate and timely manner, in the time allotted. Covers the controlled substance dispensing area on weekends, off-tours and as occasional back-up when need arises. Fills controlled substance prescriptions, completes record keeping and maintains accuracy of inventory. Reports any unusual occurrence or confirmed prescription or filling discrepancy to a supervisor. Completes annual mandatory training and education as required. Reports any unusual occurrence or confirmed prescription or filling discrepancy to a supervisor. Prepackages medications using safe work practices. Applies safe handling when using hazardous materials and can reference the Material Safety Data sheets. Performs and documents monthly inspection of assigned pharmacy stock areas Work Schedule: Full Time; Monday-Friday daytime and evening hours, rotating weekends and holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required **Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis until the closing date of this open continuous announcement, as long as vacancies exist.** ***A recruitment/relocation incentive has been authorized for highly qualified applicants.***"]
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.
