The location of this position is at the Boise VAMC Pharmacy Division located in Boise Idaho. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: a. Citizenship Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) b. Education or Experience. A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience. c. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-5 and above. Grade Determinations: GS-2 (a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirement. (b) Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve in a pharmacy technician/aide-training level position. GS-3 (a) 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.). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to maintain appropriate files. 2. Ability to prepare sterile compounds under supervision. 3. Ability to communicate with patients and other health professions. (c) Assignments.Employees at this grade level serve in a pharmacy technician/aide training level position. GS-4 (a) 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. 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 that demonstrates the core competencies (KSAs) described at the GS-4 level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (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. Preferred Experience: PTCB Certified. Outpatient pharmacy experience preferred. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 MARCH 17, 2006 PART II APPENDIX G28 Physical Requirements: Position requires some walking, standing, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds. The incumbent may be required to move equipment to facilitate the service's needs or program changes as dictated by either the service or the agency. ["Duties: The Pharmacy Technician applies knowledge of pharmacy practice, VA regulations, and hospital procedures. Judgment and skill is used to complete technical functions. Major functions include the filling, mailing, delivering, and managing medications and prescription refills in the Outpatient Pharmacy. The Outpatient Pharmacy Technician provides support to the staff pharmacists. Work is assigned by the direct supervisor or pharmacist depending on workflow needs throughout the day. Support of the pharmacist and of pharmacy provides veterans medications in a safe and timely manner. The Outpatient Pharmacy Technician will work in the Outpatient Pharmacy location. AND... Reads provider prescription orders accurately and understands the requested drug, strength, dose form, direction, route of administration, physician name, patient name, and social security number. Reports any unusual occurrence of confirmed prescription of filling discrepancy to a supervisor. Pre-packages medication using safe work practices. Applies safe handling when using hazardous materials and can reference the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Provides monthly inspection of pharmacy drug stock area. Completes annual mandatory training and education in a timely manner. Performs all outpatient duties at full performance level. Fills medications for patients waiting at the window, and for mailing out prescriptions accurately and according to procedure. Accurately and appropriately provides medications to patients at the window, answering questions and fielding to a pharmacist when necessary. Packages and drops off mail out medications that are controlled, refrigerated, or standard in a timely and appropriate fashion according to procedures. Answers phones, flagging orders and contacting providers or pharmacists when needed. Fills medication and supply items using automated medication equipment. Compounds medications as needed. Troubleshoots problems with the current automation. Ensures that equipment is cleaned and maintained to minimize downtime. Cleans workstations daily, and restocks, organizes as needed. Works with fellow technicians in other areas when workload is high Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 6:00pm Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position."]
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.
