Career Center

Pharmacy Technicians may be assigned to any area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive function assignments in inpatient pharmacy, outpatient pharmacy, medication and fluid storage areas, offices and patient care areas. This position involves providing services related to inpatients and/or ambulatory patients. 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. 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 par 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). Grandfathering Provision: The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all Title 38 hybrid qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/ registration requirements that apply to this occupation. All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must also meet the following experience requirements below. Experience: One year experience at the next lower level and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level (GS-5). 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: 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, Part II, Appendix G28. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 06. Physical Requirements: Employees are expected to work 40 hours per week. Work demands include standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, bending, twisting, repetitive use of hands and fingers, carrying light loads (up to 50 lbs) and pushing/pulling large/heavy carts. Must have the visual ability to distinguish between basic colors and shades of color as well as small font. Work demands the ability to perform tasks requiring rapid mental and muscular coordination functions simultaneously, if necessary. Must be physically capable of properly using various types of equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the job. ["The duties of the Pharmacy Technician include, but are not limited to: Fills medication orders by selecting the correct drug and dosage form, reducing the drug from bulk to the quantity prescribed, compounding when necessary, then packaging and labeling the drug in an appropriate manner. Responsible for the dispensing of drugs, that proper and complete recordkeeping is maintained, and that the drug storage areas are stocked, safe, and secure. Responsible for providing care in inpatient or other areas as required to meet patient care needs and to maintain competence in those areas of pharmacy practice. Meets the needs of Pharmacy Service by following scheduled tour of duty and timekeeping rules. Understands the 24/7 nature of hospital duties and is aware that coverage may be needed beyond scheduled tours of duty. Rotational tours of duty (24/7) are required for this position. Analyzes data and completes reports, including ward inspections and chart reviews, according to established policy. Coordinates and resolves problems associated with medication distribution. Processing and filling outpatient prescriptions for scheduled and non-scheduled federal legend drugs and medical devices, over-the-counter products and supply items. Inpatient preparation and distribution of unit dose medications and ward stock items including hazardous medications; stock management; operation, maintenance, re-stocking and troubleshooting of automated dispensing equipment Patient and customer relations; and preparation and maintenance of various logs, records and reports. Assists in the orientation and training of new pharmacy staff/students related to the operations of the pharmacy. Functions as a consultant to the medical staff on pharmacy related operations via effective written and oral communication. Reports to the Pharmacy Supervisor or other designated pharmacy management team member. Checks, guides, and advises lower-grade co-workers and trainees on the receipt, interpretation, compounding, and filling of medication orders. Participates in the DUE/MUE process by assisting in; determination of problem areas, criteria development, analysis and follow-up as deemed appropriate; e.g., education, review, etc. Documents all patient-centered workload according to current VISN2 Pharmacy guidelines. Accurately completes all assignments in a timely manner with independence and minimal guidance, personally setting the deadlines for work completion as defined by immediate supervisor or other member of the Pharmacy Management Team. He or she assumes responsibility in work assignments in accordance with regulations and independently and resolves most conflicts by using considerable judgment and interpretation. Work Schedule: Rotating Tour of Duty. Sunday - Monday (7:00am - 5:30pm & 7:00pm - 11:00pm)\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Pharmacy Technician/PD21266A\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]