Careers

Pharmacy Technicians (Outpatient) provide various technical support services related to patient care. The incumbent shall support the medication process for outpatients under the supervision of an assigned clinical pharmacist. 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: U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education or Training. A high school diploma or equivalent; OR at least three (3) months experience. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. [NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR CURRENT CERTIFICATION WITH THE APPLICATION PACKAGE] Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: GS-6 Pharmacy Technician: A) Experience: One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-5 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment and fully meets all of the performance requirements for the GS-5 Pharmacy Technician. B) Certification: PTCB certification is required at this grade level. [NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR CURRENT CERTIFICATION WITH THE APPLICATION PACKAGE] C) In addition to meeting the basic requirements and grade determinations, applicant must demonstrate the following: 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 5005/16, Part II, Appendix G28 Pharmacy Technician Qualifications Standard, dated March 17, 2006, http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf Preferred Criteria: Possess recent Pharmacy Technician Outpatient experience within the past year. NOTE: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Employees are typically expected to work varying work schedules. This may include nights, weekends and/or holidays as assigned. Principle duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., preparing IV admixtures, use of a computer keyboard, etc.). May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 44lbs.), including boxes, equipment, unit dose-cassettes, and IV solutions; stooping or kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, remove and replace items on lower shelves, sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours). Normal ranges of hearing and vision are required to perform work and communicate effectively; must have the visual ability to distinguish between basic colors and shades of color. An ability to perform tasks requiring rapid mental and muscular coordination functions simultaneously is necessary. Must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used for the job. ["VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient) provide various technical support services related to patient care. These technical is responsible for the providing support to all outpatient pharmacy operations including filling and packaging prescriptions, dispensing and managing inventory for controlled substances, basic use and maintenance of automation, assisting patients on the phone or in person, procurement activities, clinic inventory management, and other responsibilities designated by the supervisor. The major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited: Processing and filling outpatient prescriptions for scheduled and non-scheduled federal legend drugs and medical devices, over-the-counter products and supply items in compliance with regulations and policies and procedures. Prepares medications and ensures the orderable item matches the item being dispensed with regard to drug, strength, quantity or appropriate supply item. Accurately maintains a perpetual inventory in VISTA and conducts regularly scheduled inventories twice weekly per VA guidelines. Monitors controlled substances stock levels and orders as necessary, maintaining an appropriate level of stock to provide good patient care without excess stock. Assists the pharmacist with problem solving, patient care, or medication issues. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 9:30 am - 6:00 pm\nTelework: Not Authorized\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: Not Authorized\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nPCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]