This standard applies to all pharmacy technicians in the Veterans Health Administration. Under the supervision of a pharmacist, pharmacy technicians perform routine pharmacy functions including receiving prescriptions/orders from patients in writing or electronically from physicians. Pharmacy technicians prepare prescriptions by counting, pouring, weighing, measuring, & mixing the medication if necessary. Pharmacy technicians maintain patient profiles stock, & take inventory of medications. 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. 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. 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). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidate. GS-6 Experience. One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. 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 1. Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. 2. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. 3. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. 4. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. 5. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. 6. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. .Assignments. Pharmacy technicians may be assigned to any area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive function assignments; for example assignment as team leaders for specific process improvement teams involving technical areas or performing more highly complex duties including preparation of oncology agents for clinical pharmacy specialists. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G28. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Pharmacy technicians prepare medications for inpatients in various settings, including sterile product preparation. Expected to exercise greater judgement, require less supervision and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedures and techniques. Employees at this grade serve as staff pharmacy technicians receiving little guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patients and procedures and require minimal supervision. Pharmacy technicians may be assigned to any area of the pharmacy depending on the needs of the service, assignments include but not limited to expanded distributive function assignments; for example assignment as team leaders for specific process improvement teams involving technical areas or performing more highly complex duties including controlled substance distribution, preparation of oncology agents for clinical pharmacy specialists. Knowledge Requirements: 1. Knowledge of and the ability to apply medication and pharmacy service policies and procedures in preparing, processing and dispensing medications. 2. Knowledge of the laws, regulations and official policy concerning pharmaceutical item procurement and security to conform to legal and professional requirements of pharmacy practice. 3. Knowledge of medication names, usual doses, abbreviations, terminology, storage requirements, routes of administration and dosage forms. 4. Knowledge of and ability to perform the essential functions relating to drug purchasing, inventory control, restocking, supply procedures and inventory control in order meet the budget needs, provide uninterrupted pharmacy service operation and reduce waste. 5. Technical working knowledge of supplies and other specialized items (e.g., prosthetic items, ostomy devices, catheters, dressings, etc.) distributed by the pharmacy department. 6. Knowledge of pharmacy computer systems. 7. The incumbent has knowledge to handle and operate all equipment which he/she can expect to use to perform any job tasks, e.g. ATC machine, OPTIFILL Machine, packaging and labeling equipment, etc. The incumbent can maintain this equipment in working order, provide basic troubleshooting and cleaning after use of the equipment. 8. Is thoroughly familiar with, and knows how to apply the Medical Cost Recovery policies and Pharmacy procedures on prescription co-payment requirements. Functions/Assignments: 1. The incumbent in the assigned pharmacy area performs a variety of complex technical pharmacy functions (including but not limited to ordering, preparing, compounding and dispensing of medications) requiring knowledge of pharmaceuticals, intravenous solutions and pharmacy practices. 2. The incumbent will assist the procurement technician in all respects of pharmaceutical and supply order initiations, receiving shipments of goods, ensuring compliance with storage requirements and inventory control through perpetual analysis. Incumbent must apply sound principles of inventory management in the replenishment of stock and during the ordering process, taking into account price differential of substitution products, par levels and total order cost. 3. Incumbent can be assigned to assist with supply purchasing and if so, will be held accountable for: a. Complying with all Federal, VA and local acquisition regulations. b. Verifying funds available prior to making purchases, reconciling payment charges, safeguarding the card and other sensitive account/purchasing information. c. Maintaining accountability of daily purchases and coordinates receipt. d. Attending Government Purchase training. Education 1. The incumbent remains abreast of developments within the field by attending lectures, seminars, conferences, etc. Continuing Educations (CE) credits will be used to demonstrate/updated knowledge of staff members. 2. Participates in self education and the ongoing education of other healthcare providers. Administrative: 1. The incumbent is expected to perform with strict adherence to all Pharmacy Service, Medical Center, VHA, as well as all other appropriate regulatory agencies' regulations, policies and procedures. 2. Possess a working knowledge of all hospital based computer package routines, associated with their daily functions. 3. The incumbent is expected to enforce and maintain all security procedures consistent with Medical Center policy. 4. The incumbent is expected to resolve routine patient care issues that may arise, consistent with their responsibilities. 5. The incumbent is knowledgeable regarding service specific safety regulations. Work Schedule: ALL SHIFTS INCLUDING W.H.E.N. HOURS Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
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.
