The GS-8 Clinical Pharmacy Technician will provide administrative and basic clinical support to the VISN 21 Prior Authorization (PA) Clinical Coordinator, Program Managers and Clinical Pharmacists. The incumbent of this position must have knowledge of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Pharmacy Benefits Management (PBM) Integrated Veterans Care (IVC) policies and procedures as it applies to PA, the ability to independently gather, evaluate and analyze patient data for adjudication of PA.
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: You must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Education or Experience: None required. For all grade levels and positions that accept both education and experience to qualify, equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 100% are qualifying. The combined percentage is determined by adding total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level to the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level. Certification (GS-07 and above): For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). 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: Pharmacy Technician, GS-0661-08: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-08 you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07). Certification: For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology and policies in a specialized area or section of pharmacy (such as sterile compounding, controlled substances, automation, clinical pharmacy, contact center, etc.) Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures. Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy. Preferred Experience: Experience utilizing CPRS, JLV, and VistA Imaging Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-08. Physical Requirements: The work is primarily performed while sitting, through some work may require periods of standing and occasional lifting. The regular and recurring work of the position involves sitting at a desk, conferences, meetings etc., and occasional visits to community and nationwide sites. Occasional use of automobiles and public conveyances may be required. Travel up to 25% of the time may be required.
The GS-8 Clinical Pharmacy Technician will function in a clinical role coordinating communication efforts between the VISN 21 Prior Authorization (PA) team and Integrated Veterans Care (IVC) providers, providing initial review of IVC PA prescription reviews. The incumbent of this position must work well with a diverse team supporting the needs of the interdisciplinary team and the patient. Duties for the position may include but are not limited to: Assist the PA Program Managers and Clinical Pharmacists in clinical duties as assigned including patient and IVC providers contact, Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) coordination, creation of IVC pharmacoequity templates with pharmacist guidance/concurrence, maintain consistent entry of information into the EHR to ensure accurate data within VISN reports, chart review and drug information. Triage voice mails from patients and providers to address a variety of issues, evaluate the problem, and provide an appropriate solution or refer the problem expeditiously to a pharmacist when the problem is beyond the technician's level of knowledge or expertise. Responsible for training and orientation of new VISN 21 Centralized Prior Authorization Drug Request (PADR) Program staff, PGY-2 pharmacy residents regarding IVC processes and the role of the clinical pharmacy technician within the program. Uses protocols or algorithms to evaluate PA consults, patient response and other information in the medical record to make preliminary adjudications on selected medication requests. Provides healthcare staff education on pharmacy topics including PA processes and criteria for use. Provides timely triage of RightFax, ECFax and voicemails for IVC communications, TEAMS contact form action (e.g., direct response or triage to the appropriate pharmacist for action) and forwarding/alerting the facility for VA PADRs when not VISN reviewed. Answers routine inquiries from physicians, nurses and other staff on procedures, prior authorization medication process questions and other PBM issues. Provides administrative support for the ongoing identification of best practices within the VISN PADR team and local facilities. Other related duties as assigned. This is not a remote position. If selected, the incumbent of this position will be required to report to a VA facility located within 50 miles of their home. Location is negotiable upon selection. The selectee of this position must be able to work within the VISN 21 core hours (9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PST). Tour of duty may not be earlier than 6:00 a.m. or later than 6:00 p.m. in their local time zone. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Full Time; Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PST; Subject to change to meet the needs of the Agency. *See note above. Telework: Available; Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 07981-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized