The incumbent is a highly specialized technician who, under the authority of the Compound Sterile Preparations (CSP) program manager or designee, is responsible for the preparation of sterile compounds, including chemotherapy, managed by pharmacy services. The CSP pharmacy technician will perform sterile compounding functions to ensure timely and accurate patient care is provided.
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: None Required. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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).OR 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 - Compounded Sterile Products, GS-8 Experience: Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following 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.) Note: See Specialized Area in the Definitions Section. 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. Specialized Area. Areas within pharmacy that require advanced knowledge, skills and abilities to ensure a high level of accountability for patient safety, quality of care and/or VHA or other regulatory requirements. Examples include, but are not limited to compounding sterile products, controlled substance dispensing, research, automation, clinical informatics, quality assurance, hazardous medication compounding/management, immunizations and clinical pharmacy assignments. Preferred Experience: Compounded Sterile product (hazardous & non - hazardous ) preparation experience. 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-8. Physical Requirements: The work involves regular and recurring physical exertion including walking, bending, prolonged standing, stooping, lifting and carrying packages weighing up to 40 pounds. Dexterity is required for the operation of Pharmacy equipment.
The duties include, but are not limited to: Knowledgeable in United States Pharmacopeia (USP) 797/800, Pharmacy Law, VHA Directives, and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulations as they relate to practice within the VA Healthcare System and its organizational elements. Uses aseptic technique, compounds both complicated and uncomplicated non hazardous and hazardous (e.g., chemotherapy) parenteral admixtures in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringe, infusion pump, or another modality as required. Prepares sterile ophthalmic preparations and other complex sterile pharmaceuticals such as total parenteral nutrition and cardioplegia solutions where required by the site. Technical working knowledge of equipment and supplies used in compounding sterile products including but not limited to admixing pumps, needles, syringes, and various compounding supplies, etc. Operates and maintains complicated pharmacy equipment including but not limited to Omnicell™ devices, laminar airflow hoods, biosafety cabinets. Interprets orders, selects, and measures appropriate ingredients, mixes ingredients in an aseptic and effective manner, inspects the final product for accuracy, suitability, and elegance, labels the product, maintains records of the manufacturing process, and supplies the product for delivery. Monitors temperatures of medication storage areas, refrigerators, freezers, etc. to ensure proper storage is maintained. Takes appropriate actions to correct if out of range. Responsible for required cleaning and documentation of compounding spaces. Performs monthly inspections for outdated medications and supplies according to local policy and standard operating procedures. Participates and assists in patient care activities during emergency situations, (i.e., major disasters). Preferred experience: Compounded Sterile product (hazardous & non - hazardous ) preparation experience. VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized