This is the full performance level for Pharmacy technicians. Incumbents may fill orders, dispense/deliver medications using automated systems or provide technical customer service to Veterans related to prescription needs. IF USING GRANDFATHERING PROVISION SUBMIT YOUR MOST CURRENT SF-50 IN-LIEU OF PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION.
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 Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. Grade Determination (GS-6):Experience. One year experience at the next lower level (GS-5), and must fully meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) at the next lower level, which are: Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment. Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience/KSAs above, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 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. NOTE: Your description of your work experience in your resume/CV must adequately demonstrate all required knowledge, skills, and abilities in order for you to be found qualified and referred for consideration. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28 - Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard. Physical Requirements: The position requires frequent walking and standing; repeated bending; moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds); the ability to read handwritten or typed characters with or without glasses; ability to hear conversation voice with or without aid; and emotional and mental stability.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This is the full performance level for Pharmacy technicians. Incumbents at the full performance level may fill orders, dispense/deliver medications using automated systems or provide technical customer service to Veterans related to prescription needs. Duties will include delivery of medications to floors/patients, filling medications for the pharmacist to review, checking for expired medications, answering phones with appropriate disposition, preparing sterile products (when applicable) and assisting with basic inventory management such as putting up stock and identifying when medications need to be ordered. FUNCTIONS: A. Medication Management: 1. Reads and interprets prescriptions, obtains proper medication or material in the proper strength and dosage form; determines proper amount and counts, pours, or measures the medication; affixes proper label; and records required data on electronically or via the Pharmacy's copy of prescription/order. After a final check by a pharmacist, dispenses medication in a clinic, ambulatory care, dispensing window or discharge situations. 2. Replenishes emergency carts with a second view. Collects drug use evaluation data for quality improvements purposes. Operates and maintains complicates pharmacy equipment. 3. Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile) with a second review. This includes calculating and converting to proper weights and measuring the amount of drug or solution to be used. 4. After prescription/order (s) are reviewed by a pharmacist for therapeutic propriety, reviews orders for technical accuracy and converts the order, if necessary, so that the item dispensed corresponds to the drug and dose ordered. 5. Answers questions from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution. Identifies basic therapeutic problems such as duplicate therapy with drugs in the same class and alerts the pharmacist to the possible need for clinical intervention. 6. Monitors refrigerator temperature daily in assigned areas. 7. Conducts periodic ward inspection of clinic care areas and/or nursing medication rooms. 8. Maintains, verifies, stocks, and replaces outdates in patient care area automated dispensing machines. 9. Assists with inventory management, maintaining stock levels and ordering of medications. 10. Properly handles medications by ensuring look-alike sound-alike, high alert, hazardous, refrigerated, and controlled substance medications are handled/stored appropriately and legally. 11. Prepares medications that requires special handling and documentation. 12. Assists in training of lower graded technicians and technician students. 13. Performs all duties of lower graded technicians, if required. General Duties: As deemed necessary by the pharmacy technician supervisor, assists in other patient care areas to maintain the consistency of overall pharmacy services. Provides pharmacy phone support with other departments and patients. Will maintain the medication storage areas for compliance in drug outdates for the correct storage of medication as per the Joint Commission requirements. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Incumbent meets the needs of all customers while supporting the Medical Center and Service missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (patients, visitors, volunteers, and all Medical Center staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customers with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. COMPUTER SECURITY: Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA guidelines. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, altercation, or unauthorized deletion. Work Schedule: Full-Time, to be Determined with Service Line. May include some nights and weekends. Compressed/Flexible: TDB with Service line Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54806F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional