This position functions primarily in Pharmacy Service. The controlled substance technician is responsible for assuming facility compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, directives, policies, and procedures applying to inpatient and outpatient dispensing, storage, transfer, inventory, and accountability of controlled substances. The position requires significant independent decision making with minimal supervision.
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 Health career 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). Pharmacy Technician - Controlled Substances, 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. 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: Monitors the status and progress of work and makes day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities, obtains assistance from the supervisor on problems that may arise such as backlogged mail, which cannot be promptly dispensed. Estimates and reports to supervisor on expected time of completion of work and maintains records of work accomplishments and time expended. Prepares production reports as requested. Instructs pharmacy staff on controlled substance policy and procedure, particularly new tasks and job techniques, provides written instructions and reference materials when required. Gives on the job training to new employees in accordance with established protocols and practices. Maintains a current knowledge of national, state, and local laws, regulations, directives, policies and procedures pertaining to controlled substances. Educates pharmacy staff on laws, procedures, policies, directives, etc. Amends or rejects work not meeting established standards and refers to supervisor questions or matters not covered by standards. Resolves controlled substance discrepancies and staff-controlled substance issues referring to applicable policy. (8) Reports to supervisor on controlled substance related performance, and training needs of employees. Work Schedule: 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 PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO):