Career Center

Pharmacy technician functions in various areas of the pharmacy (e.g. inpatient pharmacy, outpatient pharmacy and other patient care areas), providing support services within the pharmacy department. Pharmacy technicians are responsible for the preparation and distribution of unit dose medications, ward stock items, automated dispensing cabinets and intravenous admixtures. They perform technical support functions such as processing and filling outpatient prescriptions. 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. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, criteria must be met when determining the actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy, Grade Determinations: Pharmacy Technician GS-6 Experience. One year of experience equivalent to at least the next lower level (GS-5) that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. You must fully meet the KSAs at the GS-5 level which includes: Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment, knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique, knowledge of basic inventory procedures, and knowledge of pharmacy information systems. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs : 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. *Valid and current certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board {PTCB) is required. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Creditable Experience: To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with the scope of pharmacy technician practice. Quality of Experience: To be creditable, pharmacy technician experience must be documented on the application and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means. Part-time Experience: Part-time experience as a pharmacy technician is credited according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a pharmacy technician would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 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). ["Provides intravenous (IV) admixture bulk fluid replenishment service for inpatient units and outpatient clinic areas. Maintains pre-determined stock levels. Uses the computer system to maintain records and produce reports. Works closely with licensed pharmacists and Supervisors to respond to changing use patterns and resolve problems. Prepares IV admixtures (piggybacks, large volume parenterals and other immediate-use IVs) utilizing aseptic techniques in a timely manner for final check by a pharmacist. Provide automatic ward stock medications and supplies replenishment for inpatient units, including Pyxis. Replenishes emergency crash cart medication trays with exact items needed according to standardized list. Performs preventative maintenance and cleaning of packaging machines as appropriate. Reads, interprets, enters and properly routes prescriptions via fax, e-scribe, mail or delivered by patient or caregiver. Assists patients with tele-pharmacy and cyber-pharmacy applications including patient orientation to the application. Work Schedule: Rotating tours. Including evenings, weekends, and holidays Telework: Not Avaliable Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized This is an open continuous announcement due to frequently occurring vacancies. The initial cut-off date is 4/17/023. All eligible applications received by 4/17/2023 will be reviewed and referred. Future cut-off dates will occur on 5/01/2023, 5/15/2023 and 5/26/2023. All applicants may receive consideration for 3 months in Period of Eligibility from the date of application. If you wish to be considered after that period, and the announcement is still open to receive applications, you must reapply to indicate your continued interest."]

Return to Search Results