Career Center

Pharmacy technicians provide various technical support services related to inpatient and/or ambulatory patients. Pharmacy tech typically carry out the full range of technical support functions which include but are not limited to: processing and filling outpatient prescriptions for scheduled and nonscheduled federal legend drugs and medical devices, over the counter products and supply items; inpatient preparation and distribution of unit dose medications and ward stock items. 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. Education or Experience: Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included at least 24 semester hours of courses related to pharmacy or pharmacy technology. Certification: Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. 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: GS-6 Experience: One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs. Certification: PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Employees are typically expected to work forty hours per week. This may include nights, weekends and/or holidays as assigned. Principle duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., preparing IV admixtures, use of a computer keyboard, etc.). May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 44lbs.), including boxes, equipment, unit dose-cassettes, and IV solutions; stooping or kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, remove and replace items on lower shelves, sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours). Normal ranges of hearing and vision are required to perform work and communicate effectively; must have the visual ability to distinguish between basic colors and shades of color. An ability to perform tasks requiring rapid mental and muscular coordination functions simultaneously is necessary. Must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used for the job. ["Unit Dose Medication Management: The incumbent fills patient unit dose carts independently utilizing order copies or pick lists. Reviews and coordinates orders and pick lists to provide proper dosage making corrections as required. Inputs, updates and edits pick list to provide accurate and timely dispensing record. The incumbent maintains unit dose cart inventories. Conducts monthly ward and unit dose cart inspections. Provides proper labeling of stock in wards and clinics. Routinely monitors expiration dates of all stock and reports shortages and out-of stock conditions as they are discovered. The incumbent determines prepackaging needs for unit dose medications and ward stock products for use in clinics. Properly packages, labels, documents and verifies accuracy of finished product. Assures deliveries to inpatient areas and clinics are made timely. Operates and maintains complicated pharmacy equipment including robotic dispensing, automated counting, and bar code re-labeling equipment. Performs activities such restocking automated dispensing cabinets to include controlled substances. Maintains inventory for the unit dose packaging system. Documents all medications used in the unit dose packaging system and verifies work of other technicians/students. Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications. This includes calculating and converting to proper weights and measures the amount of drug or solution to be used. After orders are reviewed by a pharmacist for therapeutic propriety, the technician reviews orders for technical accuracy and converts the order, if necessary, so that the item dispensed corresponds to the drug and dose ordered. Outpatient/Mail-Out Pharmacy : The incumbent regularly participates in filling a full range of standard drug and prosthetic items using prepackaged drugs, consumer packs, and manufactured bulk products. The incumbent prepares and fill prescriptions by selecting, packaging, and labeling the proper drug and dosage for outpatient orders. Assists in conducting controlled substance inventories and interacts with controlled substances inspecting officials. The incumbent receives prescription requests from patients and issues medication to patients and responsible third parties. Double checks identity and eligibility as pertains to patient identification stated on new prescriptions and/or medication refill requests. The incumbent packages medications and supplies for mailing, observing special considerations required for controlled substances and cytotoxic products without a secondary review. Takes precautions to insure only medications for addressee are included in package. Includes correspondence intended for patient. Completes monthly ward inspections as assigned. Routinely monitors expiration dates of all stock and reports shortages and out-of stock conditions as they are discovered. Places stock in proper storage areas, rotating stock on shelves, and removing/replacing outdated items. Work Schedule: Days and Rotating Weekends 6:00AM-2:30 PM, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM, 10:00 AM-6:30 PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 554-56186-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Return to Search Results