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This Pharmacy Technician (Community Care) position is located VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System in Leeds, Massachusetts. 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: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) Education or Experience: A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience. Certification: Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. 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. 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 Pharmacy Technician (Community Care): Experience: One year experience at and/or equivalent to the next lower level (GS-5), and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. Certification: PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. Assignments: Pharmacy technicians may be assigned to any area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive function assignments; for example assignment as team leaders for specific process improvement teams involving technical areas or performing more highly complex duties including preparation of oncology agents for clinical pharmacy specialists. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for the GS-6: 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. Preferred Experience: Active/Valid State and National Pharmacy Technician License and Certification. References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G28 Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard, GS-661, Veterans Health Administration Physical Requirements: Position requires some walking, standing, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds. The incumbent may be required to move equipment to facilitate the service's needs or program changes as dictated by either the service or the agency. ["VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Scope of Duties: Duties include but are not limited to the following description: Assisting pharmacists in preparing and distributing medications in the outpatient area of Pharmacy as it relates to Community Care prescriptions. Assignments to other outpatient and inpatient areas of the Pharmacy will be done as appropriate and based on established training. Responsibilities include receiving, filling, distributing medication orders, communicating with patients, Community Care and other providers, as well as other healthcare personnel as appropriate; assisting the pharmacists assigned to Community Care prescription processing with prescription related matters as appropriate Assisting Lead Pharmacy Technicians with the daily operation and maintenance of automated equipment, participating in inventory control, and assisting with the collection of data for reports/statistical purposes. The Community Care Pharmacist, a Lead Pharmacy Technician and/or other Pharmacists are available for guidance. The incumbent reports to the Associate Chief of Pharmacy Operations. Maintenance of Active/Valid State and National Pharmacy Technician License and Certification is required. The Function of this position includes but is not limited to: Verifies patients' eligibility for Community Care consult and related prescriptions. Validates prescribing Community Care provider based on consult referral. Verifies that medication ordered is listed in the local drug file, documents verification as appropriate. Seeks assistance from Community Care Pharmacists, other Pharmacists, Lead Pharmacy Technicians, and/or Pharmacy Management when needed. Processes and fills outpatient prescriptions under the supervision of a pharmacist. Reviews outpatient drug orders and patient refill requests in the VISTA system to prioritize the filling and dispensing with the pharmacist. Assists in the process by selecting, counting/pouring, and labeling the prescription. Records required information on Pharmacy's copy of the prescription/order. After a final check by a pharmacist, dispenses medication to outpatients. Distributes inpatient medication orders including dosage forms such as oral solids, according to established procedures and/or protocols. Utilizes the inpatient pick list to select medications as per procedures. Delivers the unit dose carts as per schedule. Packages and labels unit of use medications. Restocks ward and clinic areas. Performs monthly ward/clinic inspections in accordance with JCAHO standards. Checks and assists with the replenishment of emergency carts. Collects drug use evaluation data for quality improvement purposes as required. Operates pharmacy equipment and restocks the Omnicell and Scriptpro cabinets. Reconstitutes oral and external medications (non-sterile). This includes calculating and converting to proper weights and measures, the amount of drug or solution to be used. Final check is performed by a pharmacist. Answers questions from VA CWM HCS staff regarding pharmacy operations and drug distribution as appropriate. Assists in total quality improvement activities by participating in process improvement and engaged work teams. Monitors pharmacy refrigerator/freezer temperatures. Conducts monthly clinic inspections as assigned. Removes and replaces outdated medications, rotates medications on shelves as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: F02740 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required."]

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