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Outpatient Pharmacy Technician The GS-6 Pharmacy Technician's position duties include the full range of technical tasks that support pharmacy operations and the professional pharmacist staff at VA Black Hills Health Care System. To assure that patients receive quality care in a timely fashion, the pharmacy technician must maintain a working knowledge of all outpatient pharmacy systems and processes. 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: 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 Grade Determinations: GS-6 Pharmacy Technician Experience: 1 year at or equivalent to the next lower, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level (GS-5), which include but are not limited to: 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. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-5 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 Preferred Experience: Outpatient pharmacy, USP 800, USP 795, customer service References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. ["VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Duties include, but are not limited to: A. Primary responsibility for telephone triage, management of inquiries, and timely response to requests. B. 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 medications; affixes proper label; and records required data on Pharmacy's paper or electronic copy of prescription/order. C. Answers routine inquiries (via telephone or otherwise) from medical staff or Veteran patients on the availability of drugs and dosage forms, or prescription status. Refers appropriately to professional staff those questions having to do with drug reactions, medication therapy, and requests for formulary additions, etc. Must maintain a working knowledge of the facility and clinical programs, including drug formulary issues. D. Performs all functions related to the accurate packaging and labeling of outpatient prescriptions under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist. E. Performs computer manipulations that are required to complete the principle duties of the position. F. Conducts general maintenance, cleaning and housekeeping tasks associated with work areas as assigned and per Pharmacy department procedures and pharmacy regulations. G. Prepares and packages prescription medications for mail-out. H. Completes additional duties as assigned (i.e. procurement assist, projects, committees, etc.). I. Conducts monthly outdates of medication storage areas in the facility. J. Completes daily activities on-time and only leaves appropriate unfinished work for others, communicating as necessary. K. Responsible for operation and general maintenance of all equipment used in assigned activities and reports malfunctions promptly to management so that service or repairs may be ordered. L. Demonstrates knowledge of operation and performs care of automated equipment. Example: maintenance and cleaning. M. Maintains familiarization with the regulations and safe handling requirements governing the handling of hazardous substances, flammable liquids and perishable biologicals and drugs, corrosive chemicals and/or poisonous materials. N. Inputs patient information and prescription information into the VA computer system. Maintains familiarity with all aspects of the computerized system related to pharmacy operations. O. Will assist with training of pharmacists, technicians, students and residents requiring additional or new training. P. Will be required to perform supervised tasks and be proficient after basic orientation and specialized training. Q. Must have a strong sense of personal responsibility and self-direction and be able to assume leadership for technical tasks. R. Must recognize and assure that the special security requirements, handling, and controls involved with drugs to assure accountability are not compromised. S. May be assigned to any areas to perform supervised tasks as determined by the Pharmacy Supervisor, Chief of Pharmacy, or any other supervising pharmacist. T. Inpatient and outpatient, controlled substance processing with supervision. Is authorized to conduct or assist with regularly scheduled inventories of controlled substances by inspection teams. Is responsible to immediately report any questionable circumstances or irregularities to the pharmacy supervisor or chief. U. May assist pharmacists with the collection of data required to conduct drug use reviews or performance improvement activities. Work Schedule: Full-time; 40 hours/week 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 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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