Career Center

The Pharmacy Technician (Hematology/Oncology) is a highly specialized technician who, under the authority of the Chief, Pharmacy Service, Associate Chief of Operations, and the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Supervisor, is responsible to assure that compounded sterile preparations (CSPs) are correctly purified, sterilized, packaged, sealed, labeled (including assignment of appropriate beyond-use date [BUD]), stored, and distributed. 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: 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 the GS-6 level and above. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: GS-7 Level Experience: On year experience at the next lower level and must fullly meet the KSA's at the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSA's and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSA's designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): Ability to evaluate, analyze workflow, and coordinate work activities. Ability to independently gather, evaluate, and analyze data to generate reports and/or for other projects/statistical purposes. Knowledge of pharmacy policies and procedures sufficient to train and orient new employees and other staff. Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and care of specialized pharmaceutical equipment. Comprehensive knowledge of the procurement and formulary process. Comprehensive knowledge of investigational drug policies and procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of controlled substance policies and procedures, and the ability to identify and investigate discrepancies in these policies and procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to, analyze data in VA information systems. Assignments: 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. Pharmacy technicians at this grade level may be assigned as a supervisor; lead technician in a particular area of the pharmacy; a controlled substance technician; an investigational drug technician; a procurement/inventory management technician; a clinical pharmacy technician; or similar assignment with this level of complexity. The GS-7 level is for select, complex pharmacy technician positions, as established by each health care facility. To be advanced, employees must meet all of the following standards, provided the standard is part of their assignment. Determinations concerning placement of positions at this grade level shall take into consideration the skill mix and the availability of supervision in the work unit. Although these positions are under the supervision of a pharmacist, employees in such settings successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment (without the need for readily available supervision) as well as comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of the most complex or difficult practices and procedures. Such individuals may also serve as leaders or co-leaders in a Pharmacy Service or for a specific unit or section. One year experience at the lower level (GS-6) includes: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005, PART II, APPENDIX G28 March 17, 2006 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: Completion of routine pharmacy functions which include but are not limited to; significant computer work/typing, prescription order entry and processing, contact of patients (both face to face and via phone). Certain tasks are repetitive in nature and require multiple steps performed in succession for success. The incumbent should be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds without significant difficulty. Incumbent must be able to stand or sit in one place for considerable time during completion of complex tasks. Complexity of mental processes involved is extensive, demanding, and challenging. Reach above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing (8 hours), both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, Hearing (aid may be permitted). ["Duties and Responsibilities included but not limited to: Prepares chemotherapy agents and compounded sterile products (CSPs) in compliance with USP 797 and 800 guidelines (generally 25% or more of regularly assigned daily duties) to be delivered in finished forms such as large volume parenteral, small volume parenteral, infusion syringe, infusion pump, ophthalmic preparation, or other modality as required. Undergoes initial IV Room Pharmacy training and competency assessment and annual re-assessment. Obtains knowledge of hazards of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, including but not limited to the dangers posed to those who prepare, deliver, administer, and/or receive treatment with these agents and the equipment and supplies used in the preparation of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Cleans the specified areas in the anteroom and cleanrooms, performing monthly surface sampling in all ISO classified areas. Correctly interpret provider orders, selects, and measures appropriate ingredients, mixes ingredients in a safe and effective manner, inspects the final product for accuracy, suitability and elegance, labels the product, maintains record of the manufacturing process, and prepares the product for delivery. Consistently displays competence with good manufacturing practices and sterile technique through demonstration and/or actual work performance. Procurement of pharmaceuticals and coordinates with pharmacy procurement technicians to procure appropriate quantities of chemotherapy agents, IV medications, and supplies for the cleanroom. Receives new stock and returned stock into inventory. Other Technician Duties- Performs all the duties of Pharmacy technician as assigned by management. General Assignments and Cross Functionality: Answers pharmacy phone calls timely and triages them appropriately. Provides training to new or existing Pharmacy staff to ensure competencies are developed and maintained. Possess an advanced technical knowledge of drug and medication brand names, generic/chemical names, general and special storage requirements, expiration date requirements, manufacturer and distributor sources, dosage forms, applicable systems of weights and measures. Conducts monthly ward inspections of patient care areas. Performs all the duties of Pharmacy Technician as assigned by management. Work Schedule: Monday to Sunday, variable 8 hours tour of duty between 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., rotating weekday, weekend, holiday shifts to meet the needs of the service. Final determination will be made by management. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Return to Search Results