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The incumbent will assist the pharmacist in pharmacy distributive functions at the VA SORCC covering the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP) and Outpatient Clinic Programs, maintain patient profiles, ensure proper processing and storage of pharmaceuticals and perform required monthly surveillance of medication storage areas located outside the pharmacy. Work is assigned in general terms by the lead technician or supervising pharmacist. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. 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. 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 Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. 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. 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. 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 References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28, March 17, 2006The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. ["Functions: A. Medication Management Proficient with technical knowledge of drug and medication brand names, generic names/chemical names, general and special storage requirements, expiration date requirements, manufacturer/distributor sources, dosage forms applicable system of weights and measures, and medical terminology in order to interpret physicians' orders and verify that correct drug, dosage form, strength, and dose are prepared and dispensed. Working knowledge of drug use and dosage forms available to be able to screen drug orders and assist the pharmacist in solving potential problems. Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile) without a second review. This includes calculating and converting to proper weights and measures the amount of drug or solution to be used. Competently inputs prescriptions and medications orders as outlined by Pharmacy Service. Answers questions from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution. Identifies basic therapeutic problems, such as duplicate therapy with drugs in the same class or instructions too long for a label, and alerts the pharmacist to the possible need for clinical intervention. Thorough knowledge of operation and capabilities of automated dispensing systems and the ability to perform daily maintenance/minor repairs to such systems. Assists with inventory management and ordering of medicines. Knowledge of the laws, regulations and official policy concerning drug procurement and security to conform to legal and professional requirements of pharmacy practice; including process for handling hazardous drugs (as defined by National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health), controlled substances and hazardous waste. Conducts monthly inspection of pharmaceutical storage areas in a timely fashion. Working knowledge of facility computer system (VISTA/CPRS), specifically the applicable DHCP processing options (e.g. Outpatient Pharmacy Dispensing package). Completes CPRS Pharmacy Consults in accordance to VHA policy. Completes CPRS chart notes in accordance to VHA policy. Answers the telephones in a courteous and timely fashion ensuring calls are triaged in an appropriate fashion if the incumbent is unable to help the customer. Provides patient education on pharmacy topics such as the requesting refill process, and relay judgmental questions to the pharmacist. Performs all the duties of a Pharmacy Technician at lower grades as assigned. General Duties: Primary assignments of work schedules and tours involve outpatient and MH RRTP pharmacy services. Outpatient services may include such areas as Anticoagulation Clinic, Co-managed Care Clinic, outpatient prescription filling, pharmacy phone triage, window prescription dispensing, or other areas that may develop from patient pharmacy needs. As deemed necessary by the pharmacy supervisor, assists in other patient care areas to maintain the consistency of overall pharmacy services. Assists in total quality improvement activities by participating in facility and Pharmacy Service process assessment and action teams and continually seeks to improve services. Collects drug use evaluation data for quality improvement purposes as required. Schedule: Monday-Friday, 0800-1630 Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000/Pharmacy Technician Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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