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Pharmacy technicians function in various areas of the pharmacy, e.g. outpatient pharmacy and other patient care areas, under the supervision of the Outpatient or Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor or a registered pharmacist in the absence of a pharmacy supervisor. 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: U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens may 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. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (proof of graduation or equivalent required) or at least 3 months of experience. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with the scope of pharmacy technician practice. Part-time experience as a pharmacy technician is credited according to its relationship the full-time work week. For example, a pharmacy technician would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work. Preferred Experience: Experience in a hospital pharmacy setting is preferred, but not required. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Grade Determinations: GS-2: (Entry Level) Experience: None beyond the basic requirement. GS-3: Education or Experience: Completion of 1 year of post-high school course work related to medicine (e.g. chemistry, biology, college mathematics, etc.), or successful completion of a 1 year accredited pharmacy technician training program, or 6 months of general experience, that may have included experience in another medical field(licensed practical nurse, laboratory technology, etc.). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1.Ability to maintain appropriate files 2.Ability to prepare sterile compounds under supervision 3.Ability to communicate with patients and other health profession GS-4: Education or Experience: Successful completion of 2 years above high school with courses related to pharmacy or pharmacy technology, or 1 year of general experience that may have included experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, laboratory technology, etc.) Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program conducted by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision is creditable on a month-for-month basis for general experience. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1.Ability to process and fill prescriptions under supervision 2.Ability to operate and maintain dispensing equipment 3.Ability to operate pharmacy information systems 4.Ability to maintain appropriate files 5.Ability to prepare sterile compounds under supervision GS-5: 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; successful completion of pertinent specialized training courses in pharmaceutical and pharmacy services while serving in the Armed Forces is creditable on a month-for-month basis up to the 1 year of experience required for the GS-5 level; or at least 1 year of experience at the next lower level that demonstrates the core competencies (KSAs) described at the GS-4 level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1.Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment 2.Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique 3.Knowledge of basic inventory procedures 4.Knowledge of pharmacy information systems References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28, PHARMACY TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATION STANDARD, dated March 2006. Reference is available in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. 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). Preferred Experience: Pharmacy Technician Board Certification The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-2 to GS-5. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time, typing, walking distances within the medical center, lifting/carrying (up to 40 pounds) of pharmaceutical supplies, and bending/stooping/stretching. OCHCO Bulletin Subject: Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated September 30, 2022. This authority permits the Secretary to recruit and appoint qualified individuals to occupations reported as having the largest staffing shortages, notwithstanding 5 U.S.C. §§ 3304 and 3309 through 3318 (i.e., competitive service and Veterans' preference). While this authority supports VHA in addressing staffing shortages and the need to be flexible in hiring top talent to support urgent mission needs, the VA highly encourages the hiring of Veterans. ["Prepares medication prior to dispensing in outpatient areas. Replenishes automated dispensing units as needed, ensuring the medication and space are correctly matched. Dispenses medication orders to patient, patient representative, nurses, and other staff while maintaining chain of custody. Package prescription orders for UPS (using World-Ship) or USPS (using Endicia) shipment. Reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile) with a second review. Utilizes pharmacy repackaging technology to package unit of use drug doses in a safe and effective manner. Demonstrates technical knowledge of all aspects of drug characteristics and nomenclature for procurement and stock maintenance. Inspects final packaged items for accuracy, suitability, and elegance. Operates and cares for complex automated dispensing devices and equipment that support the treatment of patients. Operates equipment including pharmacy devices and other equipment that support the packaging, distribution, and overall delivery of pharmacy services to the patient. Trouble-shoots minor mechanical problems as they occur and coordinates resolution of more involved mechanical or software problems with Pharmacy Technician Supervisor or his/her designee. Triage phone calls and resolve patient issues. Re-route calls to appropriate team member when necessary. Works constructively as a team member, assisting co-workers in tasks that support staff, visitors and other customers in achieving service, facility and network goals. Assures security over pharmacy areas and provides an immediate report to management in event of inconsistencies. Receive and check in stock. Store stock in appropriate location. Report stock shortages and contribute to annual inventory. All other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 8 hour tour between 7am-8pm M-F; some holidays & weekends Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Pharmacy Technician/PD51784F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Refer a Friend: Any current NF/SGVHS employee who meets HR eligibility and refers a candidate for these occupations is eligible to receive a one-time $1000 special contribution award when the candidate has completed 120 days of service. Employees are eligible for a maximum of 2 \"refer a friend\" incentives per fiscal year. This is an open continuous announcement. Applicants will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file until December 30, 2022."]

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