Career Center

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2023 or until all positions are filled. A qualification review will be conducted appoximately every 2 weeks and qualified candidates will be referred to the Services upon their need for recruitment. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be paid to a Highly Qualified candidate. 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 directly related to the position to be filled. 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 VA Policy. Grade Determinations, In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Pharmacy Technician, GS-6 Experience: One year experience at the next lower level and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28, dated March 17, 2006. This position is announced above the full performance level at the GS-6 level. Physical Requirements: The work involves standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting or carrying of pharmaceutical supplies, including bending and stooping to include the transporting of mail collection container to mailroom. Moderate lifting may be required (up to 40 lbs.). ["If you ARE a current, permanent federal employee, please apply on announcement CBST-11849480-23-ARS. Duties of the Pharmacy Technician-Inpatient include, but are not limited to: This Pharmacy Technician position functions in the Inpatient Pharmacy section at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Facility in Houston, TX, and must be able to perform in all areas of the Pharmacy including expanded distribution functions, which require an extensive knowledge of pharmaceuticals and pharmacy practice. Inpatient preparation and distribution of unit dose medications and ward stock items, intravenous admixtures including cytotoxic chemotherapy, stock management; Operation, maintenance, re-stocking and troubleshooting of automated dispensing equipment; Patient and customer relations; Preparation and maintenance of various logs, records and reports. Possesses an advanced 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 systems of weights and measures and medical terminology to interpret providers' orders and verify correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose is prepared and/or distributed; Working knowledge of drug use and dosage forms available to be able to screen drug orders for propriety and assist the pharmacist in solving potential drug related problems; Working knowledge of hospital computer systems, specifically the applicable VistA and CPRS and Class III software applications (e.g., BCMA, unit dose, outpatient prescription processing including ATC dispensing machine, IV admixtures, etc.) and a thorough knowledge of the operation and basic daily maintenance and minor repair of automated dispensing equipment; Preventative maintenance on all automated equipment used in the Pharmacy, as well as some minor repair of the equipment; Mastery of aseptic technique used in the preparation of pharmaceuticals for parenteral administration, advanced technical working knowledge of various administration routes for various parenteral pharmaceuticals and the special preparation considerations that must be taken into account in their preparation, handling, storage, distribution and disposal; Advanced technical working knowledge of equipment and supplies used in the preparation of intravenous admixtures including, but not limited to, horizontal laminar flow hoods, admixing pumps, needles, syringes, various drug reservoirs, etc. Specialized knowledge regarding chemical and physical compatibilities is essential for the proper preparation of parenteral pharmaceuticals. Advanced knowledge of principles relating to controlled substances and the requirements of Medical Center and Network policy and state and Federal regulations, which apply to these drugs. Knowledge of problems associated with waste, fraud, diversion or abuse are identified quickly and reported to appropriate supervisors. Advanced technical knowledge of all aspects of drug characteristics and nomenclature including generic/chemical and brand names, dosage forms, various systems of weights and measures, drug product codes, drug interchangeability and therapeutic equivalence; characteristics of drug packaging; various uses for drugs; VA and regulatory agency requirements for drug storage; Special requirements for procurement, storage, distribution, and handling of various classes of drugs. An advanced technical working knowledge of usage rates, stock levels, inventory maintenance concepts including just-in-time inventory and inventory turns, equipment utilized for procurement, contract adherence sources is also required. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, or 7:30am-4:00pm; Rotating shifts with some weekends and holidays Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-00225-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required."]

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