"As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. Not only is it the largest, most technologically advanced integrated health care system in the Nation, but we also provide many other services to Veterans through the Benefits Administration and National Cemeteries. VA professionals feel good about their careers and their ability to balance work and home life. VA offers generous paid time off and a variety of predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities. For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.vacareers.va.gov/”] VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Current VA employees should apply under JP-17-SSmth-1918374-BU.
Summary
"As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. Not only is it the largest, most technologically advanced integrated health care system in the Nation, but we also provide many other services to Veterans through the Benefits Administration and National Cemeteries. VA professionals feel good about their careers and their ability to balance work and home life. VA offers generous paid time off and a variety of predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities. For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.vacareers.va.gov/”] VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Current VA employees should apply under JP-17-SSmth-1918374-BU.
These full-time, permanent positions are located within
the Pharmacy Service of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston,
Texas. As a certified Outpatient Pharmacy Technician, you will provide
high-quality pharmacy services to VA patients in a large multi-facility health
care system. The selectee must be able to perform in all areas of the Pharmacy,
including expanded distribution functions that require an extensive knowledge
of pharmaceuticals and pharmacy practice.
-Major duties and
responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
-Preparing substantially all bulk compounding in the
pharmacy;
-Packaging and labeling all products for which there
are master formula cards;
-Scanning patient medication totes and determining
kind, strength, and dosage of drug to be dispensed;
-Reviewing prescriptions for legible patient name and
social security number, legible provider name, and appropriate documentation
for non-formulary medications;
-Receiving and processing incoming telephone inquiries
from veterans and their beneficiaries in a friendly and caring manner,
directing any in-depth questions to a pharmacist;
-Processing refill requests for mail with correct drug
item, labeling them appropriately and adding auxiliary labels for pharmacist to
check;
-Filling prosthetic prescriptions for window pick up
and/or mailing in the absence of the prosthetic technician;
-Inventory, receiving and storing items dispensed by
the Outpatient Pharmacy, and inspecting assigned shelves monthly for outdated
medications;
-Maintaining prescriptions into the computer to
generate prescription labels, receiving and returning prescriptions to the
Veterans, pharmacy, etc.;
-Assuring that correct information is given to Veteran
beneficiaries, doctors, pharmacists, and veterans as well as to the general
public - both on the telephone and in person - performing within existing
privacy regulations and HIPPA ; and
-other duties as assigned
Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday-8:00am to 4:30pm alternating or rotating weekends
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Physical Requirements:
Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying,
15-44 pounds; Pushing (3 hours); Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking
(3 hours); Standing (6 hours); Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger
1 to 5; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other;
Hearing (aid permitted); Mental and emotional stability.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens may be appointed when
it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Education. A high school diploma or equivalent.
Certification. Certification by the Pharmacy
Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at the GS-6 grade level.
English Proficiency. Pharmacy Technicians must be
proficient in spoken and written English.
Experience. One (1) year of specialized experience
equivalent to the GS-5 level in the Federal service
Preferred Experience:
Strong interpersonal communication skills with a
focus on providing outstanding customer service
Skill in utilizing all available resources to support
the mission and goals of the organization
Ability to plan, organize and multitask workload
during day to day operations
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in
writing regarding complex clinical and technical issues
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-6
Experience. One (1) year of specialized experience
equivalent to the GS-5 level in the Federal government. Examples of specialized
experience may include, but are not limited to: Preparing bulk compounding in
the pharmacy; Packaging and labeling products for which there are master
formula cards; Scanning patient medication totes and determining kind,
strength, and dosage of drug to be dispensed; Reviewing prescriptions for
legible patient name and social security number, legible provider name, and
appropriate documentation for non-formulary medications; Receiving and
processing incoming telephone inquiries; Processing refill requests for mail;
Receiving and storing dispensed items, and inspecting assigned shelves for
outdated medications; Providing accurate information to patients, doctors,
pharmacists, as well as to the general public - both on the telephone and in
person - performing within existing privacy and HIPPA regulations.
To be
creditable, this experience must have required the use of the following
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate
the following technical KSAs:
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 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28, PHARMACY TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATION
STANDARD , dated March 2006, and OPM Group Coverage Qualification Standard for
Technical and Medical Support Positions at
http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/IORs/GS0600/0661.htm.
Education
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
Additional information
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Your application, résumé and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate’s education and experience and recommend the grade and salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees eligible for promotion, the board will determine grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
All applicants are required to submit the following supporting document type(s): ·Other (VA form 10-2850c - Application for Associated Health Occupations) ·Resume
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s),which may not be required for all applicants:
·Cover Letter ·DD-214 ·Other Veterans Document ·SF-15 ·SF-50 ·Transcript
Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, etc. You will not be contacted for additional information.
Veterans' Preference:When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), or 10pt (CP/CPS, XPP, XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP), on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section(s) provided. A legible copy of your DD214(s) indicating character of service, disability certification, SF-15 (if claiming 10 pt. preference) or if you are currently serving on active duty and expected to be released or discharged within 120 days; documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), or dates of impending separation. Documentation is required for eligibility verification.
Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents: You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online or unable to upload your supporting documents to your online application, follow the directions located at the following site: Fax Options. The Vacancy ID of the job opportunity announcement is 1918340.
NOTE: If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203-FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the View Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Monday, March 13, 2017 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete,log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
VHA Houston VAMC
Department of Veteran Affairs
Michael E DeBakey VAMC 2002 Holcombe BL
Room 4A-149
Houston, TX 77030-4298
Next steps
After
we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the
vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure
qualification and eligibility requirements are met. During our review, if
your résumé and application package do not support your questionnaire answers,
we will adjust your rating accordingly. After the review is complete, a
referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their
status by email (if provided); otherwise, applicants will receive a
notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service. Referred applicants will
be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an
interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a
selection decision has been made.
You
may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS
account and clicking on “Application Status.” For a more detailed update
of your status, click on “more information.” Information regarding applicant
notification points can be found in the USAJobs Resource Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All applicants are required to submit the following supporting document type(s): ·Other (VA form 10-2850c - Application for Associated Health Occupations) ·Resume
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s),which may not be required for all applicants:
·Cover Letter ·DD-214 ·Other Veterans Document ·SF-15 ·SF-50 ·Transcript
Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, etc. You will not be contacted for additional information.
Veterans' Preference:When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), or 10pt (CP/CPS, XPP, XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP), on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section(s) provided. A legible copy of your DD214(s) indicating character of service, disability certification, SF-15 (if claiming 10 pt. preference) or if you are currently serving on active duty and expected to be released or discharged within 120 days; documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), or dates of impending separation. Documentation is required for eligibility verification.
Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents: You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online or unable to upload your supporting documents to your online application, follow the directions located at the following site: Fax Options. The Vacancy ID of the job opportunity announcement is 1918340.
NOTE: If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203-FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the View Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Monday, March 13, 2017 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete,log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
VHA Houston VAMC
Department of Veteran Affairs
Michael E DeBakey VAMC 2002 Holcombe BL
Room 4A-149
Houston, TX 77030-4298
Next steps
After
we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the
vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure
qualification and eligibility requirements are met. During our review, if
your résumé and application package do not support your questionnaire answers,
we will adjust your rating accordingly. After the review is complete, a
referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their
status by email (if provided); otherwise, applicants will receive a
notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service. Referred applicants will
be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an
interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a
selection decision has been made.
You
may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS
account and clicking on “Application Status.” For a more detailed update
of your status, click on “more information.” Information regarding applicant
notification points can be found in the USAJobs Resource Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
