This position is located within the Pharmacy Customer Care section of Clinical Services under the direct supervision of the Supervisory Program Specialist for Pharmacy Customer Care.
Summary
This position is located within the Pharmacy Customer Care section of Clinical Services under the direct supervision of the Supervisory Program Specialist for Pharmacy Customer Care.
Accepting case referrals and providing guidance and assistance to Pharmacy Customer Care contact representatives.
Responsible for Tier 2 activities associated with clinical medication questions that require clinical communications with staff such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other members of the health care team.
Perform pharmacy related clinical calculations associated with interpretation of physician instructions, quantities dispensed, day's supply, availability of refills, and related calculations to identify inaccuracies, oversights, and misinterpretations of medication information.
Answer escalated Veteran inquires involving a broad range of topics, related to medication refills, medication renewals, medication tracking, backordered medications, medication recalls, emergency refills, medications not received or on hold.
Gather, evaluate, analyze data, and apply management and leadership principles in researching the accuracy of Veteran medication inquiries.
Evaluate clinical information from patient records and provide written communication to providers through the use of progress notes that become a permanent part of the Veterans patient record.
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8 hour shift from 5:45 am to 7:15 pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Travel: Occasional Travel Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Pharmacy Technician, GS-0661-08, PD/FS#: 06855-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
You may be required to serve a probationary period
Subject to a background/security investigation
Must be proficient in written and spoken English
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with Chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, 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-06 and above.
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.
Grade Requirements:
(1) Creditable 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.
(2) Quality of Experience. To be creditable, pharmacy technician experience must be documented on the application and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means.
(3) Part-time Experience. Part-time experience as a pharmacy technician is credited according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a pharmacy technician would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work.
GRADE DETERMINATIONS:
GS-08 - In addition to the basic requirements, you must demonstrate at least one (1) year of experience at the next lower level (GS-07), and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level:
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;
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs identified and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs below designated by an asterisk (*) for the assignment within their resume.
*Knowledge of human resource management policies and procedures, and the ability to supervise various levels of pharmacy technicians and other technical personnel;
*Ability to apply management and leadership principles;
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
Extensive working knowledge of the pharmacy operation.
Ability to assess staff needs and provide appropriate training.
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 level may be assigned supervisory positions or assignments as lead technicians in a highly complex area of the pharmacy. The GS-8 level is for very 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.
References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28, Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard, dated March 17, 2006
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Light lifting (under 15 lbs); light carrying (under 15 lbs); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (2 hours); standing (2 hours); ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaegar 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing without aid. Work may be performed dry atmospheric conditions; constant noise; working closely with others.
NOTE: This announcement is open only to current, permanent VHA Member Services employees. You must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 showing that you are a current employee of VHA Member Services. If your SF-50 or required CTAP documents are not provided, your application will not receive further consideration and you will be rated as ineligible.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
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.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
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.
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, C.V., 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 recommend grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.
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.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. (REQUIRED) CV or Resume:A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and must be in English. It should contain each position title, grade (if Federal), your duties, accomplishments, the dates you held each position in mm/yy format, the number of hours worked per week, and salary so we may best assess your qualifications. If more than one resume is received, only the last resume received and processed will be reviewed.
3. (REQUIRED) SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action: You must provide a copy of your last or most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" indicating status under the "Who May Apply" section. The SF-50 must identify your position, title, series, grade, step, tenure, and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). Please note that award SF-50s do not include all pertinent data.
4. (REQUIRED) Evidence of certification: Provide a copy of your certification. Please note an expired certification will not be accepted.
Applicant Checklist: Please utilize the applicant checklist below to ensure your application is complete and contains all of the required documentation.
NOTE: If the required documents are not provided, your application will not receive further consideration and you will be rated as ineligible.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
10-2850c-Application for Associated Health Occupations and PTCB Active Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
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.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/24/2019 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10521968.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
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 USA JOBS 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 USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
VHA Member Services
3401 SW 21st St Bldg 9
Topeka, KS 66604
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. 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. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. 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 USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. (REQUIRED) CV or Resume:A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and must be in English. It should contain each position title, grade (if Federal), your duties, accomplishments, the dates you held each position in mm/yy format, the number of hours worked per week, and salary so we may best assess your qualifications. If more than one resume is received, only the last resume received and processed will be reviewed.
3. (REQUIRED) SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action: You must provide a copy of your last or most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" indicating status under the "Who May Apply" section. The SF-50 must identify your position, title, series, grade, step, tenure, and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). Please note that award SF-50s do not include all pertinent data.
4. (REQUIRED) Evidence of certification: Provide a copy of your certification. Please note an expired certification will not be accepted.
Applicant Checklist: Please utilize the applicant checklist below to ensure your application is complete and contains all of the required documentation.
NOTE: If the required documents are not provided, your application will not receive further consideration and you will be rated as ineligible.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
10-2850c-Application for Associated Health Occupations and PTCB Active Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
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.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/24/2019 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10521968.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
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 USA JOBS 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 USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
VHA Member Services
3401 SW 21st St Bldg 9
Topeka, KS 66604
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. 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. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. 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 USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
