**Current VA and/or Federal employees must apply under vacancy announcement VHA-613-17-AK2010308 BU.**
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.
Summary
**Current VA and/or Federal employees must apply under vacancy announcement VHA-613-17-AK2010308 BU.**
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.
The selectee will serve as a Pharmacy Technician that will rotate between the Outpatient and Inpatient sections of the Pharmacy Service at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV. These positions will work in a call center where incumbents will complete and document state Prescription Drug Monitoring (PDMP) sites searches as surrogates for providers.Technicians are expected to possess technical knowledge of drugs and medication brand names, generic names, chemical names, general and special storage requirements, manufacturer and distributor source, dosage forms, applicable systems of weights and measures, and medical terminology in order to interpret medication orders and verify correct drug, dosage form, strength, and dose is prepared and dispensed. The selectee must possess knowledge in the basic use of computer systems. Technicians must have a thorough knowledge of the operation and capabilities of using automated dispensing systems and the ability to perform daily maintenance and minor repairs to such systems.
Accesses PDMP sites before filling any schedule II-V medication.
Enters a template note with the reason for the PDMP access and the results of the PDMP search each time a PDMP is accessed.
Ensures all schedule II-V medications will only be written for up to a 90 day supply.
Completes PDMP query, and cosigns the provider on the template note in electronic patient record system.
Responsible on a daily basis for filling and delivering the unit dose medication carts to the assigned wards and the Community Living Care units. Must be able to accurately read and calculate pre-exchange dosages to be dispensed.
Reviews, separates & returns unit dose medications as appropriate to the proper bins at the medication picking stations.
Performs final verification of cart fill unit dose orders (tech-check-tech) at the discretion & direction of the Lead Inpatient Pharmacy Technician.
Perform & complete assigned monthly ward inspections, checking for outdated drugs, IV solutions, multi-dose vial usage and any items pertaining to pharmacy. Responsible for performing & completing internal inspections for outdated drugs in the Inpatient Pharmacy as assigned.
Shares responsibility for maintaining adequate drug stock, efficient material management, maintenance of records, inventory control, and storage of pharmaceuticals.
Assures that the prescriptions are directed where they need to be (window vs. mail).
Enters prescription information.
Answers patient's questions concerning mail outs, expiration of prescriptions, number of refills, return to stock, narrative notations, and address changes/information.
Enters all new, renew, and refill orders for the same patient.
Receives oral instructions from the supervisor relative to time allotted for completion of work and possible problems. Incumbent is responsible for arranging the sequence and timing of their own work to meet variable demands in a particular area.
Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral and external medications (non-sterile). To include calculating and converting to proper weights and measures the amount of drug or solution to be used.
Packs and wraps for mailing all filled prescriptions for mail out, including controlled substances, filling out proper accompanying paperwork.
Ensures packages are properly packaged and labeled in accordance with VA and Postal regulations.
Distributes and maintains adequate levels of repackaged items to the using sections within the Outpatient Pharmacy.
Cleans equipment and tools, and assists in maintaining orderliness and cleanliness of the Pharmacy.
Knowledgeable of Pharmacy stock procedures, assuring that accepted items are properly stored and that stock is rotated.
Consistently checks stock for expiration date.
Answers the telephone and has adequate ability and knowledge to take the calls and solve problems.
9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - Noon (Saturday) Note: The Saturday technician working will work a tour of either 7:00 a.m.- noon, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. , 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. during a weekday.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certification.
VA Form 10-2850c is required to be submitted with application.
Physical Requirements: Moderate Lifting (15-44 lbs); Use of fingers; Both hands required; Standing (up to 8 hours); Both eyes required; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of color; Hearing (aid permitted).
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. Physical Standards – A pre-employment physical examination is required for selected candidates. English Language Proficiency – Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English.
Preferred Experience: Technical knowledge of drugs and medication brand names, generic names, chemical names, general and special storage requirements, manufacturer and distributor source, dosage forms, applicable systems of weights and measures, and medical terminology in order to interpret physicians' orders and verify correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose is prepared and dispensed. Working knowledge of hospital computer system (e.g. unit dose, auto replenishment, etc.). Thorough knowledge of operation and capabilities of automated dispensing systems and the ability to perform daily maintenance and minor repairs to such systems.
GRADE DETERMINATIONS: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
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.
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.
Quality of Experience – To be creditable, pharmacy technician experience must be documented on the application and verifiable through an employment reference, or through other independent means.
GS-6 Experience – One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSA's at the next lower level.
GS-5 level KSA's: 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.
PLUS the candidate must demonstrate the following GS-6 level KSA's: 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.
Certification – PTCB certification is required at this grade level.
Your application must support demonstration of the KSA's. We cannot make assumptions regarding your 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.
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. Newly-appointed Federal employees may receive credit for their 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.
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. Newly-appointed Federal employees may receive credit for their 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): ·Resume which must include: Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008);Hours worked per week; Salary. ·Other-PTCB Certificate (required at the GS-6 level). All applicants must submit a copy/verification of certification. ·Other-VA Form 10-2850c - Application for Associated Health Occupations (required for all applicants, failure to submit will result in removal from consideration). Available at the VA Forms website: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=10-2850&tkey=&Action=Search. Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s),which may not be required for all applicants:
**We are only able to mark documents as required if every applicant is required to submit. For example we cannot make a DD214 required because it is not applicable to every applicant. You must use the checklist below to identify required documents based on your application status.
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.
Additional checklist notes:
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 2010319.
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 Wednesday, October 04, 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 Martinsburg VAMC
Department of Veteran Affairs
Human Resources Management Service
510 Butler Avenue
Martinsburg, WV 25405
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): ·Resume which must include: Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008);Hours worked per week; Salary. ·Other-PTCB Certificate (required at the GS-6 level). All applicants must submit a copy/verification of certification. ·Other-VA Form 10-2850c - Application for Associated Health Occupations (required for all applicants, failure to submit will result in removal from consideration). Available at the VA Forms website: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=10-2850&tkey=&Action=Search. Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s),which may not be required for all applicants:
**We are only able to mark documents as required if every applicant is required to submit. For example we cannot make a DD214 required because it is not applicable to every applicant. You must use the checklist below to identify required documents based on your application status.
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.
Additional checklist notes:
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 2010319.
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 Wednesday, October 04, 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 Martinsburg VAMC
Department of Veteran Affairs
Human Resources Management Service
510 Butler Avenue
Martinsburg, WV 25405
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.
