Clarification from the agency

This vacancy announcement is opened to US Citizens. Federal employees may apply to the internal vacancy announcement # CBTC-11792569-23-JLC. There is NO need to apply to both announcements.

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Recruitment incentive authorized for highly qualified eligible applicants

This is an open continuous announcement. This announcement will close when all positions have been filled.

Pharmacy technicians' function in various areas of the pharmacy, e.g., inpatient pharmacy, outpatient pharmacy and other patient care areas. Pharmacy technicians provide various technical support services within the pharmacy department.

Duties and responsibilities of Pharmacy Technicians include but are not limited to the below:

Outpatient Pharmacy:

• Performs duties involved in all facets of outpatient distribution which include use of automation for prescription filling and mailing either by the US Mail or contracted courier (i.e. FedEx or UPS).
• Uses technology such as bar code technology to document dispensing of medications (including controlled substances) following procedures designed to ensure maximum patient safety.
• Handles medications in an appropriate and clean manner.
• Assists veterans with processing of medication requests, address changes, and tracking of medications shipped via the United States Postal Service (USPS) or another contracted courier.
• Upon a request by a patient, provides procedural information (i.e., medication pick up process, how to request refills, how to use the automated phone system for refills, renewals and medication tracking).
• Assists with documentation of patients' previously dispensed medications upon admission and assists with dispensing at time of discharge.
• Works with clinical pharmacists to achieve Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) goals.
• Uses technology to determine the status of medications being processed and the location of completed medications.
• Assists with troubleshooting of automated pharmacy equipment.
• Resolves problems with automated equipment via direct communication with the automated device manufacture or by collaborating with our BioMed Department at Bay Pines VAHCS, when deemed appropriate.

Inpatient Pharmacy:

• Prepares IV admixtures when assigned, to include large volume parenterals, "piggybacks", total parenteral nutrition and anti-neoplastics.
• Considers information available such as compatibility data, concentration limits and toxicities when preparing IV admixtures.
• Performs basic calculations if necessary to prepare IV admixtures.
• Uses Pharmacy computer software IV admixture package when necessary.
• Screens medication orders to assure procedural compliance is met.
• Uses pharmacy computer system (i.e., VISTA) unit dose software package to generate pick lists which are used to fill patient cassettes.
• Uses pharmacy automation such as Automed Fast Pack, Euclid and Pyxis to support unit dose medication dispensing activities.
• Uses aseptic techniques to ensure the solution or product is not contaminated.
• Inspects the final product for accuracy, suitability and elegance. Completed sterile preparations will be checked by a pharmacist prior to dispensing.

Inventory Management /Procurement

• Communicates with the procurement and with the Pharmacy Benefits Management (PBM) sections of pharmacy concerning inventory needed and possible medication shortages.
• Returns stock medication and supplies to their appropriate areas by the end of each tour of duty, maintaining a clean, orderly workplace.
• Provides assistance and coverage during times of heavy workload and in the absence of the procurement technicians and/or soft pharmacy supply technician.
• Checks pharmacy stock for outdates.

Controlled Substance

• Provides assistance and coverage during periods of heavy workload and during the absence of the controlled substances technicians.
• Prepares, fills all outpatient orders and/or ward stock requests for controlled substances.
• Receives new stock and returned stock into inventory. Conducts regularly scheduled inventories.
• Follows all requirements, VACO directives, DEA requirements, and other state and local requirements when handling or dispensing controlled substance medications.
• Monitors and analyzes orders and distribution patterns to identify questionable circumstances or unusual trends and communicates potential problems to a pharmacist in charge or supervisor.

Work Schedule: The tour of duty for this position will be a rotating schedule (including weekends and holidays when necessary) as established by the Chief, Pharmacy Service for the needs of the Pharmacy Service and patient care. Assigned work areas are not restricted to the inpatient or outpatient pharmacies. The technician may be assigned to expanded Pharmacy Service areas as deemed by the Chief, Pharmacy Service.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 20250F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:Authorized for highly qualified eligible applicants
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

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

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.

Certification: Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above.

• Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain licensure/certification/ registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

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.

Pharmacy Technician, GS-6, Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:

Experience: One year experience at the next lower level (GS-05), and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. KSAs of a GS-05 Pharmacy Technician are:

• Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment.
• Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique.
• Knowledge of basic inventory procedures.
• Knowledge of pharmacy information systems.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

• 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.

Preferred Experience: One year experience compounding routine sterile products using aseptic technique.

References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II, Appendix G28, Pharmacy Technician

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), Light lifting (under 15 pounds), Heavy carrying (45 pounds and over), Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), Light carrying (under 15 pounds), Straight pulling (2 hours), Pushing, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking (up to 4 hours), Standing (prolonged), Repeated bending, Climbing, use of legs and arms (infrequent), Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle, Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, Specific visual requirement (specify)*, Depth perception, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Hearing (aid permitted), Clear Speech, Emotional Stability, *Ability to read fine print on labels, Good Dexterity Working Conditions: Outside and inside, Dry atmospheric conditions, Constant noise, Fumes, smoke, or gases, Electrical energy, Slippery or uneven walking surfaces, Working around machinery with moving parts, Unusual fatigue factors (specify) (CRT-eye strain), Working closely with others.

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, rsum, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.