Clarification from the agency

Open to all US Citizens **Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis until the closing date of this open continuous announcement, as long as vacancies exist.**

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Major Duties:

• Maintains competence in all operational aspects of pharmacy distribution services including equipment maintenance, materials handling, automation, distribution, labeling, packaging, documentation, controlled substance accountability, and unit dose management.
• Demonstrates knowledge of policies and procedures related to IV compounded sterile preparation (CSP), aseptic technique, USP 797 /800 requirements, controlled substance management, and unit dose medication distribution.
• Prepares IV medications and other CSPs, including hazardous drugs, using proper aseptic technique. Performs accurate product selection, dosage calculations, and compounding of agents utilizing written procedural guidelines. Maintains competence in appropriate preparation, beyond use dating (BUD) and disposal.
• Properly utilizes Personal Protective Equipment, needles, syringes, various drug reservoirs, and advanced knowledge of specialized techniques and procedures required for the safe handling of cytotoxic agents including negative pressure technique, hazardous waste disposal, and cytotoxic spill response.
• Utilizes pharmacy equipment appropriately in support of compounding CSPs (ie BAXA TPN compounder, BD IV Prep) and ensures correct procedures are followed.
• Applies safe handling when working with hazardous materials and can reference the Material Safety Data sheets.
• Conducts regular physical inventory of medications/supplies to ensure necessary stock levels are maintained and communicates with procurement staff regarding any issues.
• Triages internal phone calls in inpatient pharmacy, referring to a pharmacist when appropriate.
• Prints, labels, and transports unit dose medications, IV prepacks, and bulk items for inpatient distribution.
• Participates in the monitoring of refrigerator temperatures utilizing available software (ie Viewpoint) as assigned.
• Inventories, replenishes, and changes out Emergency Crash Carts.
• Responsible for controlled substance inventory management, handling, disposal, and distribution while adhering to Federal law, FDA, VA, and DEA regulations.
• Conducts regular controlled substance inventories. Resolves discrepancies as necessary and reports any such discrepancies to pharmacy management.
• Ensures controlled substance stock is in date and properly stored and secured according to policy, USP and manufacturer recommendations.
• Assists and complies with all controlled substance inspectors and promptly compiles reports when requested.
• Demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot when automated equipment malfunctions.
• Requests service and assistance from the supporting vendor.
• Assists with the training, orientation and re-training (if needed) of employees in the Inpatient Pharmacy according to the Pharmacy Department competencies, policies and procedures.
• Works and communicates effectively with others while remaining courteous, tactful, and understanding when interacting with others, even in potentially difficult/volatile situations.
• Effectively organizes workload, solves problems, and achieves established goals
• Completes monthly ward inspections and any required mandatory training and education.

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

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: None Required.
• 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.
• Certification: For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either:
  • Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
    OR
  • National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT)
• 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.
  • For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) at all grade levels, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation for which he/she qualifies if a placement opportunity exists. For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) in assignments above the full-performance level only, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may remain at an appropriate lower grade level in the occupation when both of the following apply: the credential is not a requirement and a placement opportunity exists."

• Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work.
• Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent.
• Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers.
• Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students.
• Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution.
• Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases.

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, resume, 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.