Clarification from the agency

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FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: The incumbent typically carries out the full range of technical support functions which include but are not limited to; processing and filling prescriptions for scheduled and non-scheduled federal legend drugs and medical devices, over-the-counter products and supply items; outpatient preparation and distribution of medications, stock management; operation, maintenance, re-stocking and troubleshooting of automated dispensing equipment; patient and customer relations; and preparation and maintenance of various logs, records and reports. The incumbent may be required to perform some or all of the functions; however, the relative percentages of time spent performing each specific function varies with the area of assignment.

Major Duties and Responsibilities
A. Lead Tech

• The incumbent works closely with the Outpatient pharmacy technician supervisor and Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisory Pharmacist to coordinate and lead work activities and delegate job assignments to the pharmacy technicians in the outpatient and/or specialty areas of the Outpatient Pharmacy. The incumbent must successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment without the need for readily availablesupervision.
• The incumbent works with the Outpatient pharmacy technician supervisor, Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor, Pharmacy Department Head, Associate Chief, Pharmacy Operations, Business Manager/Program Specialist, other Pharmacy Technician Leads, and other staff on general planning, organizing, and assigning of functions to meet significant changes in outpatient pharmacy workload, work priorities and deadlines. This is imperative due to the absolute deadlines where the workload is highly variable, very unpredictable, and not within the control of the incumbent.
• The incumbent submits recommendations for changes for Outpatient Pharmacy policies and procedures. Also submits ideas and recommendations on space, manpower and equipment based on his/her experience and knowledge of the technical operation.

B. Outpatient Activities - The incumbent must possess an advanced technical knowledge of drug and medication brand names, generic names/chemical names, general and special storage requirements, expiration date requirements, manufacturer/distributor sources, dosage forms, applicable systems of weights and measures and medical terminology to interpret providers' orders and verify correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose is prepared and/or distributed; working knowledge of drug use and dosage forms available to be able to screen drug orders for propriety and assist the pharmacist in solving potential drug related problems; working knowledge of hospital computer system(s), specifically the applicable Navy and VA software applications and processing and a thorough knowledge of the operation and basic daily maintenance and minor repair of automated dispensing equipment. Applies the above knowledge to perform the stated functions as follows:

• Fill prescriptions and medical supplies for mail and window
• Fills any automated dispensing devices.
• Performs routine cleaning on equipment (computers, automated dispensing devices, and general work area)
• Prepares compounded prescriptions and labels in accordance with accepted standards.
• Answers phone inquiries and triages to pharmacist when appropriate.
• Reviews and records all monitoring parameters (refrigerator temp, expiration dates, manufacturing, pre-pack)
• Reviews and monitors window wait times to ensure goals are met.

C. Controlled Substance - The incumbent requires advanced knowledge of principles relating to controlled substances and the requirements of FHCC and Network policy and state and Federal regulations, which apply to these drugs. Knowledge of trending and analysis is necessary to ensure that problems associated with waste, fraud, diversion or abuse are identified quickly and reported to appropriate supervisor(s). Applies the above knowledge to perform the stated functions:

• Maintains all inventory control records for controlled substances.
• Performs data collection and data tracking for controlled substances. Collects this data reviewing statistical information and evaluating for accuracy and reviewing appropriate reports from automated dispensing equipment to monitor for waste, diversion or abuse and reports such findings to the supervisor.
• Assists in FHCC Controlled Substance Inspection program.
• Monitors for expiration and destruction of controlled substances and removes immediately from inventory.
• Provides training to technicians, nursing staff, pharmacists, and controlled substance inspectors as needed.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 0730-1600
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #:Pharmacy Technician(Lead)/PD000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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.
• 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

Preferred Experience: Possess a current Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) or ExCPT with an understanding of the goals, objectives and performance measures associated with Pharmacy Operations. 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) or National Health Career Association (NHA)? is required at grades GS-7 and above.
• English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English.

Grade Determinations:GS-8 Level: One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level.
-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.
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs.
-Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology and policies in a specialized area or section of pharmacy (such as sterile compounding, controlled substances, automation, clinical pharmacy, contact center, etc.)
-Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures.
-Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy.

Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Pharmacy technicians at this level have a higher level of responsibility for specialized areas of pharmacy and are expected to independently carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty. Pharmacy technicians in this assignment specialize in areas such as sterile compounding, oncology, controlled substances, medication history review, clinical specialist (anticoagulation, pain, infectious diseases), clinical informatics, automation, immunizations and any other specialized area in the advancement of the profession. The pharmacy technician will serve as a subject matter expert and key resource in the day-to-day technician duties of the specialized area. The technician will be performing assignments such as compounding sterile products, filling controlled substance prescriptions while maintaining compliance with Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulations, taking medication histories and counseling patients, managing automation, managing workflow and training and orienting staff in the specialized area.

Certification: PTCB or NHA certification is required at this grade level and above.

Physical Requirements: Employees are typically expected to work forty hours per week. This may include evenings, midnights, weekends and/or holidays as assigned. Principle duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., preparing IV admixtures, use of a computer keyboard, etc.). May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 44Ibs.), including boxes, equipment, unit dose-cassettes, and IV solutions; stooping or kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, remove and replace items on lower shelves, and to file documents in lower file drawers, etc.); sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours). Normal ranges of hearing and vision are required to perform work and communicate effectively; must have the visual ability to distinguish between basic colors and shades of color. An ability to perform tasks requiring rapid mental and muscular coordination functions simultaneously is necessary. Employees must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used on the job. Employees may be required to work at various pharmacy locations as assigned.

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.