Pharmacy technicians with the Birmingham VA HCS may fill orders, dispense/deliver medications using automated systems or provide technical customer service to Veterans related to prescription needs. Other duties include but are not limited to: delivery of medications to floors/ patients, filling medications for review, checking for expired meds, answering phones, preparing sterile products and assisting with basic inventory such as putting up stock and identifying when meds need to be ordered.
Summary
Pharmacy technicians with the Birmingham VA HCS may fill orders, dispense/deliver medications using automated systems or provide technical customer service to Veterans related to prescription needs. Other duties include but are not limited to: delivery of medications to floors/ patients, filling medications for review, checking for expired meds, answering phones, preparing sterile products and assisting with basic inventory such as putting up stock and identifying when meds need to be ordered.
Reads and interprets prescriptions, obtains proper medication or material in the proper strength and dosage form; determines proper amount and counts, pours, or measures the medications; affixes proper label and auxiliary labels; and records required data on electronically or via the Pharmacy's copy of prescription/order.
Replenishes inventory for emergency carts, kits, and trays. Collects drug use evaluation data for quality improvements purposes.
Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile) without a second review.
After prescription/order(s) are reviewed by a pharmacist for therapeutic propriety, reviews orders for technical accuracy and ensures that the item dispensed corresponds to the drug and dose ordered.
Answers questions and calls from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution.
Monitors refrigerator temperature daily in assigned areas.
Perform monthly inspections to assigned areas to ensure proper storage of medications and soon to expired drugs are removed.
Maintains, verifies, stocks and replaces outdates in patient care area automated dispensing machines throughout the facility (i.e., floors and clinics).
Properly handles medications by ensuring high alert, hazardous, refrigerated and controlled substance medications are handled/stored appropriately and legally.
Prepares medications that requires special handling and documentation.
Assures that each individual prescription order is filled correctly with right drug/supply item, strength, dosage form, quantity and with all necessary auxiliary labels attached.
B. Outpatient Pharmacy Activities (when assigned):
Processes and fills outpatient prescriptions in compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures.
Utilizes the automated dispensing machine (i.e. Scriptpro) for packaging and dispensing medications.
Assembles prescriptions properly with the correct drug, strength, quantity, auxiliary labels, and prescription labels.
Assures that the correct medication is filled by using bar code scanning on stock bottles.
Appropriately assigns and prints label for completed prescriptions notating if it's window, mail, UPS, refrigerated or non-refrigerated item.
Supports automation by manually completing prescriptions not processed through the automation dispensing machine.
Assures the timely completion of all prescriptions.
Verifies the patient's identification following the Medical Center's policies. Ensures two patient identifiers are utilized when dispensing medications.
Verifies that the patient receives the correct prescriptions by using VA software (i.e., VISTA and barcode scanning)
Verifies that the patient has received all prescriptions (i.e., refrigerated, controlled substances, bulk medications, etc.)
Ensure the patient signature is obtained at pick-up electronically. Only uses manual signature during contingency.
C. Inpatient Pharmacy Activities (when assigned)
Performs review of medications prepared by another pharmacy employee to be dispensed to hospital areas.
Inventories and replenishes emergency trays/carts/kits.
Operates and maintains automated dispensing unit dose systems such as Pyxis and Parata.
Inspects packaged items for accuracy and suitability before submitting for final check, prior to distribution to hospital areas. Ensures correct number of tablets are present in each locally unit dosed package prior to dispensing to floors and/or automated devices.
Utilizes the Parata Perl inspection system after medications repackaged.
Assures repackaged dosage forms are labeled according to USP and VA standards and attains a final review by a pharmacist.
Maintains repackaging records that assures all regulatory and review standards are met.
Trouble-shoots minor mechanical problems of all automated systems as they occur and coordinates resolution of more involved mechanical or software problems with Supervisor, vendor help desk, ADPAC, etc. as appropriate.
Fills medication orders to fulfill pre-exchange doses, missing dose reports, Automated Dispensing Machines (ADMs), loads, restocks and IV orders with accuracy.
Correctly inventories, assesses, and determines the need for floor stock and external medication.
Delivers pre-exchange doses, missing dose reports, Automated Dispensing Machines (ADMs), loads, restocks and IV orders with accuracy.
Work Schedule: 8 hour Shift between 6a and 6p with rotating WHEN hours Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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:
a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. ยง 7407(a).
b. Education or Experience.
None required.
For all grade levels and positions that accept both education and experience to qualify, equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 100% are qualifying. The combined percentage is determined by adding total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level to the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level.
Grade Determination (GS-6):
Experience. One year experience at the next lower level (GS-5), and must fully meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) at the next lower level, which are:
Knowledge of basic pharmacy operations.
Knowledge of pharmaceuticals to perform duties in pharmacy functional areas.
Knowledge of pharmaceutical nomenclature (including generic, chemical and proprietary names of drug).
Ability to fill prescriptions.
Ability to use pharmacy information systems or basic pharmacy dispensing equipment with oversight.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience/KSAs above, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:
Knowledge of Federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice.
Knowledge of preparation, storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation.
Ability to use pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment.
Knowledge of basic inventory procedures.
Ability to communicate with patients and staff and direct questions to appropriate personnel.
NOTE: Your description of your work experience in your resume/CV must adequately demonstrate all required knowledge, skills, and abilities in order for you to be found qualified and referred for consideration.
References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28 - Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard
Physical Requirements: The position requires frequent walking and standing; repeated bending; moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds); the ability to read handwritten or typed characters with or without glasses; ability to hear conversation voice with or without aid; and emotional and mental stability.
Education
IMPORTANT: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.
Additional information
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
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.
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, 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.
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:
Professional Certification
Resume
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.
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (VA)
Other (1)
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
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 12/12/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12613018.
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.
Birmingham VA Medical Center
700 South 19th Street
Birmingham, AL 35233
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.
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). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP 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 medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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:
Professional Certification
Resume
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.
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (VA)
Other (1)
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
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 12/12/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12613018.
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.
Birmingham VA Medical Center
700 South 19th Street
Birmingham, AL 35233
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.
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). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP 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 medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
