Clarification from the agency

All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens. Veterans are encouraged to apply and will receive full consideration. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Videos

VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY

Major Duties:

• Performs final review of medication to be dispensed to inpatient areas (unit dose carts) utilizing the tech-check-tech methodology.
• Operates all pharmacy equipment in assigned areas. Assumes the initiative in this function, keeping equipment neat and orderly at all times.
• Fills ward orders initiated by nurses and automatic replenishment orders initiated by a pharmacy technician.
• Answers questions from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution.
• Inventories and replenishes emergency carts (crash carts) and automated dispensing machines making sure all drugs are in date, intact, and suitable for administration.
• Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile) without a second review. This includes calculating and converting to proper weights and measures so that the correct amount of drug ingredients and/or solutions is used.
• Follows all guidelines for Bar Code Label Requirements. Scans and verifies barcodes on a daily basis. Prepares bar codes used for IV therapy, unit dose packaging, and printer labeling, records and tabulates data for quality control.
• Uses tech-check-tech function when checking another pharmacy technician's work, being sure appropriate drug strength, quality, and labeling is accurate for inpatient distribution without a final check by a pharmacist.
• Is responsible for all aspects of the automatic replenishment/ward stock program without a final review. This includes making sure all drugs are in date and suitable for administration.
• Is responsible for the delivery of all inpatient drugs to the unit areas, including unit dose, IV's automatic replenishment medications, controlled substances, and narcotics, and the safety and security of medications in transit.
• Independently completes all ward inspections and pharmacy stock inspections monthly, assuring all aspects of TJC requirements are met which includes outdated drugs in storage areas.
• Is responsible for the repackaging of medication consistent with usage requirements and maintaining the appropriate records. This includes making sure proper and legal packaging requirements are met for unit dose drugs.
• Is proficient in conversion of drug brand names and generic names.
• Accurately prepares Intravenous Piggybacks, admixtures, large volume IV's daily and in sufficient quantity to cover the period over which these medications will be required and within appropriate expiration dates.
• Uses either standard protocols or judgment to determine an accurate expiration date for each batch prepared.
• Consistently displays competency with good manufacturing practices and sterile technique through demonstration and/or actual work performance.
• This involves interpretation of provider's orders, selecting and measuring appropriate ingredients, mixing ingredients in a safe and effective manner, inspecting the final product for accuracy and suitability, labeling the product, maintaining records of the manufacturing process, and supplying the product for delivery within a time frame consistent with administration requirements.
• Uses standard protocols and judgment to determine and accurate expiration date for each compound prepared.
• Is able to read, interpret, and fill prescriptions under the direct supervision of the legally responsible pharmacist. The incumbent is able to identify basic therapeutic problems such as duplicate therapy with drugs in the same class and alerts the pharmacist to the possible need for intervention. This is done with notification to the pharmacist so that time requirements for the order can be achieved.
• Fully proficient in the use of ScriptPro equipment used for daily filling of patient medications employing proper labeling requirements, operating procedures, robot maintenance, and utilization of corresponding documentation logs. Maintains proper documentation with verification by a pharmacist inspecting the medicine before loading into the robot.
• Assists the pharmacists in all aspects of this program and assumes initiative in solving problems that do not require licensure.
• Appropriately labeling all prescriptions filled including all prescription paperwork.
• Packages prescriptions to be mailed to patients, ensuring paperwork and prescriptions are complete.
• Operates and maintains complicated pharmacy equipment including the ScriptPro Robotics, ScriptTalk printers, computer equipment and label/paperwork printers, and fax machines.
• Maintains stock levels of bulk drugs, units of use, and materials for prescription filling, consistent with usage.
• Orders, receives, and checks in pharmacy medications and supplies according to established policies and procedures.

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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

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.
  • 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.
• 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).
  • National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).

• Pharmacy Technician, GS-07.
  • Experience. Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
  • Certification. For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either:
    • PTCB as a CPhT.
    • NHA as a ExCPT.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • 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.