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Supervisory Pharmacy Technician

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
El Paso Veterans Health Administration

Summary

To manage all aspects of Care in the Community (CITC) prescription processing. Serves as an authoritative information source and expert on all CITC prescriptions received in the pharmacy within the scope of a pharmacy technician. Supervises CITC staff in the provision of comprehensive drug preparation and distribution of CITC medication in accordance with the mission, vision, and goals of the El Paso VA Medical Center.


Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—Adhoc Eligible
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$61,722 - $80,243 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
Yes
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CAZM-13077551-26-FLS
Control number
886765100

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to Current & Permanent)Employees of the El Paso VA Health Care System NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. Note: 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans preference to external applicants for appointments made from this announcement.

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Duties

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Major Duties:

  • The incumbent supervises duties that consist of significant scope and complexity, including coordinating day-to-day technical operations, workflow coordination, problem resolution, training and orienting technicians and students, and participating in quality improvement activities specific to community care services.
  • The incumbent functions as a subject matter expert for CITC prescription processing and collaborates with all other pharmacy supervisors to optimize processes, ensure regulatory compliance, and meet program performance goals.
  • The incumbent is required to have advanced technical knowledge of VA and non-VA prescription requirements, VA and local formulary processes, prior authorization and non-formulary workflows, controlled substance regulations, and pharmacy information systems including EHRM, VistA/CPRS, and associated applications.
  • The incumbent resolves routine and complex problems within the program area, and ensures compliance with all applicable federal, VA, and facility policies, regulations, and accreditation standards.
  • The incumbent supports all supervisory activities in all sections of pharmacy including pharmacy dispensing operation, procurement, controlled substances, and clinical.
  • The Supervisory Technician will be competent in all outpatient technician duties including, the medication procurement process, operation of automation, compounding, all aspects of medication order preparation.
  • The incumbent will ensure compliance with VA and Joint Commission requirements for appropriate monitoring, dispensing and distribution of all medications.
Duties are continued in the Education Section of this announcement:

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:45pm
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: This is an onsite position. Telework may be offered when deemed necessary by the department AD-HOC (Employees who telework on an occasional, episodic, or short-term basis, and have completed required telework training and telework agreement.) (Portion of day acceptable).
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 56410-F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • 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.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • 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.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.
  • English Language Proficiency - You must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance wit 38 U.S.C 7403(f).
  • 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:
    1. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
    2. National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
  1. Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level or changed to lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
  2. Employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/ registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/ certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.
  3. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
  4. Employees who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.
  5. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
Grade Determinations:

Supervisory Pharmacy Technician, GS-0661-09
  1. Experience: One year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the lower grade level (GS-08). To be equivalent to the GS-08 level, experience must have also been earned while having an active CPhT or ExCPT as described below.
  2. Certification: For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either:
    1. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
    2. National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).
  3. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, for the GS-09 level, do you possess the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
    1. Expert knowledge serving as a key resource advising others in their particular specialty area or section of the pharmacy (such as procurement, sterile compounding (USP compounding standards), controlled substances DEA, automation, clinical pharmacy, lead tech, contact center, etc.).
    2. Skill in analyzing data for self-driven (independent) performance improvement projects, workload analysis and statistical reports.
    3. Skill in solving problems and implementing corrective actions to maximize outcomes in their program area.
    4. Ability to maintain special accreditations and prepare for national reviews/inspections (e.g., The Joint Commission, Inspector General, American Society of Health System Pharmacists, controlled substance inspections).
    5. Ability to develop training programs and material for orientation, competency development and educational needs for regulatory requirements within the specialized pharmacy program area.
    6. Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders and managers.
    7. Ability to utilize staffing methodology principles to determine adequate staffing to coordinate and manage workflow and work activities within pharmacy.
Preferred Experience:
  • Demonstrated experience in managing, troubleshooting, and maintaining pharmacy automated dispensing cabinets, including server-level configuration, inventory management, and resolving data integrity issues. This includes collaborating with vendor support, OIT, Biomed, and pharmacy staff to ensure optimal performance and minimal downtime.
  • Proven ability to train and orient pharmacy staff, controlled substance inspectors, and medical center personnel in the use of Omnicell automation equipment. Experience in writing, updating, and implementing facility policies and procedures related to automation, ensuring compliance with controlled substances regulations and supporting operational excellence.
  • Experience in supporting pharmacy operations through clinic ward inspections, ADC drug stocking/destocking, removal of expired medications, and adherence to facility policies for medication storage and disposal. Ability to communicate medication errors, adverse events, and other issues to pharmacists and supervisors for timely resolution.
  • Skilled in using office automation software (e.g., word processing, EHR, VistA) for administrative tasks, data collection, and report generation. Participation in quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives, including process action teams, to enhance pharmacy service and patient care.
  • Exceptional customer and experience in establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with facility providers, nursing, pharmacy personnel, and other departments. Ability to resolve questions and problems affecting staff and patients, demonstrating strong oral and written communication skills, professionalism, and sensitivity to age, developmental, and cultural needs.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination

Education

There are no education requirements for this position.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Duties Continued:

  • Responsible for the management and supervision of care in the community (CITC) pharmacy technicians' section of Pharmacy Service.
  • Ensures that staff are effectively trained to meet Pharmacy's priorities and customer needs.
  • Balances workload and provides advice, guidance, and direction on a wide range of CITC prescription processing.
  • Structures assignments to create effective workflows. Advises other pharmacy supervisors of significant issues and problems related to work accomplishment.
  • Establishes metrics and analysis systems to ensure actions are timely and reviewed at critical points.
  • Assesses and revises policies and procedures as needed to find ways to improve quality, timeliness, and efficiency work. Advises and provides counsel to CITC employees regarding policies, procedures, and directives of management.
  • Develops and updates policies and procedures for assigned work area.
  • Provides orientation and develops training programs for staff.
  • Ensures that mandatory employee training (handling hazardous materials, etc.) is accomplished within established timetables and properly documented in service training files.
  • Explains performance expectations to employees and provides regular feedback on strengths and weaknesses.
  • Holds employees responsible for satisfactory completion of work assignments.
  • Appraises staff performance ensuring consistency and equity in rating techniques. Hears and resolves employee complaints and refers serious unresolved complaints to higher level management.
  • Initiates action to correct performance or conduct problems including verbal and written counseling and Admonishments.
  • Recommends action in more serious disciplinary matters and prepares documentation to support actions taken.
  • Identifies employee developmental needs and provides or arranges for training (formal and on-the-job) to maintain and improve job performance.
  • Encourages self-development.
  • Approves master leave schedule assuring adequate coverage for peak workload and traditional holiday vacation time.
  • Promotes an environment in which employees are empowered to participate in and contribute to effective mission accomplishment.
  • Recognizes and takes action to correct situations posing a threat to the health or safety of staff.
  • Apply EEO principles and requirements to all personnel management actions and decisions, and ensures all personnel are treated in a manner free of discrimination.
  • Reviews functional statements/position descriptions every 2 years to ensure accuracy and the most effective utilization of personnel resources

Additional information

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

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 or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

El Paso can serve as your base point for travel in any direction - within a few short hours you can ski in Ruidoso; take in the cultural ambiance of Albuquerque - perhaps play a few slots or catch a headline concert; arrive in Phoenix for professional sports; or a short detour to Tucson for beautiful hikes and farmer's markets. Just north of El Paso is Las Cruces, home to huge pecan orchards and agriculture. El Paso itself offers a dynamic community of local culture, military culture, Southwest charm and Tex-Mex served hot! We have year-round sports and outdoor recreation due to the abundant sunshine. Road cycling is a celebrated pastime - as is motorcycling through the mountain scenery. You can always find a new trail to hike - from the Franklin Mountains to Hueco Tanks. El Paso has tons to offer: an international airport, renown medical school, Spaceport America - host to Virgin Galactic; the largest US Army Installation, minor league baseball team.

Agency contact information

Felecia Spencer
Email
felecia.spencer@va.gov
Address
El Paso VA Clinic
5001 North Piedras Street
El Paso, TX 79930
US

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