Clarification from the agency

Open to permanent El Paso VA Health Care System (EPVAHCS) Employees only. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

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Cabinet Server Management

• Resolves data integrity issues to all aspects of the server and works with the vendor support team, OIT, Biomed, and other technical personnel when needed for resolution.
• Recommends and implements automation server level changes for the improvement of the workflow, work methods, and priorities involved within the drug distribution system and medication management standards.
• Maintains adequate par, reorder, and critical low levels of medications loaded in ADCs on the server level. Coordinates inventory changes with pharmacy operational staff and procurement technicians.

Automation Dispensing Cabinet (ADC) Administration and Training

• Resolves problems and complaints regarding automated dispensing cabinets.
• Ensures appropriate cabinet and bin configurations for optimal storage and dispensing of medications and items used for the area.
• Ensures appropriate Controlled Substances compliance as it relates to ADC automation and works in coordination with the Controlled Substances Coordinator.

Operational Support

• Adds new and destocks and deletes obsolete items from ADC equipment if needed in support of operational staff.
• Stock ADC based stockouts reports.
• Perform and complete assigned clinic ward inspections monthly, in accordance with facility policy and procedures.
• Removes expired medications from ADC stock and follows facility policy and procedure for disposal.
• Communicates medication errors, adverse events, allergies, non-formulary and restricted status, and any other medication order related problems for clarification to the pharmacist and/or supervisor as necessary.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual/remote position.
Functional Statement #: 56482F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/22/2026.

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship - You must be a citizen of the United States
• English Language Proficiency - You must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 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 (GS-07 and above): 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).

Grandfather Provision. A Pharmacy Technician employed in VHA on the effective date of the qualification standard (11/7/2023) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:

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.

GS-8 Grade Determination: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-08 you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07). Experience includes 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.

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).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, 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.

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 full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8.

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.

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.