This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/458100200. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans.
The VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) consists of three inpatient facilities located at Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Livermore, plus seven outpatient clinics in San Jose, Fremont, Capitola, Monterey, Stockton, Modesto, and Sonora. These facilities provide some of the world's finest medical care and cutting-edge technology.
VAPAHCS is a teaching hospital with an affiliation with the Stanford University School of Medicine which provides a rich academic environment including medical training for physicians in virtually all specialties and subspecialties. Our Health Care System operates over 800 beds, including three nursing homes and a 100-bed homeless domiciliary - all to serve more than 67,000 enrolled Veterans.
You can learn more about VAPAHCS by visiting http://www.paloalto.va.gov/about
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.
Current VA and/or Federal Employees should apply under VK-17-SF-1863073-OCA-BU-R.
***NOTE: Declining to be interviews, failure to respond/accept interview attempts, or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.***
12/02/2016 to 09/29/2017
$53,774 - $69,912 per year
GS 06
1 vacancy in the following location:
Not required
No
Permanent - Excepted Service Permanent
Full-time - Full Time
No
VK-17-SF-1863149-OCA-BU-R
458100200
THIS IS AN OPEN AND CONTINOUS ANNOUNCEMENT WITH A CLOSING DATE OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2017
· The initial cut-off date is December 22, 2016.
· Applications will be referred every two weeks thereafter.
· Applications will remain on file for 3 months.
Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts, multiple duty locations varying between Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Livermore, CA.
Functional Statement: Pharmacy Technician (Inpatient/Outpatient All Systems Floater) / 000000
***RELOCATION INCENTIVE/RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE/MOVING EXPENSES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED***
VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) has an immediate opening for an Inpatient/Outpatient Pharmacy Technician to work as All System Floating Technician. This technician will be scheduled to cover vacancies, vacations, maternity leave, and other extended leave of technicians at any of the pharmacies within the VA Palo Alto Health Care System (Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Livermore, San Jose, Monterey). The shift scheduled will be determined upon the location and position that is being covered. Schedules are posted in advance.
Pharmacy Service provides pharmaceutical care services to our 300-bed acute care hospital and clinics at the Palo Alto Division (Intensive Care Units, OR/Recovery Room, Medicine, Surgery, Sub-Acute Medicine/Long Term Care, Hospice, Spinal Cord Injury, Polytrauma, Psychiatry, Emergency Department); the 600-bed extended care hospital and clinics at the Menlo Park Division; and the 90-bed extended care hospital and clinics at the Livermore Division. All pharmacies have centralized operation for Unit Dose, Ward Stocking, Sterile Compounding, and Outpatient medication preparation and dispensing. We have a fully integrated computer system including online provider order entry, documentation of medication administration using barcode technology, and automation of the unit dose distribution system.
The duties of this position include, but are not limited to:
· Filling and delivering new, STAT or missing medication orders and restocking point of care machines; performing cart-fills and cart exchange and replenishing crash cart medications and emergency kits.
· Repackaging bulk items (oral solids and liquids) and replenishing pharmacy automation (Robot Rx, AccuDose, Med Carousel, PacMed).
· Performing optimization of automation and conducting monthly ward/clinic inspections.
· Preparing IV admixtures, piggybacks, syringes, TPN/PPN, and chemotherapy doses based on patient specific orders using sterile technique in the laminar flow hood in accordance with USP 797 and performing all necessary pharmaceutical calculations.
Additional duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Outpatient Responsibilities: filling outpatient prescriptions (to include controlled substances) for patients being seen in the Emergency Department, clinics and being discharged from the hospital; restocking, cleaning and maintaining the Parata Max robot; providing dispensing window service to Veterans and staff picking up prescriptions; and providing customer service to Veterans on the Pharmacy Telephone Care program.
Drug Testing: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a drug 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 the VA. In addition, any offer of employment will be rescinded with a verified positive drug test. VA employees in drug testing designated positions are also subject to post appointment random drug testing.
Physical Requirements: The functional requirements for this position are moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds); pushing (2 hours); reaching above shoulders; use of fingers, and both hands and legs required; walking and standing (6-8 hours); repeated bending (2 hours); ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; and hearing (aid permitted). The environmental factors for this position are: constant noise; working around machinery with moving parts; working closely with others and/or alone; protracted or irregular hours; unusual emotional strain; and working with hazardous pharmaceuticals.
U.S. Citizenship. Non-citizens may 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) is required at this grade level. [COPY OF CERTIFICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION].
Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard 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.
English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).
Preferred Experience: Experience working in a large, complex multi-disciplinary health care or medical center providing inpatient/outpatient pharmacy technician services or recent exposure to pharmacy services in an inpatient setting.
QUALITY RANKING FACTOR: This position includes a Quality Ranking Factor which is a skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic which could be expected to result in superior performance on the job. Quality ranking factors will not be used for screening, but may be used as ranking criteria. Applicants with higher proficiency levels may rank above those with lower proficiency levels on a quality ranking factor.
The Quality Ranking Factor is experience working as vault or controlled substance pharmacy technician (e.g., receiving, filling and performing inventory of all controlled substances).
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.
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:
GS-6 Pharmacy Technician
(a) Experience: Applicants must possess one (1) year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, GS-5. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
(b) Certification: PTCB Certification is required at this grade level and above.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
KSA 1 - Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action.
KSA 2 - Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment.
KSA 3 - Knowledge of and ability to follow written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents.
KSA 4 Knowledge and ability to perform compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products.
KSA 5 - Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts.
KSA 6 - Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders.
(d) Assignments. Pharmacy technicians may be assigned to any area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive function assignments; for example assignment as team leaders for specific process improvement teams involving technical areas or performing more highly complex duties including preparation of oncology agents for clinical pharmacy specialists. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.
References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Appendix G428 17 March 2006, VA Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standards, GS-661. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.
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.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
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.
VA offers a comprehensive benefits package. This link provides is an overview of the benefits currently offered: http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee.
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.
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, résumé and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
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.
VA offers a comprehensive benefits package. This link provides is an overview of the benefits currently offered: http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee.
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.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
All applicants are required to submit the following supporting documents based on applicability:
·
Resume (Required
for ALL applicants)
·
DD-214 (if
applying as a Veteran)
·
Other
Veterans Documents (if applicable - e.g. VBA Letter)
· SF-15 (if Veteran claiming 10 point preference)
· Non-Award SF-50 (VA, other Federal Employees, and Reinstatement eligibles)
In addition to the above documents, applicants may also submit the following:
· Cover Letter (optional)
· OF-306 Declaration For Federal Employment https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf (Required if selected)
· VA Form 10-2850c - Application for Associated Health Occupations (required). Available at the VA Forms website: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=10-2850&tkey=&Action=Search. (Required if selected)
Please use this checklistto make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
Need help building your resume? Please visit USAJOBS - Support https://my.usajobs.gov/support#Account-Resumes for assistance.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section provided and provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) and/or documentation related to your active duty service which shows dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), or dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veterans Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. For more information, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents: You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online or unable to upload your supporting documents to your online application, follow the directions located at the following site: Fax Options. The Vacancy ID of the job opportunity announcement is TAG:VacancyID.
NOTE: If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203-FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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 View Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Friday, September 29, 2017 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. 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 USAJOBS 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 USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
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. During our review, if your résumé and application package do not support your questionnaire answers, we will adjust your rating accordingly. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email (if provided); otherwise, applicants will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service. 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 USAJOBS account and clicking on "Application Status." For a more detailed update of your status, click on "more information." Information regarding applicant notification points can be found in the USAJobs Resource Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All applicants are required to submit the following supporting documents based on applicability:
·
Resume (Required
for ALL applicants)
·
DD-214 (if
applying as a Veteran)
·
Other
Veterans Documents (if applicable - e.g. VBA Letter)
· SF-15 (if Veteran claiming 10 point preference)
· Non-Award SF-50 (VA, other Federal Employees, and Reinstatement eligibles)
In addition to the above documents, applicants may also submit the following:
· Cover Letter (optional)
· OF-306 Declaration For Federal Employment https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf (Required if selected)
· VA Form 10-2850c - Application for Associated Health Occupations (required). Available at the VA Forms website: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=10-2850&tkey=&Action=Search. (Required if selected)
Please use this checklistto make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
Need help building your resume? Please visit USAJOBS - Support https://my.usajobs.gov/support#Account-Resumes for assistance.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section provided and provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) and/or documentation related to your active duty service which shows dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), or dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veterans Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. For more information, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents: You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online or unable to upload your supporting documents to your online application, follow the directions located at the following site: Fax Options. The Vacancy ID of the job opportunity announcement is TAG:VacancyID.
NOTE: If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203-FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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 View Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Friday, September 29, 2017 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. 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 USAJOBS 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 USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
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. During our review, if your résumé and application package do not support your questionnaire answers, we will adjust your rating accordingly. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email (if provided); otherwise, applicants will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service. 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 USAJOBS account and clicking on "Application Status." For a more detailed update of your status, click on "more information." Information regarding applicant notification points can be found in the USAJobs Resource Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/458100200. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
Vacancy Identification Number (VIN) 1863149