This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/467812600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
NOTE: If you are a federal employee, you should apply on Job Announcement BH-17-146R-CB-1943441-BU
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 Black Hills Health Care System (VA BHHCS) is located in the beautiful Black Hills of Western South Dakota. South Dakota has No State Income Tax, has been named one of the Happiest and Safest States in the nation, is home to Top Ten Scenic Drives and Top Ten National Forests, features an Outdoor Life's Top City for Outdoor Enthusiasts and hosts the legendary annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
VA BHHCS is where we live and work in rural small town settings, only minutes from Rapid City's shopping, dining, cultural, and entertainment venues. We offer rich history, including Mammoths and Prehistoric Civilizations, the 7th Cavalry, Deadwood, and Mount Rushmore. Hiking, fishing, rock climbing, canoeing, water skiing, golf, snowmobiling, hunting, camping, downhill and cross country skiing, motorcycling--the opportunities are endless. The Black Hills includes stunning landscapes such as Black Elk Peak, Bear Butte, the Badlands and the Needles Highway. When it's time for civilization, you'll find the Black Hills hosting local and national theatre groups, movie companies, national pow wow competitions, international dance troupes, symphony orchestras, and a variety of entertainers. Sports enthusiasts will find auto races, college sports, semi-pro hockey, and some of the best in rodeo.
VA BHHCS is a multi-campus health care system, with approximately 1100 employees, providing primary care, acute medicine, surgery, behavioral health, nursing home and domiciliary care from medical centers located at Fort Meade and Hot Springs, South Dakota as well as a staffed Community Based Outreach Clinic in Rapid City and numerous contracted and staffed clinics in Western South Dakota, Northern Nebraska and Eastern Wyoming.
For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.
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.
04/14/2017 to 05/04/2017
$36,611 - $47,598 per year
GS 06
1 vacancy in the following location:
25% or less - Between VA Black Hills HCS Facilities
No
Permanent
Full-time - Full Time
No
BH-17-147R-CB-1943445-BU
467812600
Major Duties:
a. Primary responsibility for telephone triage, management of inquiries, and timely response to requests.
b. Processing of mailed refill requests.
c. Answers routine inquiries from medical staff or veteran patients on the availability of drugs and dosage forms, or prescription status. Refers appropriately those questions having to do with drug reactions, rational therapy, and requests for formulary additions, etc. Maintains a working knowledge of the facility and clinical programs, including drug formulary issues.
As time permits and as assigned:
d. Performs all functions related to the accurate packaging and labeling of outpatient prescriptions, inpatient medication orders and ward stock under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist.
e. Performs computer manipulations that are required to complete the principle duties of the position.
f. Transports medications from the pharmacy to nursing units and ward-stock locations as required.
g. Prepackages medications in unit of use form when required.
h. Conducts general maintenance and housekeeping tasks associated with work areas as assigned.
i. Prepares and packages prescription medications for mail-out.
j. Responsible for operation and general maintenance of all equipment used in assigned activities and reports malfunctions promptly to management so that service or repairs may be ordered.
k. Maintains familiarization with the regulations and safe handling requirements governing the handling of poisonous materials, corrosive chemicals, flammable liquids and perishable biologicals and drugs, and/or hazardous substances.
l. Inputs patient and prescription information into the computer system. Maintains familiarity with all aspects of the ADP/CPRS system related to pharmacy operations.
m. Assist with training of new technicians and technicians requiring additional or new training.
n. Required to perform supervised tasks and be proficient after basic orientation and specialized training.
o. Have a strong sense of personal responsibility and be able to assume leadership for technical tasks.
p. Recognize and assure that the special security requirements, handling and controls involved with drugs to assure accountability are not compromised.
q. May be assigned to any areas to perform supervised tasks as determined by the Pharmacy Supervisor, Chief of Pharmacy, or any other supervising pharmacist.
r. Backup for inpatient and outpatient controlled substance processing with supervision.
s. Extemporaneous compounding.
Additional responsibilities/requirements for GS-6 classification:
In addition to the basic requirements/responsibilities, has the responsibility for specialized technical functions including sterile product compounding, inpatient and outpatient controlled substance processing, complex extemporaneous compounding, and performance improvement activities. Functions as a technical resource person and is responsible for taking leadership related to the accomplishment of all technical tasks. May lead or be assigned special projects to improve pharmacy systems and processes.
Technicians with GS-6 classification will have the following additional duties:
t. Responsible for processing parenteral admixtures including hyperalimentation, adhering to sterile procedure and technique as required. This task involves interpretation of the physician order, selection and measurement of appropriate ingredients, mixing ingredients in a safe and effective manner, inspecting the final product for accuracy, labeling the product, and maintaining records of the manufacturing process according to standard protocol prior to final check by a pharmacist. Will also stock and perform maintenance of the sterile product preparation areas as required by standard protocol and regulation.
u. Responsible for controlled substance processing for all inpatient and outpatient orders and requests for controlled substances prior to final pharmacist check. Authorized to conduct or assist with regularly scheduled inventories of controlled substances by inspection teams. Is responsible to immediately report any questionable circumstances or irregularities to the pharmacy supervisor or chief.
v. Assist pharmacists with the collection of data required to conduct drug use reviews or performance improvement activities.
w. On a time and need available basis, is able to and will perform duties of technicians at the same or lower grade level.
Work Schedule: Generally Mon-Fri, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Rotating days/evenings, with rotating weekend and holiday involvement.
Functional Statement Title/#: Pharmacy Technician GS-6
Location: Hot Springs, SD, VA Black Hills Health Care System, Pharmacy Service Line
Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying/pushing on a cart of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds. Bending, stooping, and stretching is required to stock shelves. Deliveries involve walking distances.
Basic Requirements:
a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)
b. Education or Experience. A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience.
c. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above.
d. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
e. English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
Preferred Experience: Significant pharmacy technician experience working in a hospital or medical clinic.
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: GS-6 Pharmacy Technician (Above full performance level)
(a) Experience. One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level.
(b) Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:
1. Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action.
2. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment.
3. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents.
4. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products.
5. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts.
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 G28. This can also 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.
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.
NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidates education and experience and recommend the grade and salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees eligible for promotion, the board will determine grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.
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.
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 document type(s):
·Other (10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations and PTCB Certification)
·Resume
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s),which may not be required for all applicants:
**NOTE: In the required documents it lists a document titled "Other." That means you need to title one of your documents as "Other" or you will get an error message that you have not submitted all of the required documents. Thank you for your cooperation.
Please use this checklist to 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.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.
For a short video with explicit instructions and guidance
on how to apply online, please click on the following link:
http://vakncdn1.cdn.va.gov/CONTENT/National/ApplyingwithUSAStaffing_3978_1262010_105646.wmv
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 document type(s):
·Other (10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations and PTCB Certification)
·Resume
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s),which may not be required for all applicants:
**NOTE: In the required documents it lists a document titled "Other." That means you need to title one of your documents as "Other" or you will get an error message that you have not submitted all of the required documents. Thank you for your cooperation.
Please use this checklist to 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.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.
For a short video with explicit instructions and guidance
on how to apply online, please click on the following link:
http://vakncdn1.cdn.va.gov/CONTENT/National/ApplyingwithUSAStaffing_3978_1262010_105646.wmv
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/467812600. 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): 1943445