Work is to help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals. Certification and license required for GS-04, GS-05 GS-06. For GS-03 grade, you can obtain required certification and license after hire date.
**This position is being re-advertised to solicit additional applications. Applicants who applied previously need not reapply unless submitting updated and/or missing information.**
Summary
Work is to help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals. Certification and license required for GS-04, GS-05 GS-06. For GS-03 grade, you can obtain required certification and license after hire date.
**This position is being re-advertised to solicit additional applications. Applicants who applied previously need not reapply unless submitting updated and/or missing information.**
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy if you are applying for permanent appointments for certain locations: Colville. Service Unit Other locations may determine on a case by case if it is difficult to fill the position and critical to the mission. NO to other types of appointments.
The IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's definition of Indian for appointment to vacancies within the IHS in accordance with established IHS policy as outlined in the Indian Health Manual Part 7, Chapter 3. The IHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This position is being re-advertised to solicit additional candidates. Applicants who have already applied need not reapply unless to update their application.
If incumbent is hired at the GS-3 level, the selected candidate gains experience toward the GS-4, GS-5, or GS-6 to perform the duties listed below.
Help patients by greeting them in person or by telephone to answer questions or respond to requests and prioritizing if inquiry should be referred to a pharmacist.
Fill and dispense prescriptions as delegated by Pharmacists. Assists the pharmacist in patient care activities. Performs the technical processes entailed in processing and dispensing medications to patients.
Manage the regular program of supply procurement and supply management. This includes assessment of need, preparing purchase orders and requests, placing computer generated or phone orders to prime vendor or wholesalers, receiving drugs into the pharmacy, taking periodic inventories of stock. Performs daily maintenance functions on automated equipment. Runs daily operational and pharmacy reports and performs a variety of quality assurance/quality improvement activities.
Function as contact person for on-line point of sales system to include training others or responding to questions in person or verbally about insurance billing Monitors the patient data input into the RPMS Point-of-Sale (POS) system, assures the accuracy of patient data and appropriateness of billing information so that correct billing documents are produced.
Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.
Adherence to the IHS Employee Immunization Policy, SGM 21-04, and the IHS Circular 2016-04 requiring Measles and Rubella, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza immunizations for staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities OR an exemption request will need to be submitted.
The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain license and/or certification requirements. If not maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.
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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Specialized Experience for Positions at GS-4 and above: Qualifying specialized experience may have been gained in hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, or in pharmaceutical firms or laboratories. Experience must have provided a basic knowledge of:
Pharmaceutical nomenclature.
Characteristics, strengths, and dosage forms of pharmaceuticals.
Pharmaceutical systems of weights and measures; and the
Variety of procedures and techniques involved in the care, storage, repackaging, bulk compounding, and distribution of pharmaceuticals.
In addition, to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications, Conditions of Employment and Selective Placement Factors stated below-
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR GRADE GS-03:
Your resume must demonstrate at least six (6) months of General Experience.
General Experience is (l) Any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Examples of work at this level include clerical work in medical settings such as verifying accuracy of patient information, enter codes or other information into computers or enter information into databases or software programs or enter patient or treatment data into computers and interacting with customers in person to provide information of service.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION FOR GRADE GS-04:
Your resume must demonstrate at least six (6) months of general experience and six (6) months of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector. This experience is related to the work of the position and equivalent to at least the GS-03 level in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is based upon the Individual Occupational Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians:
General experience is based upon general schedule qualifications standards: (l) Any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Examples of work at this level include clerical work in medical settings such as verifying accuracy of patient information, enter codes or other information into computers or enter information into databases or software programs or enter patient or treatment data into computers and interacting with customers in person to provide information of service.
OR successfully completed post high school education.
OR combination of equivalent combination of education and experience.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION FOR GRADE GS-05:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector. This experience is related to the work of the position and equivalent to at least the GS-04 level in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is based upon the Individual Occupational Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians:
OR successfully completed post high school education
OR combination of equivalent combination of education and experience.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR GS-06:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector. This experience is related to the work of the position and equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is based upon the Individual Occupational Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians and Filling prescriptions utilizing automated dispensing equipment; distributing pharmaceuticals; utilizing pharmacy based computer systems; working with insurance claims to bill for pharmaceuticals and resolve any billing issues; and performing pharmaceutical procurement and inventory management
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR:
In addition to the minimum requirements, the following certification is determined to be essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Do you possess a current and active certification through Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or National Health career Association or similar certification
AND
an active Pharmacy Technician License or an active state Certified Pharmacy Technician License?
Grade GS-06 SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR
Do you possess a current and active Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Advanced Certification
AND
Certification through Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or National Health career Association or similar certification AND
an active Pharmacy Technician License or an active state Certified Pharmacy Technician License?
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
GS-03 Grade
You must pass a Certified Technician exam from either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Health career Association (NHA) within 18 months of entry on duty?
AND
You must obtain an Active Pharmacy Technician License within any U.S. State or U.S. within 18 months of entry on duty?
GS-05 Grade
You must obtain Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Advanced Certification "or" PTCB Billing and Reimbursement Certificate within 18 months of hire.
You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the established cut-off date or closing date of the announcement.
Education
Substitution of Education and Training for Experience
For GS-3: Successful completion of 1 year of study that included a course in biology, chemistry, or physics.
For GS-4: Successful completion of 2 years of study in pharmacy or pharmacy technology that included at least 12 semester hours in courses in the care, storage, distribution, and preparation of pharmaceuticals, and appropriate laboratory work.
For GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study in pharmacy, or that included at least 24 semester hours in pharmacy-related courses.
Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision is creditable on a month-for-month basis for general experience.
Successful completion of pertinent specialized training courses in pharmaceutical and pharmacy practices while serving in the Armed Forces is creditable on a month-for-month basis up to the 1 year of specialized experience required for GS-5.
General Information regarding Education
Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for all grade levels and positions for which both education and experience are acceptable.
If substituting education for experience or combining education and experience, you must also meet the Conditions of Employment and the Selective Placement Factors listed above.
If you are electing to combine education with experience or you are electing to substitute education for experience, you are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Additional information
Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed.
This position is eligible for workplace flexibilities which may include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the HHS Workplace Flexibilities policy. https://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/asa/ohr/hr-library/990-1/index.html.
Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.
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. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
The following locations, the position is covered by a Bargaining Unit: Yakima Service Unit or Western Oregon Service Unit.
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6-month service agreement will be required.
This position has promotion potential to the GS-06 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher-level duties, the continuing need for the higher-level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.
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.
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
If you meet the minimum qualifications requirements for this position, your application will be evaluated and rated under Category Rating selection procedures. Once the application process is complete, a review of your qualifications will be conducted to determine if you are qualified for this job. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The quality categories are: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within each of these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-preference eligibles.
Please note that if, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your category rating can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
To determine if you are qualified for this position, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against the qualifications as defined in the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement and your responses to the assessment questions. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume (your resume must state specific duties that relate to this position) and your responses to the assessment questions will be evaluated against the duties you provided in your resume, along with your submitted documentation to determine your ability to demonstrate the following.
Customer Service (Clerical/Technical)
Medications
Pharmacy Calculations
Pharmacy Quality Improvement
Pharmacy Tools and Software
Self Management
Technical Documentation
The following links below provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities. If you are a Veteran, qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligible, or an individual with a disability, please refer to the following links below for additional guidance. CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a "well qualified" rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Workforce Restructuring Career Transition website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. CTAP/ICTAP documentation requirements are listed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the established cut-off date or the closing date of, 12/31/2025, to be considered.
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.
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.
Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes:
beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience,
hours worked per week,
month and year of employment for each job title listed,
annual salary, and
description of job duties.
Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number.
Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements: Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: https://www.bia.gov/sites/default/files/media_document/1076-0160_indian-pref_expires-1.31.25_508%28w.omb%29.pdf. When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veterans preference the rules regarding Veterans preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference. Veterans Preference: If claiming Veteran's Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy). To claim 10-Point Veterans Preference, submit a SF-15 Application (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf) along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov. Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf. Transcripts: You are encouraged to submit copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) although not required at the time of application. You must list your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Official transcripts will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer. Licensure, Certifications: Applicants should list their license/certifications on their resume, along with the expiration date, if applicable. Certification of licensure/certification will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.
You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the established cut-off date or the closing date: 12/31/2025
Cut-off dates are established based on the date the human resources office receives management request for a list of eligibles or 10 days after the job announcement opens if a management request was made before job announcement was opened or 10 days after no selection on a certificate of eligibles.
The first Cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be 10 days after the JOA open date.
Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained for three months and may be used at any time during this period. After 3 months, you must reapply to this announcement in order to be considered.
Portland Area Indian Health Service
1414 NW Northrup Street Suite 800
Portland, OR 97209
US
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJobs that your submission was successful once we have received your on-line occupational questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs Account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
~ ~ ~ Indian Health Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~ ~ ~
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes:
beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience,
hours worked per week,
month and year of employment for each job title listed,
annual salary, and
description of job duties.
Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number.
Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements: Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: https://www.bia.gov/sites/default/files/media_document/1076-0160_indian-pref_expires-1.31.25_508%28w.omb%29.pdf. When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veterans preference the rules regarding Veterans preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference. Veterans Preference: If claiming Veteran's Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy). To claim 10-Point Veterans Preference, submit a SF-15 Application (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf) along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov. Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf. Transcripts: You are encouraged to submit copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) although not required at the time of application. You must list your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Official transcripts will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer. Licensure, Certifications: Applicants should list their license/certifications on their resume, along with the expiration date, if applicable. Certification of licensure/certification will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.
You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the established cut-off date or the closing date: 12/31/2025
Cut-off dates are established based on the date the human resources office receives management request for a list of eligibles or 10 days after the job announcement opens if a management request was made before job announcement was opened or 10 days after no selection on a certificate of eligibles.
The first Cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be 10 days after the JOA open date.
Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained for three months and may be used at any time during this period. After 3 months, you must reapply to this announcement in order to be considered.
Portland Area Indian Health Service
1414 NW Northrup Street Suite 800
Portland, OR 97209
US
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJobs that your submission was successful once we have received your on-line occupational questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs Account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
~ ~ ~ Indian Health Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~ ~ ~
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
