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Pharmacy Technician

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The Rotational Pharmacy Technician function is to support the day to day activities associated with the dispensing and distribution of medications and products in all areas of central outpatient pharmacy. Additionally, the incumbent provides cross-coverage for the Lead Controlled Substance Technician and coverage of technical functions that support Outpatient Clinical Pharmacists.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
07/01/2022 to 09/29/2022
Salary
$44,773 to - $58,206 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 6
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Minneapolis, MN
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CBSY-11551117-22-KRJ
Control number
663262300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to all US Citizens and Veterans **Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis until the closing date of this open continuous announcement, as long as vacancies exist.**

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Duties

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Major Duties:

  • Assists with the dispensing and distribution functions of technician staff in the central outpatient pharmacy area and remains proficient in each position.
    • Performs all GS5 outpatient pharmacy technician roles in an accurate, efficient, and professional manner. This includes: Fill Stations, Mail Packing, ScriptPro, Window, Breaker, and Paper Collator. When not serving in these roles, the incumbent actively monitors workload and wait times to assist where needed.
    • Accurately labels and dispenses medications. Ensures proper dispensing documentation is completed.
    • Ensures outgoing mail is ready for daily pickup, including overnight and/or priority packages.
    • Monitors prescription out-of-stocks to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment.
    • Dispenses controlled substances according to current policies, procedures, and standards established by DEA, FDA, VA, and Joint Commission.
    • Effectively utilizes the Veterans Integrated Systems Technology Architecture (VistA), Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and ScriptPro computer systems and other automated pharmacy equipment and computer software systems.
  • Provides cross-coverage for the Lead Controlled Substance Technician. Fills controlled substance prescriptions, completes record keeping and maintains accuracy of inventory. Reports any unusual occurrence or confirmed prescription or filling discrepancy to a supervisor.
  • Assists the Outpatient Pharmacy Technician Supervisor in the implementation of all Pharmacy Service policies and procedures while assuring compliance with applicable standards (for example, Drug Enforcement Administration, Joint Commission Office of the Inspector General, etc) and VA handbooks and directives.
  • Assists the Outpatient Pharmacy Technician Supervisor with all necessary pharmacy technician orientation and training occurs associated with the central outpatient pharmacy area.
  • Ensures all equipment (e.g. dispensing automation, mailing equipment, etc.) is operated in accordance with safe and effective operating procedure and routine preventative maintenance is performed where appropriate. Serves as a point of contact for troubleshooting equipment issues as they arise.
  • Reports actual and/or potential medication errors and adverse events utilizing the facility's reporting systems. Participates in quality improvement initiatives to promote patient safety.
  • Effectively organizes workload to complete work within the assigned shift. Solves problems independently whenever possible, working with co-workers and other health care professionals. Discusses ongoing issues in a positive and constructive manner, utilizing continuous improvement techniques.
Work Schedule: Full Time, Rotational; Days, Evenings, Weekends and Holidays
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

**Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis until the closing date of this open continuous announcement, as long as vacancies exist.**

A recruitment/relocation incentive has been authorized for highly qualified applicants.

This occupational series is eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Repayment is limited to $10,000 annually, up to $60,000 in lifetime awards. Participants must sign a service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program.

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.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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.
  • Education or Experience: A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience.
  • 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.
  • Certification: Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above.
  • Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain licensure/certification/ registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/ registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.
    • For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) at all grade levels, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation for which he/she qualifies if a placement opportunity exists. For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) in assignments above the full-performance level only, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may remain at an appropriate lower grade level in the occupation when both of the following apply: the credential is not a requirement and a placement opportunity exists."
Grade Determinations:

Pharmacy Technician GS-6

Experience: 1 year at or equivalent to the next lower, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level (GS-5), which include but are not limited to: Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment; Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique; Knowledge of basic inventory procedures; and Knowledge of pharmacy information systems.

AND

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-5 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs
  • Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action
  • Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment
  • Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents
  • Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products
  • Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts
  • Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44lbs), use of fingers, standing, specific visual requirements, depth perception

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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, résumé, 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.

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.

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