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Pharmacy Technician

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

Summary

The Pharmacy Technician must be a PTCB certified technician who functions utilizing independent technical judgment (without the need for readily available supervision) as well as with a comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of complex pharmacy principles and practices.

*A recruitment incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified applicant*

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
05/19/2023 to 06/12/2023
Salary
$44,543 to - $57,902 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 6
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Omaha, NE
1 vacancy
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
6
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CBSY-11977446-23-JJA
Control number
726920400

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all U.S. Citizens and other current permanent Federal employees of other agencies. Current, permanent employees of the VA should apply to: CBSY-11977447-23-JJA

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Duties

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Major duties include, but are not limited to:

Pharmacy Dispensing/Distribution Services:
The Pharmacy Technician will be involved in assuring appropriate, safe and accurate medications are dispensed to veterans in an efficient manner. The pharmacy technician will provide a range of medication management and administrative services.

  • Maintains work flow patterns that assure timely delivery of pharmacy services and ensures accurate documentation and dispensing of pharmaceuticals;
  • Effectively organizes workload, solves problems, and achieves established goals;
  • Provides patient care utilizing an in-depth knowledge of specialized areas of pharmacy practice. Maintains and understands the operation of pharmacy equipment and automation, such as ScriptPro, TCG-Rx and Pyxis;
  • Assists staff and patients, either by phone or in person, concerning drug distribution, refill requests, mail and general triaging of requests for the pharmacists. Documents patient requests as necessary in CPRS and alerts the appropriate provider;
  • Assists in assuring that pharmacy programs are compliant with all regulatory and accrediting body requirements (i.e., Joint Commission, FDA, ASHP, DEA, OIG etc);
  • Actively participates in the procurement process supporting just in time inventory management. This may include serving as a back-up procurement technician where responsibilities may include ordering or receiving product. This may also include processing of invoices using the VistA Drug Accountability system;
Distributive:
  • Interprets pharmacy orders; obtains medication in the correct strength and dosage form; determines proper amount and prepares product; affixes proper label; and documents proper information.
  • Prepares non-sterile compounds independently for dispensing to patients or other health care providers for use in clinical areas.
  • Compounds sterile products to be delivered in the form of large volume, small volume, and other complex pharmaceuticals such as chemotherapy. Completes documentation and uses knowledge of safe handling and disposition of hazardous materials used in pharmacy.
  • Dispenses controlled substances according to current policies and 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 Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) computer systems and other automated pharmacy equipment and computer software systems.
Patient Care Services:
The Pharmacy Technician will promote a patient-focused, team-based multidisciplinary model of patient care.
  • Supporting formulary management principles and effective drug use criteria.
  • Identifying basic therapeutic problems such as patient allergies and duplicate drug therapy and alerting the pharmacist to the possible need for clinical intervention.
  • Calling patients to obtain information and to relay prescription information.
  • Using databases and spreadsheets to assist pharmacists and other health care professionals to monitor and track patient information.
Education:
  • Assists in the training of pharmacy employees, pharmacy residents, pharmacy students and pharmacy technician students as assigned to the Pharmacy Technician in coordination with the pharmacy supervisor.
  • Interfaces with other health-care providers and administrators to ensure compliance with established pharmacy policies and procedures.

Customer Service:
  • Relationships with supervisors, co-workers and others within the organization must be consistently courteous and cooperative in nature and overall contribute to the effective operation of the office. Performance must demonstrate the ability to adjust to change or work pressure in a pleasant manner; handle differences of opinion in a businesslike fashion; follow instructions conscientiously; and function as a team member, helping the group effort where possible.
  • Interacts with a wide variety of staff and demonstrates sensitivity to and an understanding of their needs by taking ownership of the problem and adopting the
  • Provides professional and technical advice, support and assistance to all customers with a view towards accomplishing the service mission (i.e. customer service). Personal interactions will be free of legitimate negative feedback.
  • Customers are treated in a professional manner, with tact, courtesy and respect. Instills confidence and trust with supervisors, peers and subordinates by providing timely and quality service. Meets established time frames and deadlines in area of responsibility.

Work Schedule: Rotating of nights and weekends
Telework: Not Eligible
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Recruitment Incentive: Authorized for a well-qualified applicant
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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.
  • 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.

Certification: PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above.

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

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.

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

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 an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

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.

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.

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