Pharmacy Technician

DutiesSummary

If you are a current, permanent VA employee, you should apply under CBST-11007692-21-ER.

This position functions in the Pharmacy Service at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. The incumbent is a rotating generalized pharmacy technician, who, under the authority of the Chief, is directly involved in all aspects of the preparation/dispensing of drug orders/prescription items. Will be cross trained between inpatient/outpatient pharmacy section and required to work in both areas.


Responsibilities

The duties of the Pharmacy Technician in Pharmacy Service include but are not limited to:

• Performs as a general, all- around assistant to the pharmacist, performing the full range of technical duties required in the assigned section. This includes, but not limited to, interpretation of new physician orders, checking eligibility status of patient, and entering the prescriptions and/or refills into VISTA. Screens new physician orders for completeness, drug approvals, DEA numbers, accuracy of medication dose, eligibility of 90-day fills, non-formulary or restricted determination, appropriate quantity ordered, and allergic interactions. Also records statistical or other sensitive information into the VISTA system, patient files or other records.
• Prepares and fills prescriptions for routine and special therapies, including investigational drugs, dietary supplements, controlled substances, and medical and surgical supplies.
• Selected drug form and proper dosage to fill prescriptions. Labels medication, including special warning labels associated with specific drugs.
• Assures timely processing of prescriptions including, but not limited to, receiving requests, entry into VISTA, collating and packaging of prescriptions.
• Assists in the total quality improvement activities by participating in medical center and service process assessments and action teams and continually seeks to improve services.
• Communicates with patients or caregivers at the time prescriptions are picked up at the pharmacy. Responsible for assuring that information concerning reordering is communicated and that any specific drug questions are referred to a pharmacist. Assures that proper patient identification is supplied in order that proper medication is given to patient.
• Screens all phone calls, answering questions of Veterans, caregivers, physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals concerning the processing of outpatient prescriptions. Identifies basic therapeutic problems such as compliance problems or duplicate therapy with drugs in same class and refers to a pharmacist the need for clinical intervention.
• Performs daily maintenance/minor repairs as well as manual/replenishment and bulk functions of automated dispensing systems.
• Operating all equipment normal to the area operation and processes the special handling necessary to mail narcotic medications.
• Maintain work area in a clean, neat and orderly manner.
• Maintains stock levels by periodic inventories, submissions of requests for needed items, receiving, storing and/or transporting incoming orders, removing outdated or deteriorated items and preparing them for proper disposal. Ensures accuracy and accountability of all receiving reports.
• Assures that an ample supply of drugs, appliances, labels, containers, supplies and related necessities are readily available in the work area.
• Prepares records (prescription files) for storage disposition including boxing, wrapping, labeling and initiating proper paperwork.
• Performs all other duties and functions performed by technicians of an equal or lower grade common to the work area.
• Works irregular tours of duty, including holidays and weekends, when required.
• Develops and formulates many investigational drugs used by physicians in clinical research, Registers investigational drugs into VISTA system, stores, packages, labels and prepares drugs as necessary. Responsible for setting up recordkeeping and monitoring system for investigational studies involving drugs.
• Projects, as a representative of Pharmacy Service, a pleasing personality and maintains a positive attitude towards duties and responsibilities at all times.
Work Schedule: Rotating schedules, (ex. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Will be required to rotate holiday shifts. May be required to work an alternate shift at times in the inpatient pharmacy (open 24/7) on an as needed basis to cover staffing shortages. This could include a second, third or weekend shift.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

None

• Job family (Series)

  0661 Pharmacy Technician

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• Requirements

  RequirementsConditions of Employment
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Subject to a background/security investigation
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
  QualificationsApplicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
  
  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.
  • English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
  • 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 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.
  May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria (hired on or before 03/17/2006)).
  
  Preferred Experience: None
  
  Grade Determinations: Pharmacy Technician, GS-06
  Experience: One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. The KSAs for the GS-05 Pharmacy Technician are: 1. Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment. 2. Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique. 3. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. 4. Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. The KSAs must be demonstrated in the Resume.
  
  Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above.
  
  Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs (The KSAs must be demonstrated in the Resume) :
  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.
  
  References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II Appendix G28, Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard, dated March, 17,2006. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.
  
  This position is above full performance level.
  
  Physical Requirements: Work may involve prolonged standing and/or walking. Work involves lifting up to 44 pounds. Incumbent will be subject to bending and stooping. Work requires ability to distinguish between basic colors and shades of color and correctable vision for near and far vision if required to meet 20/20 vision. Transportation of goods from pharmacy to pharmacy will be required. Ref: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related 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. 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.
  
  It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
  
  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.
  
  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.
  
  If you are unable to apply online 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.
  

  Background checks and security clearanceSecurity clearance

  Other

  Drug test required

  Yes

  Position sensitivity and risk

  Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

  Trust determination process

  Credentialing, Suitability/Fitness

• Required Documents

  Required Documents

  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  

  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Transcript
  
  
  Resume Requirement * Your resume must include the following information: Job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment; and average hours worked per week.
  
  VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search.
  
  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  
  
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • OF-306
  • VA form 10-2850c (completed and signed)
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Transcript
  
  
  Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and 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 Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  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.

• Benefits

  Benefits

  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. Learn more about federal benefits.

  Review our 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.

• The public

  U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Area of Consideration: US Citizens