Career Center

The Pharmacy Technician is a certified professional expected to provide a variety of complex technical functions that requires the application of an extensive knowledge of pharmaceuticals and pharmacy practices. This position functions in both the inpatient and outpatient areas of Pharmacy Service providing technical support to the clinical pharmacist. Applicants 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: 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. 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. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-05 Education or Experience. Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included at least 24 semester hours of courses related to pharmacy or pharmacy technology; successful completion of pertinent specialized training courses in pharmaceutical and pharmacy services while serving in the Armed Forces is creditable on a month-for-month basis up to the 1 year of experience required for the GS-5 level; or at least 1 year of experience at the next lower level that demonstrates the core competencies (KSAs) described at the GS-4 level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment. Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G28 Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving walking and standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing at least 50 lbs., and frequent bending and stooping. ["Major duties and responsibilities include: General Functions: Assignments involve the preparation, review, dispensing and control of medication and other pharmaceutical products to patients. Performs routine checks of areas where drugs are stored for proper storage conditions, expired drugs, unapproved items, etc. Answers phone inquiries and answers question in a timely manner, fielding questions from facility staff and/or patients. Questions requiring a Pharmacist intervention are appropriately triaged using problem solving skills, directed to the appropriate party and documented. Operates software and hardware sufficiently to problem solve package deliveries, shipping issues, Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy issues and prescription refill and renewal issues. Understands and pronounces drug names clearly. Identifies patients according to hospital policy (two unique identifiers). Confirms patient shipping address and assists patients with solving supply and medication shortage issues. Helps with the orientation and documentation of training of new pharmacy personnel/students when assigned by a Supervisor. Inpatient Functions: Prepares and delivers medications, IV solutions and ward stock items to their proper locations in a timely manner. Receives, interprets, fills and delivers ward stock orders to proper wards and clinics. Repackages medications from bulk containers into unit dose packaging according to packaging procedures. Under supervision of the pharmacist, compounds products needed in bulk quantities for later dispensing to patients or wards. Assures that the finished products are properly packaged, labeled, and recorded, according to policies and procedures regulating this process. Assures that all weighing and compounding equipment is in proper working condition. Keeps proper records and monitors for outdates. Operates software as applicable to track medications and expiration dates. Outpatient Functions: Using accepted pharmacy operation practices, fills outpatient prescriptions for final check by a pharmacist. Assures that medication orders are separated by patient throughout the whole process. Receives and processes requests for refills at the Outpatient Pharmacy window or via the telephone. Accurately and methodically identifies patients picking up medications at the window using the two unique identifier guideline. Prepackages medication into commonly dispensed quantities or volume for a final check by a pharmacist (Each labeled with a lot number, expiration date, unit of issue and medication name, bar code). Packages medication and medical supplies for mailing to patients. Performs necessary daily maintenance, loading, and documentation functions for automated dispensing equipment. Refills pharmacy automated dispensing equipment according to policy and assures that the product identification matches the drug file entry precisely. Answers phone inquiries and answers questions from patients. Questions requiring a Pharmacist intervention are appropriately directed and documented. Work Schedule: Schedule is duty station specific but typically will vary to include days, overnights, weekends and holidays. Occasional overtime may be required. Specific schedules will be discussed during interviews.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]