This is the full performance level for Pharmacy technicians. Duties may include filing orders, dispense/deliver medication using automated systems or provide technical customer service to Veterans related to prescription needs, delivery of medications to floors/patients, filling medication for the pharmacist to review, checking for expired medications, answering phones with appropriate disposition, preparing sterile products (when applicable) and assisting the basic inventory management. 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: You must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d) Education or Experience: (1) None required. (2)For all grade levels and positions that accept both education and experience to qualify, equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 100% are qualifying. The combined percentage is determined by adding total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level to the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level. GS-6 Grade Determination: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-6 you must possess at least 1 year of experience at the next lower level (GS-5), and must fully meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), which are: Knowledge of basic pharmacy operations. Knowledge of pharmaceuticals to perform duties in pharmacy functional areas. Knowledge of pharmaceutical nomenclature (including generic, chemical and proprietary names of drug). Ability to fill prescriptions. Ability to use pharmacy information systems or basic pharmacy dispensing equipment with oversight. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience/KSAs above, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs at the GS - 6 level: Knowledge of Federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice. Knowledge of preparation, storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation. Ability to use pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. Ability to communicate with patients and staff and direct questions to appropriate personnel. References: Former VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G28 Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard, GS-0661, dated November 7, 2023. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time, typing, walking distances within the medical center, lifting/carrying ( up to 50 pounds) of pharmaceutical supplies, and bending/stooping/stretching. ["DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: A. Medication Management: Reads and interprets prescriptions, obtains proper medication or material in the proper strength and dosage form; determines proper amount and counts, pours, or measures the medications; affixes proper label and auxiliary labels; and records required data on electronically or via the Pharmacy's copy of prescription/order. Replenishes inventory for emergency carts, kits, and trays. Collects drug use evaluation data for quality improvements purposes. Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile) without a second review. After prescription/order(s) are reviewed by a pharmacist for therapeutic propriety, reviews orders for technical accuracy and ensures that the item dispensed corresponds to the drug and dose ordered. Answers questions and calls from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution. Monitors refrigerator temperature daily in assigned areas. Perform monthly inspections to assigned areas to ensure proper storage of medications and soon to expired drugs are removed. Maintains, verifies, stocks and replaces outdates in patient care area automated dispensing machines throughout the facility (i.e., floors and clinics). Properly handles medications by ensuring high alert, hazardous, refrigerated and controlled substance medications are handled/stored appropriately and legally. Prepares medications that requires special handling and documentation. Assures that each individual prescription order is filled correctly with right drug/supply item, strength, dosage form, quantity and with all necessary auxiliary labels attached. B. General Duties: As deemed necessary by the pharmacy supervisor: 1. Assist in other patient care areas to maintain the consistency of overall pharmacy services. 2. Provides pharmacy phone support with other departments and patients. 3. Will maintain the medication storage areas for compliance with drug outdates for correct storage of medication per the Joint Commission requirements. C. Education: 1. Completes all National, VISN, local, and Pharmacy mandatory training. 2. Provides training and education to health care professional trainees including pharmacy residents, students, and other staff members. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday with rotating weekends and holidays (Part-time 20 hours) Compressed/Flexibility: Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 30069F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
