Pharmacy technicians provide various technical support services within the pharmacy department. This position involves providing services related to inpatients and/or ambulatory patients. The incumbent may be required to perform or rotate through some or all the functions; however, the relative percentages of time spent performing each specific function varies with the area of administrative assignment. 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 Citizenship. . Be a citizen of the United States.(Noncitizens may 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 of VA Handbook 5005. Education or Experience. Successful completion of four years post-secondary education with courses related to pharmacy (e.g., 48 semester hours of science, mathematics, pharmacy) or a bachelor's degree. OR, An associate degree in pharmacy technician or technology (48 semester hours of concentrated pharmacy technician training). OR, One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (a) Knowledge of basic pharmacy operations. 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). Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials .See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. Grade Determinations: Pharmacy Technician, GS-06. Experience: Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05), and must fully meet the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) at the next lower level. KSAs of a GS-05 Pharmacy Technician are: 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. In addition to the experience below, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. Selective Placement Factor: Must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish. Reference: VA HANDBOOK 5005/159 November 07, 2023, PART II APPENDIX G2 Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged time period of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighting up to 40 lbs., pushing and pulling of large medication carts, and bending/stooping. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06 ["Duties and responsibilities of Pharmacy Technicians - Procurement include but are not limited to the following: Outpatient Section Telephone Care and Prescription Processing (Refill & Fee Basis) Area. Pick up daily prescriptions left at mailbox outside building and at waiting area; opens and sort all mail prescriptions received and counts them for statistical purposes. Deals with patient's prescriptions delivery problem and medication claims through telephone and receiving window. Demonstrates computer system knowledge, to provide patient and/or his family and accurate information. Automated Dispensing Machine (Optifill) Operation Performs Pharmacy Optifill Technician duties, as assigned at San Juan VA Medical Center in the Outpatient Pharmacy areas on emergency basis to cover leaves or annual vacation scheduled. Operates the Automated Prescription Filling Machine safely and efficiently. Performs the necessary checklist to power up and power down the machine. Manual Pick Station (Dispensing Area or Unit) Technician must be familiar with: drug generic and trade names, system of weights and measures, basic pharmaceutical mathematics calculation, controlled substances classification, controls, delivery procedures and medical supplies nomenclatures. Sets up prescription by counting correct amount of medication and pouring it m correct stock container. Release Units or Area Maintain all Check stations properly replenish of dispensing paper, address labels, shipping sack, paper bags. Verify that all printers are working properly. Release all prescriptions dispensed through scanner except medication not available and medical supplies. Delivery Window Area Delivers dispensed medications in and accurate, orderly, and timely manner, giving patient proper information in regard of his medications whenever required. Mailing Area Prepares and packs on shipping sacks and boxes all medication left at window for more than one day, to be send by mail. Technician must assure medications are packed adequately and secure on the proper size of shipping sack or appropriate box. ends by mail all Back-Order prescriptions when medication is received. Performs monthly inspection of areas. Removes outdated, excess, or deteriorated items.Performs other duties as assigned by his/her supervisor or pharmacist in charge. Medical Supplies Unit Dispenses medical and ostomy items by mail or by window upon the receiving of prescription. Maintains area of work in a neat, clean, and orderly manner so that supplies can be readily inventoried. Material Management Prepares all bulk compounds and labels limited quantities of complex products following the procedures for which there is a master formula card. Controlled Substances Reviews and screens prescriptions for completeness, ascertains that patient's full name, Social Security number and address are correct. Assures that medications prescribed follows established procedures such as: medications are formulary approved guidelines established are followed prescription is not missing strength, dosage instructions, quantity (in number and letter), physicians' signature, DEA number and date . Attends patient's claims by telephone regarding status of their medications. . Receiving, storing, and prepackaging: Maintains area in a neat, clean, and orderly fashion so that supplies can be readily inventoried. Prevents excesses from accumulating and reviews stock that is no longer required. Inventorying Conducts regularly scheduled inventories (every 72 hours) and interacts with controlled substance inspection official (monthly basis).Reports any discrepancies or incidents to Pharmacist-In-Charge in a timely manner. Reports Submits reports as required for statistical purposes On a quarterly basis submits Quality Improvement reports of drugs most associated with waste, fraud and abuse. Training Provides controlled substance training for technicians, phamacists, inspectors, and student, etc. Investigational Drugs Requires a working knowledge of principles relating to investigational drugs, investigational protocols and the requirements of the FDA relating to investigational drugs. Must have a basic knowledge of research and research methods. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday from 11:00 pm to 7:00am and/or 3:00pm to 11:30pm. Requires to work weekends, holidays and on-call. May require to work day shift: 7:00am to 3:30pm and/or 8: 00am 4:30pm. May require to work day shift: 7:00am to 3:30pm and/or 8: 00am 4:30pm. Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position .Functional Statement #: 61268F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
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. VA health care teams are deeply experienced and guided by the needs of Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Our medical center provides primary care and specialty health services, including cardiology, mental health care, treatment for spinal cord injuries and disorders, suicide prevention, women’s health services, and more.
The Grand Junction VA Medical Center services those who serve our country providing critical medical services including acute and chronic inpatient and outpatient care. The facility consists of 53-bed capabilities for surgical procedures, specialty care, psychiatric in/outpatient services, as well as a Community Living Center, and social programs and services. The service area encompasses western Colorado and eastern Utah regions and includes the primary VAMC plus four satellite clinics.