This Automation and Controlled Substance Pharmacy Technician works at the Seattle campus, primarily in the Inpatient Pharmacy. The pharmacy technician ensures automation capabilities are maximized and is responsible for daily maintenance and oversight of all Inpatient Pharmacy automated dispensing equipment in the Central Pharmacy and the Addictions Treatment Clinic Pharmacy. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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 Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). GRADE DETERMINATIONS: Pharmacy Technician, GS-08 Experience. Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below. Certification. For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: (1) Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). OR (2) National Healthcareer Association (NHA) as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs and the additional KSAs for the Procurement/Inventory position: (a) Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology and policies in a specialized area or section of pharmacy (such as sterile compounding, controlled substances, automation, clinical pharmacy, contact center, etc.) Note: See Specialized Area.in the Definitions Section. (b) Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures. (c) Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy. Pharmacy Technician. Pharmacy technicians in this assignment specialize in areas such as sterile compounding, oncology, controlled substances, medication history review, clinical specialist (anticoagulation, pain, infectious diseases), clinical informatics, automation, immunizations and any other specialized area in the advancement of the profession. The pharmacy technician will serve as a subject matter expert and key resource in the day-to-day technician duties of the specialized area. The technician will be performing assignments such as compounding sterile products, filling controlled substance prescriptions while maintaining compliance with Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulations, taking medication histories and counseling patients, managing automation, managing workflow and training and orienting staff in the specialized area. Preferred Experience: Three years' experience with Inpatient Pharmacy Automation technology and software (e.g. Omnicell, Pyxis, Sterile Compounding technology, ScriptPro, Inpatient Robotic systems) and Inpatient Pharmacy Inventory Management IT systems. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds); reaching above the shoulder; use of fingers; standing (up to 6 hours); repeated bending (up to 2 hours); near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; ability to distinguish basic colors; and mental and emotional stability. Environmental Factors: Constant noise; extensive keyboard/mouse use; working alone; and working closely with others. ["Duties and responsibilities of the Automation and Controlled Substance Pharmacy Technician include: Pharmacy Automation - General Automation Duties: Ensure equipment is cleaned and maintained to minimize downtime. Train and orient Pharmacy Staff, Controlled Substance Inspectors, and other Medical Center Staff involved in operating any automation. Maintain the ScriptPro user operator file. Add new and delete obsolete items from the ScriptPro drug library. Resolve problems and complaints regarding Pharmacy automation. Optimize inventory in automated dispensing devices to ensure minimal waste and minimal stockouts. Coordinate the implementation of new automation. Inpatient Pharmacy Automation: Troubleshoot problems with current automation (Omnicell, Pyxis, ScriptPro, Endicia, Eyecon, ScripTalk, Q-matic Systems, Avatar), and any future automation. Enter IT requests for any computer related issues. Maintain the ScriptPro NOC file to ensure pill imaging and barcode scanning features are up to date and accurate. Coordinate the technical aspect of Inpatient Pharmacy drug distribution activities to ensure standard operating procedures are in alignment with automation capabilities so efficiencies are maximized. Contact ScriptPro service desk as needed to support Pharmacy Operations. Controlled Substances (These duties may be assigned in the absence of the controlled substance technician): Participate in twice-weekly inventories and monthly unannounced inspections utilizing the VistA controlled substances package. Assist in resolving inventory discrepancies, assist Pharmacists with destruction of Controlled Substances. Receive new inventory from vendors and ensure the accuracy of controlled substances records. Immediately inform supervisor of any suspicious loss of narcotics. Inform supervisor of any controlled substance activity that deviates from approved policies and procedures. Provide controlled substance training for technicians, pharmacists, and inspectors at both divisions. Coordinate with the Accountable Officer (AO) witness to receive controlled substances from pharmaceutical vendors. Interpret, fill, and ready prescriptions for pharmacist verification. Restock controlled substance items in automated dispensing cabinets (i.e., Omnicell, ScriptPro) in pharmacy or throughout the medical center. Other Duties: Serve as service line timekeeper. Assist in Pharmacy Service quality management through process action teams and continually seek ways to improve service provided to patients and other customers. Serve as back up to other Inpatient Pharmacy technicians by answering phones, window dispensing, filling prescriptions, metering mail using Endicia, receive non-controlled inventory, process mail returned as undeliverable, flag providers for prescription renewals, and respond to secure messages. Assist the Operations Supervisor and Technician Supervisor in collecting data for workload reports and process improvement projects. Train pharmacy technicians. Assist the Technician Supervisor in preparation of daily assignment schedules. Interview technician applicants. Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Pharmacy Technician: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Pharmacy-Technician-Career-Flyer.pdf Work Schedule: Mon - Fri, 7:00am to 3:30pm, some weekends and holidays. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement). Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized."]

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