Pharmacy Technician

This position is for a certified pharmacy technician at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS). Pharmacy technicians at this grade level are nationally certified by PTCB or NHA and can work autonomously, using independent judgement to perform a full range of duties at various locations of the pharmacy operation. Pharmacy technicians above the full performance level mentor and train lower grade technicians in the practice setting.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

The incumbent is expected to accomplish all duties related to stocking, delivering, inventory, inspections, assembling ward orders, prescription assembly, sterile compounding, unit-dose drug packaging, dispensing, distribution, and any other function related to pharmaceutical practices. The incumbent performs all duties under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician supervisor and is expected to acquire and maintain a high degree of accurate productivity and performance.

Operational:

* Accurately interprets, fills, and prepares prescriptions and medication orders with appropriate medications and or medical supplies.

* Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition by assuring that all stock and equipment are in assigned places and all shelves and counters are free of dust and debris creating optimal work areas. This requires cleaning of shelves, equipment, refrigerators, etc.

* Assures drugs and supplies are appropriately stored and secured according to USP, and VA guidelines, including the storage of high-risk, look a-like sound a-like, hazardous, controlled substances, corrosive chemical, flammable liquids, and refrigerated items.

* Receives, checks, rotates, and places in stock all items received from pharmacy procurement section and identifies and reconciles any discrepancies to assure correct items have been received.

* Utilizes automated dispensing equipment available to the pharmacy staff following all safety and QA procedures. Reports automation malfunctions timely to the supervisor as appropriate.

* Records expiration dates in the automatic prescription dispensing system upon receipt.

* Performs monthly inspections of assigned areas to ensure proper storage of medications and soon-to-expire drugs are removed. Completes inspection reports in compliance with regulatory requirements.

* Reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile) without a second review.

* Answers questions from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution. Identifies basic therapeutic problems, such as duplicate therapy with drugs in the same class and alerts the pharmacist to the possible need for clinical intervention.

* Assists in training, mentoring, and orientation of new staff technicians, interns, and students. Assumes an active role in the overall pharmacy training program consisting of students, externs, interns, residents, and professional and nonprofessional staff members.

* Demonstrates the ability to work under a variety of circumstances to maximize group productivity and quality.

* Understands and utilizes VA computer programs to support the pharmacy operations and processes.

* Performs duties of all lower grade technicians as needed.

* Participates in performance improvement initiatives for pharmacy.

* Assists in quality improvement activities by participating in assessment and action teams that will improve service as assigned.

* Assists higher level technicians as needed.

* Maintains national certification with PTCB or ExCPT

* May be assigned to work in other areas of pharmacy service as deemed necessary by the Chief, Pharmacy Service or appropriate supervisor.

Inpatient Pharmacy

Activities:

* Sterile Product Compounding

* Unit Dose Medication Management

* Automatic Replenishment/Supply

Outpatient Pharmacy

Activities:

* Prescription Preparation

* Window Pick-up

* Mail Packaging

* Automatic Replenishment/Supply

Work Schedule:

Rotating Shifts - Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus):
Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance):
Not Authorized

Pay:
Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of…