Pharmacy Technician

Summary

This position is located in Pharmacy Service. Pharmacy technicians prepare medications by counting, pouring, weighing, measuring, and mixing or compounding oral and intravenous medications. The pharmacy technician may also prepare medications for distribution to inpatient wards and clinics and outpatients for pickup and mailing. The pharmacy technician works in collaboration with other pharmacy technicians and responds to requests of pharmacists and other pharmacy supervisory staff.

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.

• 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:
  Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
• Certification:
  For positions above the full performance level – the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either:
  • Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) – Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
  • National Health career Association (NHA) – Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT)
• 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:
  Pharmacy Technician GS‑0661‑08
  
  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 (GS‑06) – the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either PTCB as a CPhT or NHA as an ExCPT.
• Knowledge –
  
  Skills and Abilities
  
  (KSAs):
  In addition to the experience above – the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs for all GS‑08 assignments and meet any additional KSAs for the assignment – if indicated:
  • 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.).
  • Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures.
  • Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy.
• Assignment:
  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 DEA regulations – taking medication histories and counseling patients – managing automation – managing workflow and training and orienting staff in the specialized area.
• Preferred Experience:
  
  Previous Clinical Pharmacy Technician in Anticoagulation Clinic and/or Primary Care.
• Strong customer service experience including problem solving, multitasking, organizational knowledge and excellent communication skills.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Principal duties of this position require repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g. preparing prescriptions, use of a computer keyboard).
• May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 44 lbs), including boxes, equipment, medical supplies, stock boxes, etc.
• May require stooping or kneeling (e.g. to pick up items…