Pharmacy Technician - Inpatient

Summary

GS-7 Pharmacy Technicians function in various areas of the pharmacy, e.g. inpatient pharmacy, outpatient pharmacy (East and West campuses), chemotherapy infusion center, clinics, emergency department, surgery, wards, various storage areas, offices, and other patient care areas, under the supervision of the inpatient pharmacy supervisor, outpatient pharmacy supervisor, or pharmacy technician supervisor, depending upon the area of administrative assignment of the incumbent.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

06/17/2024 to 06/28/2024

• Salary

$59,915 - $77,891 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 7

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• North Chicago, IL 1 vacancy

• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent

• Work schedule

Full-time

• Service

Competitive

• Promotion potential

None

• Job family (Series)

0661 Pharmacy Technician

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Other

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CAZP-12447305-24-DM

• Control number

795964000

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This job is open to

• Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

Open to FHCC and VHA employees.

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Duties

Function of the Position: The incumbent is responsible for the filling, dispensing, procurement, storage, preparation, review, distribution, and control of medications/other pharmaceutical products to patients, inpatient and outpatient treatment units, and research investigators. The work product directly affects the health of inpatients and outpatients.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

A. Inpatient and Outpatient: Incumbent will perform processing and filling of outpatient prescriptions for scheduled and non-scheduled federal legend drugs and medical devices, over-the-counter products and supply items; inpatient preparation and distribution of unit dose medications and ward stock items and intravenous admixtures including cytotoxic chemotherapy; crash cart maintenance; stock management; operation, maintenance, usage, re-stocking, and troubleshooting of automated dispensing equipment/BD IV Prep; patient and customer relations; and preparation and maintenance of various logs, records and reports. Performs advanced functions including intravenous admixture preparation and distribution, including cytotoxic chemotherapy, prescription filling of federally scheduled and non-scheduled drugs and supply items and distribution to patients with a secondary pharmacist check, unit dose, inpatient controlled substance and ward stock processing and distribution, and independent procurement and stock maintenance functions without secondary pharmacist checks.

B. Sterile Compounding: Through use of aseptic technique, responsible for the preparation of pharmaceuticals for parenteral administration; advanced technical working knowledge of various administration routes for various parenteral pharmaceuticals and the special preparation considerations that must be taken into account in their preparation, labeling, handling, storage, distribution and disposal; advanced technical working knowledge of equipment and supplies used in the preparation of intravenous admixtures including but not limited to Restricted Access Barrier Systems (RABS), biological safety cabinet (BSC), laminar airflow workbench (LAFVV), admixing pumps, needles, syringes, connecting tubing, various drug reservoirs, etc. The incumbent will effectively operate and care for related compounding equipment. Specialized knowledge regarding chemical and physical compatibilities is essential for the proper preparation of parenteral pharmaceuticals.

C. Controlled Substances: Fills and dispenses prescriptions for controlled substances for both Inpatient and Outpatient beneficiaries. Incumbent performs controlled substances inventories as required. Incumbent is required to obtain a witness from nursing during Pyxis replenishment of controlled substances. The incumbent is required to possess advanced knowledge of principles relating to controlled substances and the requirements of FHCC and Network policy and state and Federal regulations, which apply to these drugs.

D. Chemotherapy: Responsible for preparation and labeling of chemotherapeutic agents. Performs advanced functions including intravenous admixture preparation and distribution of cytotoxic chemotherapy, biosimilar products, and bladder irrigation solutions. The incumbent is expected to maintain a high degree of accurate productivity and performance while being extremely sensitive to the specific contribution to oncology service. The technician must have, in addition to the advanced technical working knowledge required for intravenous admixtures, advanced technical knowledge of hazards of chemotherapeutic agents, including but not limited to the dangers posed to those who prepare, deliver, administer and/or receive treatment with these agents; equipment and supplies used in the preparation of cytotoxic chemotherapy including but not limited to Restricted Access Barrier Systems (RABS), biological safety cabinet (BSC), personal protective equipment, EQUASHIELD closed system transfer device, admixing pumps, connecting tubing, needles, syringes, various drug reservoirs, etc.

Work Schedule: Rotating shifts (days, swings, evenings, midnights, weekends) and Holidays

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Title/Functional Statement #:Pharmacy Technician - Inpatient/PD000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.

• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.

• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

• You may be required to serve a probationary period.

• Subject to background/security investigation.

• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.

• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications

Preferred Experience: Possess a current Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) with an understanding of the goals, objectives and performance measures associated with Pharmacy Operations. 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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

• Education or Experience: A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience.

• Certification: Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Health Career Association (NHA)? is required at grades GS-7 and above.

• English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English.

Grade Determinations:GS-7 Level: One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower 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.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs.

• Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work.

• Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent.

• Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers.

• Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students.

• Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution.

• Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases.

Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Pharmacy technicians at this level are nationally certified and can work autonomously using independent judgement to perform a full range of duties. These pharmacy technicians mentor and train lower graded pharmacy technicians in the practice setting. They assist advanced/ specialized pharmacy technicians and participate in performance improvement initiatives. At this level, pharmacy technicians use independent judgement to perform the full range of duties in the pharmacy. They also function as staff pharmacy technicians in various locations of the pharmacy, including pharmacy contact centers and other non-traditional pharmacy locations, with minimal oversight.

Certification: PTCB or NHA certification is required at this grade level and above.

Physical Requirements: Employees are typically expected to work forty hours per week. This may include evenings, midnights, weekends and/or holidays as assigned. Principle duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., preparing IV admixtures, use of a computer keyboard, etc.). May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 44Ibs.), including boxes, equipment, unit dose-cassettes, and IV solutions; stooping or kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, remove and replace items on lower shelves, and to file documents in lower file drawers, etc.); sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours). Normal ranges of hearing and vision are required to perform work and communicate effectively; must have the visual ability to distinguish between basic colors and shades of color. An ability to perform tasks requiring rapid mental and muscular coordination functions simultaneously is necessary. Employees must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used on the job. Employees may be required to work at various pharmacy locations as assigned.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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• Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window

Learn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.