Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient)

Summary

The pharmacy technician is primarily assigned to the Outpatient area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive function assignments and higher complexity assignments. The Pharmacy Technician supports the mission of the VA Medical Center to assure safe, effective, and medically necessary use of medications by Veterans by performing packaging, manipulative, repetitive, and other non-discretionary tasks as delegated by a pharmacist.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

06/12/2024 to 07/03/2024

• Salary

$31,609 - $62,917 per year

GS-3 $31,609 - $41,090/// GS-4 $38,804 - $50,441/// GS-5 $43,415 - 56,436/// GS-6 $48,396 - $62,917///

• Pay scale & grade

GS 00

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Spokane, WA 1 vacancy

• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent

• Work schedule

Full-time

• Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

6

• 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

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBSV-12438969-24-JKC

• Control number

795470600

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This job is open to

• Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

• Federal employees

• Competitive service

Current or former competitive service federal employees.

• Federal employees

• Excepted service

Current excepted service federal employees.

Clarification from the agency

The area of consideration will be referred in the following order: 1. Current permanent Facility employees 2. Current permanent Agency (Department of Veterans Affairs) employees 3. Current permanent employees of other Federal agencies

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Duties

Duties vary by grade. At the GS 6 full performance level of this assignment, the pharmacy technician is primarily assigned to the Outpatient area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive function assignments and higher complexity assignments. The Pharmacy Technician supports the mission of the VA Medical Center to assure safe, effective, and medically necessary use of medications by Veterans by performing packaging, manipulative, repetitive, and other non-discretionary tasks as delegated by a pharmacist. Duties will include:

• Provides telephone and consult triage and patient follow-up as assigned. Answers questions (via telephone, in-person, or consult) from patients, nurses, providers, and other medical center staff and refers complex or therapeutic questions to a pharmacist.

• Provides patient education via telephone on the medication refill process, the use of the automated telephone system, the use of the internet refill system and general information on the outpatient pharmacy such as hours of operation and types of pharmacy services available.

• Assists in total quality improvement activities by participating in medical center and service process assessment and action teams.

• When stationed at the outpatient window, greets the patient or staff member with a helpful and positive attitude. Answers questions presented and/or seeks assistance as required. Verifies the correct identity of the patient or patient's representative before releasing any medications or supplies.

• Assists in training of peer technicians, residents, pharmacist and students.

• Keeps technically current in pharmacy and medicine by self-instruction and routine attendance at conferences and seminars to ensure that the professional obligations of this service are met. Supports and ensures that department and medical center policies, procedures, guidelines, government regulations, and Professional/Technical Standards concerning drug control, drug security and drug accountability (i.e. including supplies) are maintained at all-times.

• Assists in necessary daily maintenance, loading, and documentation functions for automated dispensing equipment (i.e. Script-Pro). Is able to problem solve robotic dispensing issues and trouble shoot basic software or hardware issues. Refills automated dispensing equipment according to policy and assures that the product identification matches the drug file entry precisely.

• Checks-in prime vendor or direct orders and verifies factors such as drug amounts, strengths, dosage forms, and package sizes are accurate.

• Removes outdated, expired, or excess inventory for return or destruction. Checks all items for hazardous waste and disposes of them in the appropriate bins.

• Replenishes emergency crash cart medication trays with items needed according to standardized list.

• Serves as a back-up for controlled substance dispensing. Fills controlled substance prescriptions, completes record keeping and maintains accuracy of inventory reports.

• Receives faxed/mailed in prescriptions and refill requests. Examines prescriptions and refill requests against computer medication profiles for administrative irregularities (i.e. missing directions, missing VA provider identification, non-formulary medication, etc.) and makes appropriate referrals to a pharmacist.

• Prepares prescriptions for final check by a pharmacist. Selects the correct medications/paperwork and counts the correct quantity when completed manually or using automated equipment when appropriate. Accurately and carefully applies labels to the prepared containers, and places the completed orders in trays or bags for the final check by a pharmacist.

Work Schedule: M-F 08:00am

• 04:30pm, Occasional weekends and holidays

Telework: Not available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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).

• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).

• 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).

• Education or Experience:

• None required.

• For all grade levels and positions that accept both education and experience to qualify, equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 100% are qualifying. The combined percentage is determined by adding total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level to the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level.

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:

GS-3: (Entry level)

Education and Experience:

One year of post-secondary education. Transcript required.

OR

Six months of general experience.

OR

Student Technician. A student enrolled in an approved nationally accredited pharmacy technician program for an occupation identified in 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(A) or (B) may be appointed on a temporary full-time, part-time or intermittent basis under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(D) for a period not to exceed two years or the duration of the individual's program. Transcript required.

GS-4:

Education and Experience:

(a) Completion of two years of post-secondary coursework related to pharmacy (e.g., 12 semester hours of science and mathematics courses). Transcript required.

OR

(b) Completion of one of the following:

• Six months of experience, that demonstrated knowledge of medication or medical field practice.

OR

• Successful completion of a military or nationally recognized pharmacy technician education/training program. American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP), American Pharmacist Association (APHA), Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), PTCB or NHA are examples of acceptable professional organizations recognizing such training programs. NOTE: Training courses recognized by PTCB and NHA are not actual certifications. Transcript required.

OR

• One year of experience equivalent to next lower grade level.

AND

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

(a) Ability to follow policies and procedures.

(b) Ability to maintain appropriate files.

(c) Ability to communicate with patients and other health professionals.

(d) Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions.

(e) Ability to operate office software/equipment to include, computers, software applications and printers.

GS-5:

Education or Experience:

(a) 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. Transcript required.

OR

(b) An associate's degree in pharmacy technician or technology (48 semester hours of concentrated pharmacy technician training). Transcript required with confer date.

OR

(c) One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

AND

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

(a) Knowledge of basic pharmacy operations.

(b) Knowledge of pharmaceuticals to perform duties in pharmacy functional areas.

(c) Knowledge of pharmaceutical nomenclature (including generic, chemical and proprietary names of drug).

(d) Ability to fill prescriptions.

(e) Ability to use pharmacy information systems or basic pharmacy dispensing equipment with oversight.

GS-6

Education or Experience:

One year of experience equivalent to the next lower level.

AND

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

(a) Knowledge of Federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice.

(b) Knowledge of preparation, storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation.

(c) Ability to use pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment.

(d) Knowledge of basic inventory procedures.

(e) Ability to communicate with patients and staff and direct questions to appropriate personnel.

Preferred Experience: Minimum 2 years as a licensed technician.

References: VHA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G28

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6

Physical Requirements:

Light lifting(under 15 pounds), Walking (4 hours), Standing (4 hours), Both eyes required, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Hearing (aid may be permitted)

Environmental Factors:

Working closely with others, working alone

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

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.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

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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.

Review our benefits

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, resume, 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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

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.