Pharmacy Technician

Summary

At the Indian Health Service, Pharmacy Technicians do more than support the Pharmacy Department - they change lives. Guided by our mission to raise the health of American Indian and Alaska Native people, you'll deliver compassionate care where it's needed most.

• Orders and procures drugs; receives drug shipments, maintains pharmacy storeroom and hospital drug stocks; properly stores drugs.
• Enters the correct drug, strength, dosage form and quantity into the patient's computerized medical chart.
• Assists pharmacists in filling prescriptions (i.e., typing, filling prescriptions in written and oral forms, etc.).
• Operates and cares for various pharmacy equipment; assists pharmacy staff in maintaining cleanliness of main pharmacy, pharmacy storage, and other drug storage areas.

Total Compensation Package – Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job:

All Grade levels MAY NOT be available at all locations.

Conditions of employment

• Selectee may be subject to a probationary period.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Immunization and vaccine policy compliance for those working in IHS healthcare facilities. Vaccine exemption requests are available as outlined in the IHS Employee Immunization Policy.
• Position is covered by Public Law 101‑630, requiring no prior convictions of certain crimes.
• On‑call hours or standby duty may be required. The position may involve rotating shifts, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Work requires standing, walking, bending, and lifting containers weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Successful completion of an E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Direct deposit set‑up is required for payroll.

This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. The investigation verifies identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information. Applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays or determination of unsuitability. Applicants are encouraged to maintain regular communication with their Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.

Individual Occupational Requirements

Basic Requirement(s)

For positions at GS‑5 and above, qualifying specialized experience may be gained in hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, pharmaceutical firms, or laboratories. Experience must include a basic knowledge of:

• Pharmaceutical nomenclature;
• Characteristics, strengths, and dosage forms of pharmaceuticals;
• Pharmaceutical systems of weights and measures;
• Variety of procedures and techniques involved in the care, storage, repackaging, bulk compounding, and distribution of pharmaceuticals.

GS‑5:
One year of Specialized Experience equivalent to at least the GS‑4 grade level. Specialized Experience includes skill in recognizing appropriate auxiliary earnings and packaging requirements of drugs dispensed and assisting pharmacy staff in filling outpatient prescriptions under a pharmacist's supervision.

OR

Successfully completed a full 4‑year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study in pharmacy, or that included at least 24 semester hours in pharmacy‑related courses; or successfully completed pertinent specialized training courses in pharmaceutical and pharmacy practices while serving in the Armed Forces (creditable on a month‑for‑month basis up to the 1‑year of specialized experience).

OR

A combination of education and experience that together fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The total percentage must equal at least 100% to qualify for the GS‑05 grade level. This combination may also include successful completion of pertinent specialized training courses in pharmaceutical and pharmacy practices while serving in the Armed Forces.

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

If qualifying based on education, submit a copy…