Pharmacy Technician

Summary

The Pharmacy Technician acts as a representative of the Pharmacy Service in a variety of pharmacy related functions within the Healthcare System. This position functions both in the Inpatient and Outpatient Pharmacy settings - as well as other areas throughout the VA Medical Center as deemed appropriate for patient care and service needs.

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
• Certification:
  For positions above the full performance level - the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: (1) Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) - Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
• OR (2) 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-7 Experience
• Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-6 - such as but not limited to: filling orders - dispense/deliver medications using automated systems or provide technical customer service to Veterans related to prescription needs
• Delivery of medications to floors/patients - filling medications for the pharmacist to review - checking for expired medications - answering phones with appropriate disposition - preparing sterile products (when applicable) and assisting with basic inventory management such as putting up stock and identifying when medications need to be ordered
• Certification
• For positions above the full performance level - the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: (a) PTCB as a CPhT
• OR (b) NHA as a ExCPT
• Knowledge
  - Skills and Abilities
  
  (KSAs)
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following 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:
  
  Experience in hospital settings
• PTCB Certification Necessary
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07
• Physical Requirements:
  
  This position requires prolonged standing and walking with a moderate amount of stooping - reaching and lifting - and pushing and pulling
• A technician may be required to lift - push/pull up to 40lbs
• A dispensing system may be used for varying lengths of time
• Pharmacy technicians may be required to work irregular tours - weekends - and the holidays as assigned.

• Although the primary assignment of work schedule and tours may be in either the Inpatient or the Outpatient Pharmacy service area - the incumbent will be trained and expected to function and maintain competency in both areas as needed and assigned
• As deemed necessary by the Pharmacy Supervisor(s) in order to meet the needs of the service
• the incumbent may be assigned to work in any Pharmacy service area - may be assigned any duties - and may be periodically asked to volunteer or be assigned to work irregular shifts - weekends - holidays - or be called back in for emergencies
• The physical demands of the work environment may involve prolonged standing and/or walking
• Time will be spent with VistA order entry
• Work involves some sitting and…