GS-6 Pharmacy Technicians function in various areas of the pharmacy, e.g. inpatient pharmacy, outpatient pharmacy. Involves providing services related to inpatients and/or ambulatory patients.

Duties

The GS-6 Outpatient Pharmacy Technicians typically carry out the full range of technical support functions. These include but are not limited to: processing and filling outpatient prescriptions for scheduled and non-scheduled federal legend drugs and medical devices, over-the-counter products and supply items; stock management; operation, maintenance, re-stocking and troubleshooting of automated dispensing equipment; patient and customer relations; and preparation and maintenance of various logs, records and reports. The incumbent may be required to perform some or all of the functions; however the relative percentages of time spent performing each specific function varies with the area of administrative assignment. The employee must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the duties of the position including that necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Such knowledge and skills are identified in the Competence Assessment Checklist of the position and include the knowledge and skills in: Communicated and interpersonal relations, including the ability to appropriately and courteously relate to internal and external customers. Maintenance of confidentiality of patient/employee information, electronic and print. The medical center performance improvement program. How to work and function in the medical center in a safe manner, including infection control and the correct operation of equipment. GS-6 Inpatient Pharmacy Technicians must possess an advanced technical knowledge of drug and medication brand names, generic names/chemical names, general and special storage requirements, expiration date requirements, manufacturer/distributor sources, dosage forms, applicable systems of weights and measures and medical terminology to interpret providers' orders and verify correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose is prepared and/or distributed; working knowledge of drug use and dosage forms available to be able to screen drug orders for propriety and assist the pharmacist in solving potential drug related problems; working knowledge of hospital computer system(s), specifically the applicable VISTA and CPRS and processing options (e.g., BCMA, unit dose, IV admixtures, outpatient prescription processing includingScriptpro, etc.) and a thorough knowledge of the operation and basic daily maintenance and minor repair of automated dispensing equipment. Preventative maintenance on all BD Pyxis, Scriptpro EyeCon, Automated Tablet Packaging (ATP-2), as well as some minor repair of the equipment. Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: different shifts available Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Education or Experience. A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates for the GS 6 position: Experience. One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): AND Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. 2. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. 3. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. 4. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. 5. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. 6. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. AND Ability to perform assignments. Pharmacy technicians may be assigned to any area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive function assignments; for example assignment as team leaders for specific process improvement teams involving technical areas or performing more highly complex duties including preparation of oncology agents for clinical pharmacy specialists. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. References: MARCH 17, 2006 VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 6. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting or carrying of heavy Pharmaceutical supplies or mail bags weighing up to 80 pounds, bending, and stopping. Work is performed in patient care areas, including locked neighborhoods, and in the Pharmacy, where there is a potential for exposure to communicable diseases. Such areas are NOT adequately heated, ventilated, or air-conditioned, and safety precautions are required. Both in the Inpatient and Outpatient Pharmacy work areas and neighborhood areas are high stress working environments, due to space shortages in the Pharmacy, and dealing with difficult Psychiatric Inpatients and Outpatients. Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior, levels one and two are required.

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.

Contacts

• Address Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 820 South Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60612 US
• Name: James Marron
• Email: [email protected]