This position functions under the matrix supervision of the Clinical Pharmacist and Clinical Pharmacy Practitioners in acute care. The Pharmacy Technician duties include interviewing patients to obtain medication histories, medical chart reviews to compile medication lists, contacting outside pharmacies, nursing facilities and inpatient facilities for medication information, entering progress notes, supplemental patient education communication, and other Pharmacy-related operational activities.

Duties

Clinical Activities: The Inpatient Pharmacy Technician shall support the medication reconciliation process for inpatients. All duties of the Medication Reconciliation Pharmacy Technician will be performed under the direct supervision of the assigned clinical pharmacist. All assigned clinical activities and functions shall be completed in accordance with approved clinical pharmacy protocols or procedures. Assigned activities include: Working with assigned inpatients, routinely reviews outpatient medication profile on admission to hospital and verifies over the counter (OTC) and herbal medications with patients. Review focus shall be on OTC, herbal, and other medication documentation, prescription duplication, therapeutic duplication, prescription noncompliance, allergies and adverse drug reaction. Contacting non-VA facilities to collect or confirm medication lists. Interviewing patients and/or caregivers regarding medication use, medication allergies, and immunization status. Completing electronic progress notes and documenting data in VISTA/CPRS. Providing supplemental reinforcement education for patients concerning operational issues or need for therapy compliance. As required and assigned, a pharmacy technician is expected to complete all normal duties (to include lower graded) related to stocking, inventory inspections, prescription filling, dispensing and distribution. Enter progress notes into the patient medical record, using information obtained directly from the patient. Forward each completed note to the appropriate clinical pharmacist specialist for signature. Prioritize operational and assigned clinical functions to provide the highest quality of patient care. Report all potential patient or pharmacy distribution problems verbally and/or in writing as requested by the clinical pharmacy specialist in the area assigned. Assist the clinical pharmacy specialist in reporting Adverse Drug Reactions, Medication Errors and 'Near Misses'. Provide patient follow-up as assigned. Promote harmonious relationships within the work environment supporting the needs of the team and the customer. Communicate and follow-up on requests in a timely manner based on the needs of the acute care team/supervisor(s). Communicate (orally and in writing) in a manner, which supports the needs of the customer and promotes harmonious relationships. Assists in the quality management of Pharmacy Service by participating in and continually seeking ways to improve the service provided to patients and other customers. Successfully complete initial and annual competency certifications based on specific clinical functions/activities assigned. Complete all assigned trainings in VA Talent Management System (TMS) or as assigned by supervisor. Comply with all hospital patient and service confidentiality guidelines and policies. Comply with all hospital infection control guidelines and policies. Follow applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as delineated in the computer access agreement and VA policy. Protect patient information from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. Work Schedule: 8-hour tour, Monday - Friday between 7:00am - 6:00pm; weekend and holiday rotation Compressed/Flexible:Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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) is required at grades GS-6 and above. Certification must be current to support eligibility. Expired certifications are not valid. Physical Requirements. See Below 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. Grade Determinations: GS-6 Level 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 (*): 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. 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. Next Lower Level, GS-5: (One year experience Required) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment. 2. Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique. 3. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. 4. Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 MARCH 17, 2006 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Work involves some sitting and lifting, pushing, or pulling of weights up to 50 pounds. The incumbent will be subjected to bending and stooping. Able to operate motor vehicle. Able to carry 20 pounds for short distances. ****All required documentation must be uploaded before the announcement closes, to support eligibility****

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 Corporal Michael J Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 3900 Woodland Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19104 US
• Name: William Simmons
• Phone: (717) 272-6621 X4024
• Email: [email protected]