This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following: The Pharmacy Technician (PT) serves as a representative of the Pharmacy Service in a variety of positions throughout the Medical Center. The PT is a certified professional that performs technical support work in support of the pharmacy program under the direction of a registered pharmacist. The PT performs pharmacy program support functions for one or more pharmacies including but not limited to the main hospital and CLC. The PT performs pharmacy program support work including but not limited to, medication dispensing, gathering patient information, preparation, delivery and transport of medications, inventory management and automation support. The PT will also be responsible for trouble shooting all prescriptions and will assure that all prescriptions meet proper eligibility criteria on a patient specific basis Adequate stock of pharmaceuticals and supplies for the areas assigned is maintained by communicating with the procurement personnel for items that are below par levels or out of stock. Usage of medications is monitored, and par levels are adjusted accordingly. In addition, out of stock medications are communicated to the pharmacy supervisors and procurement staff at the time of discovery so that arrangements can be made to prevent delays in patient care. All pharmacy areas are maintained according to facility and service level policies (e.g., separate areas for high alert medications, proper disposal of corrugated cardboard, etc.). Assigned monthly ward inspections are thoroughly and consistently performed within established timeframe, including inspection of investigational drug areas, if assigned. - Recalled drugs are properly returned to Pharmacy Service, segregated, and secured to prevent re-dispensing. Outdated, deteriorated, and damaged medications are disposed of in the appropriate pharmaceutical waste containers or placed inside the return bin for credit processing according to policy and procedures for reverse distribution. Stock is rotated as necessary to utilize the shortest expiration date items first. Workload is prioritized; orders/prescriptions are processed, filled and delivered in a timely manner; and assignments are completed within specified time frames. Repackaging of medications from bulk containers into unit doses is done according to Pharmacy policies and procedures, whether manually or by using automated equipment if available. All necessary information (e.g. manufacturer, lot number, expiration date, etc.) is documented and provided on each label. Bulk liquid medications are accurately repackaged into specified unit dose volumes and quantities using various containers, typically oral syringes, vials or cups. Repackaging of all unit doses is completed in a timely and accurate manner, and each repackaged unit is reviewed for accuracy and completeness (e.g., empty package, crushed tablets, multiple quantities, no air bubbles in syringe, etc. prior to pharmacist verification. Appropriate barcodes and auxiliar or warning labels are placed on the prepared packages as needed. In the outpatient setting, opened bulk liquid controlled substances are always transferred into containers with a measuring scale. All controlled substances are secured at all times according to applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies. Provides security of controlled substances by controlling access to storage areas, and by ensuring that controlled substances are always kept in the locked, supervised area, specifically designated for controlled substance storage as referred to anteroom, vault or cage. Access to the controlled substance storage areas/cabinets are monitored to ensure adherence to access requirements are consistently followed according to policies and procedures. Work Schedule: 7on / 7off Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. English Language Proficiency. Medical Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Policy Education. 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. Grade Requirements GS-06 Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the full performance level (GS-5), which is directly related to the position to be filled. Your resume should demonstrate specialized experience that reflects your ability to complete the duties of GS-6 Pharmacy Technician. Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to the following including receiving prescriptions from patients in writing or electronically from physicians; prepare prescriptions by counting, pouring, weighing, measuring, and mixing the medication if necessary; maintain patient profiles, prepare insurance claim forms, stock, and take inventory of medications; prepare medications for inpatients in various settings, including sterile product preparation. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required. Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSA). You must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G-28 Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, carrying 15-44 lbs.; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordinating simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" Jaeger 1-4; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic/shades of colors; mental and emotional stability. Working closely with others. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announceme

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 VA Portland Health Care System 3710 Southwest US Veterans Hospital Road Portland, OR 97239 US
• Name: Scott Newburn
• Phone: 208-422-1000 X7576
• Email: [email protected]