The Charles George VA Medical Center has an immediate opening for a Pharmacy Technician (Chemotherapy, Sterile Products Preparation) within the Pharmacy Service. This technician, as a member of the pharmacy clinical staff, functions under the matrix supervision of the assigned Inpatient Program Manager and the Associate Chief for Clinical Pharmacy. This vacancy announcement is open to current, permanent Charles George VA Medical Center employees only.

Duties

The primary functions of the Pharmacy Technician (Chemotherapy Sterile Products Preparation) includes serving as a chemotherapy and sterile products technician; applying knowledge of pharmacy practice, VA regulations, and hospital procedures. Assigned activities include but is not limited to: Compounds uncomplicated and/or complicated parenteral chemotherapy preparations to be delivered in the finished form such as large volume, small volume, infusion syringe, infusion pump or another modality as required. Compounds sterile products that are considered hazardous agents. Prepares sterile ophthalmic preparations and other complex chemotherapy products. Correctly interprets physician's orders, selects, and measures appropriate ingredients, mixes ingredients in a safe and effective manner, inspects the final product for accuracy, suitability and elegance, labels the product, maintains records of the manufacturing process and prepares the product for delivery. Uses either standard protocols or judgment to determine an accurate expiration date for each product prepared. Consistently displays competence with good manufacturing practices and sterile technique through demonstration and/or actual work performance. Depending on the protocols, complexity and nature of preparation, manufacturing steps are completed without the need of immediate oversight. Operates and maintains complicated pharmacy equipment. Applies safe handling when using hazardous materials and can reference the Material Safety Data Sheets. Communicates routinely with Chemotherapy Pharmacist and procurement specialist regarding daily inventory or the specific need for any emergency medication. Completes annual mandatory training and education. Maintains inventory of sterile supply items required for aseptic gowning. Complies with USP Chemotherapy preparation guidelines. Functions independently daily with minimal supervision from the supervisor. Communicates appropriately with the Chemotherapy Pharmacist in regard to proper drug, dose, strength and time of preparation. Compounds sterile products that are considered non-hazardous agents for oncology clinic patients and Medical Infusion Clinic patients. Maintains sterile equipment and complies with USP and IV preparation guidelines. Maintains a clean, sterile environment for compounding parenteral products. This will include mopping, cleaning the walls and all counter and storage space within the IV compounding area as defined in USP . Work Schedule: 7:00 am to 3:30 pm: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. 9:00 am-6:00 pm. Telework: Not eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. 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. 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. 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). Preferred Experience: Experience compounding uncomplicated and/or complicated chemotherapy preparations within the last 12 months. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Grade Determinations: G-7 Experience: One year experience at the next lower level and In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 1. Ability to evaluate, analyze workflow, and coordinate work activities. 2. Ability to independently gather, evaluate, and analyze data to generate reports and/or for other projects/statistical purposes. 3. Knowledge of pharmacy policies and procedures sufficient to train and orient new employees and other staff 4. Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and care of specialized pharmaceutical equipment. 5. Comprehensive knowledge of the procurement and formulary process. 6. Comprehensive knowledge of investigational drug policies and procedures. 7. Comprehensive knowledge of controlled substance policies and procedures, and the ability to identify and investigate discrepancies in these policies and procedures. 8. Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to, analyze data in VA information systems. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 PHARMACY TECHNICIAN The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: Physical movements involve completion of routine pharmacy functions which include but are not limited to significant computer work/typing, prescription order entry and processing, contact of patients (both face to face and via phone). Certain tasks are repetitive in nature and require multiple steps performed in succession for success. The incumbent should be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds without significant difficulty. Incumbent must be able to stand or sit in one place for considerable time during completion of complex tasks. Complexity of mental processes involved is extensive, demanding, and challenging.

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 Charles George VA Medical Center 1100 Tunnel Road Asheville, NC 28805 US
• Name: Hilda Cobb
• Phone: (828) 298-7911
• Email: [email protected]