This Pharmacy Technician position functions in various operational areas of Pharmacy service, e.g., inpatient pharmacy, outpatient pharmacy, various storage areas, offices, and patient care areas, depending upon area of assignment by the Informatics Pharmacist Supervisor or designated Pharmacy Supervisor. Provides comprehensive automation and technical support services within Pharmacy Service and services related to inpatients, outpatients, and ambulatory patients

Duties

Major duties of this position, include but are not limited to: Functions as system coordinator for automated equipment within Pharmacy Service. Oversight of operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated dispensing devices and related equipment as well as preparation and maintenance of various logs, records, and reports relative to the automated equipment. Full range of technical support functions which include; processing and filling outpatient prescriptions for scheduled and non-scheduled federal legend drugs and medical devices, over-the-counter products and supply items; inpatient preparations, distribution of unit dose medications, ward stock items, and intravenous admixtures including chemotherapy; stock management; patient and customer relations. Maintain security of automated dispensing equipment and related software, including monitoring access and installation of computer/software updates. Configures equipment for departments and locations and individual units for storage modules and areas, ensuring optimal stock levels are maintained. Provides automated equipment and in-service training to Pharmacy, Nursing, and medical staff. Establish and maintain equipment standard operating procedures and policies. Service liaison work with vendor representatives. Provide recommendations and proposals for expansion to Pharmacy Service Management Conduct system review and maintenance for compliance with VHA directives, federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies, in coordination with Informatics Pharmacist Supervisor/Automated Data Processing Application Coordinator (ADPAC). Retrieve data and provide requested reports and/or documentation to management. Provides back-up support for Pharmacy Service timekeeper. Provides computer network and VistA/CPRS/Cerner accounts and support to new Pharmacy Service employees, residents, and students. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm with off-tour hours as needed for installs or patient care needs. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.

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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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 the GS-6 level and above. A copy of your certification must be submitted with your application. 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 REQUIREMENTS (Pharmacy Technician GS-7): Experience: One year experience at the next lower level (GS-6), and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level (GS-6). GS-6 level experience KSA's include: Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's) (GS-7): In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (GS-7): *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 Certification: National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification is required at this grade level and above. Preferred Experience: Prior Pharmacy Automation experience. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-28. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform duties of this position. Work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, frequent twisting/turning, and bending/stooping. Frequent manipulation of IV preparation will require repeated dexterity exertion with pressure up to 20 pounds. The incumbent must be able to perform lifting/carrying, pushing, or pulling different types of equipment such as cabinets, carts or supplies weighing at minimum 50 pounds through various terrains.

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 Edward Hines Junior Hospital 5000 South 5th Avenue Hines, IL 60141 US
• Name: Patricia Reynolds
• Phone: 727-710-2678
• Email: [email protected]