The incumbent of this position works within the GLA pharmacy and performs the full range of pharmacy technician functions in support of Pharmacy Service operations. These functions include processing medication orders, controlled substance processing, inventory management, sterile product compounding, and unit dose processing. The pharmacy provides service Monday thru Friday from 8:00am to 5:30pm.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: Prepares and fills mail out and window prescriptions including controlled substances. Prepares and fills clinic/ward order requests for controlled substances, if applicable. All dispensing is documented in the VISTA program. Conducts controlled substance inventories and maintains inventory records as directed. Assures medical center inspectors complete all assignments and notifies narcotic pharmacist or manager of any discrepancy situations. Conducts controlled substance inventories and maintains inventory records, if applicable. Assures medical center inspectors complete all assignments and notifies chairman of Controlled Substance Committee of any delinquent situations. Maintains good work flow patterns to keep outpatient prescription waiting time to an average of 30 minutes or less. Orders a variety of pharmaceutical products including those provided by the prime vendor or other pharmaceutical supplier. Using the prime vendor data base, determines the most appropriate product to order based on requirements. If an item is unavailable, incumbent communicates with the Manager or designee on equivalent generic substitution, different strength, and/or different bottle sizes. Establishes direct contact with the prime vendor via computer modem if applicable. Responsible for the placement and receipt of drug orders after an assessment of the various contracts available and selection of the most cost effective item. Receives and verifies drug deliveries. Determines most appropriate storage area and ensures storage conforms to VA and OSHA standards. Conducts ward inspections by inspecting clinic areas for proper storage of medications and documents findings on inspection report form. Processes outdated unusable inventory for return to pharmaceutical manufacturers or prime vendor for either replacement or credit. Places returnable inventory into proper bins. Handles disposal of pharmaceutical waste by placing into proper containers. Assists in effecting drug recalls by checking applicable lots and informing appropriate personnel. Utilizing proper sterile techniques, manufactures complicated parenteral admixtures to be delivered in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringe, etc. This involves interpreting the physician's order, selecting and measuring the appropriate ingredients, checking the final product for accuracy, and labeling the product. Maintains appropriate records. Interprets physician's orders and fills prescriptions. Selects the correct dosage form, strength, and quantity in accordance with the prescription. Checks the final product for accuracy and labels the product prior to verification by a pharmacist. Uses specialized equipment to package and/or dispense medications and provides required equipment maintenance. Serves as an effective preceptor/instructor for trainees (students, technicians, volunteers) conducting on-the-job training, orientation and in-services. Utilizes knowledge of VHA, GLAHS, and Pharmacy Service regulations and policies concerning pharmaceutical practices in performing day to day functions. Triages patient inquiries. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:30pm varying shifts Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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). All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on March 17, 2006 are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. Grade Determinations: GS-06 Experience: One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. AND Certification: PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. AND Applicant must meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below 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 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing/sitting for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 50 lbs., and bending/stooping. The work may entail repetitive wrist movement while using various size syringes, vial cap removal, and typing.

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 Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System 11301 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90073 US
• Name: Hugo Lopez
• Phone: (858) 552-8585 X7748
• Email: [email protected]