The incumbent serves as an all around assistant to the pharmacist, requiring performance of duties with an understanding of the flow of work, the pharmacy routine and the responsibilities of the Pharmacy programs. Most of the duties are performed according to well-established procedures in the Pharmacy Service of a large medical center, which, in affiliation with Hershey Medical Center, is involved, in many highly diversified and varied programs, specialties and subspecialties.

Duties

Independently utilizes Omnicell reports to restock medications and supplies in Omnicell cabinets located on nursing units. Performs final review of medication prepared by another technician for restock of Omnicell cabinets. Assists in ordering, checking and stocking of medications and supplies, insuring that drug supplies are adequately maintained in sufficient quantities to meet daily usage needs. Properly stores all pharmaceuticals, taking special precautions in handling of hazardous or perishable materials. Maintains cleanliness and neatness and operates complicated pharmacy equipment, including ATC machine, ScriptPro System, and Omnicell automated dispensing equipment. Is able to trouble shoot problems and independently determine appropriate actions to take to resolve problems. Uses current pharmaceutical knowledge and technological applications in the preparation and dispensing of medications and supplies for outpatients in the ambulatory care and/or mail out sections, subject to a final check by a pharmacist. Provides technical support and oversight for the unit dose medication program. Processes unit dose medication orders and fills unit dose medication cassettes, subject to a final check by a pharmacist or qualified technician. Fills ward orders for a variety of drugs including tablets, capsules, liquids, injections, etc. for wards and clinics and delivers completed orders to the proper areas. Maintains pre-established levels of automatic replenishment ward stock items. Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non?sterile ). This includes calculating and converting to proper weights and measures the amount of drug or solution to be used to support unit dose dispensing. Enters correct drug, strength, dosage form and quantity into the patient's medication profile (VistA or otherwise) on narcotic and fee basis prescriptions. Prepackages medications in unit of use, or unit dose packaging utilizing automatic equipment. Properly labels, prepacks and completes quality control records. Packages prescriptions for mailing utilizing proper packaging materials required to protect medications from damage during shipping. Properly maintains a log of all Schedule II through V controlled substances shipped by certified mail. Receives and reviews pharmacy dispensing orders for accuracy of information, duplication and authorization in order to process for dispensing. Resolves discrepancies with the pharmacist for further action. Performs final review of medication (prepared by another technician) to be dispensed to all areas (unit dose carts, first doses, ward stock, Omnicell cabinets, etc.) and simple, non-sterile compounds prepared by lower level technicians. Coordinates and assists students, volunteers, and other staff members in various areas of job related duties and responsibilities. Courteously answers routine inquiries from doctors and nurses on the availability of specific drugs or supplies in the Pharmacy, i.e.drugs in stock, drugs on order, drug distribution, dosage forms available, etc. Refers all questions of a professional nature to a pharmacist for possible clinical intervention. Ensures policies and procedures related to the security of patient information (including HIPPA requirements) are strictly applied to their own practice and that of others. Exercises a high degree of initiative, resourcefulness, judiciousness and integrity, and establishes and maintains good personal relationships with the various sections of the hospital, medical center personnel and patients. Defines a "customer" as anyone who requests information or help from the Pharmacy Department including but not limited to patients, family members, visitors, providers, hospital, and pharmacy staff. Maintains a professional level of conduct when dealing with all customers. Work Schedule: 8:00-4:30 or 7:00-3:30 or 9:30-6:00, Monday-Friday, and rotating weekends and holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements listed above, the following requirements must be met at the GS-6 level: Experience: One year experience at the next lower level (GS-5), and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. Certification: PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-28. PHARMACY TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-661, Veterans Health Administration. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 South Lincoln Avenue Lebanon, PA 17042 US
• Name: Susanne Thobe
• Phone: 8016684824
• Email: [email protected]