The Pharmacy Technician must be a PTCB certified technician who functions utilizing independent technical judgment (without the need for readily available supervision) as well as with a comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of complex pharmacy principles and practices.

Duties

This is an OPEN CONTINOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. We are accepting applications on an ongoing basis; applicants will be reviewed on a weekly basis, until the position is filled. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Pharmacy Dispensing/Distribution Services: The Pharmacy Technician will be involved in assuring appropriate, safe and accurate medications are dispensed to veterans in an efficient manner. The pharmacy technician will provide a range of medication management and administrative services. Maintains work flow patterns that assure timely delivery of pharmacy services and ensures accurate documentation and dispensing of pharmaceuticals; Effectively organizes workload, solves problems, and achieves established goals; Provides patient care utilizing an in-depth knowledge of specialized areas of pharmacy practice. Maintains and understands the operation of pharmacy equipment and automation, such as ScriptPro, TCG-Rx and Pyxis; Assists staff and patients, either by phone or in person, concerning drug distribution, refill requests, mail and general triaging of requests for the pharmacists. Documents patient requests as necessary in CPRS and alerts the appropriate provider; Assists in assuring that pharmacy programs are compliant with all regulatory and accrediting body requirements (i.e., Joint Commission, FDA, ASHP, DEA, OIG etc); Actively participates in the procurement process supporting just in time inventory management. This may include serving as a back-up procurement technician where responsibilities may include ordering or receiving product. This may also include processing of invoices using the VistA Drug Accountability system; Distributive: Interprets pharmacy orders; obtains medication in the correct strength and dosage form; determines proper amount and prepares product; affixes proper label; and documents proper information. Prepares non-sterile compounds independently for dispensing to patients or other health care providers for use in clinical areas. Compounds sterile products to be delivered in the form of large volume, small volume, and other complex pharmaceuticals such as chemotherapy. Completes documentation and uses knowledge of safe handling and disposition of hazardous materials used in pharmacy. Dispenses controlled substances according to current policies and procedures and standards established by DEA, FDA, VA, and Joint Commission. Effectively utilizes the Veterans Integrated Systems Technology Architecture (VistA), Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) computer systems and other automated pharmacy equipment and computer software systems. Patient Care Services: The Pharmacy Technician will promote a patient-focused, team-based multidisciplinary model of patient care. Supporting formulary management principles and effective drug use criteria. Identifying basic therapeutic problems such as patient allergies and duplicate drug therapy and alerting the pharmacist to the possible need for clinical intervention. Calling patients to obtain information and to relay prescription information. Using databases and spreadsheets to assist pharmacists and other health care professionals to monitor and track patient information. Education: Assists in the training of pharmacy employees, pharmacy residents, pharmacy students and pharmacy technician students as assigned to the Pharmacy Technician in coordination with the pharmacy supervisor. Interfaces with other health-care providers and administrators to ensure compliance with established pharmacy policies and procedures. Customer Service: Relationships with supervisors, co-workers and others within the organization must be consistently courteous and cooperative in nature and overall contribute to the effective operation of the office. Performance must demonstrate the ability to adjust to change or work pressure in a pleasant manner; handle differences of opinion in a businesslike fashion; follow instructions conscientiously; and function as a team member, helping the group effort where possible. Interacts with a wide variety of staff and demonstrates sensitivity to and an understanding of their needs by taking ownership of the problem and adopting the Provides professional and technical advice, support and assistance to all customers with a view towards accomplishing the service mission (i.e. customer service). Personal interactions will be free of legitimate negative feedback. Customers are treated in a professional manner, with tact, courtesy and respect. Instills confidence and trust with supervisors, peers and subordinates by providing timely and quality service. Meets established time frames and deadlines in area of responsibility. Work Schedule: Rotating days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. 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. 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 obtain licensure/certification/ registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/ registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) at all grade levels, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation for which he/she qualifies if a placement opportunity exists. For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) in assignments above the full-performance level only, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may remain at an appropriate lower grade level in the occupation when both of the following apply: the credential is not a requirement and a placement opportunity exists." Grade Determinations: Pharmacy Technician GS-6 Experience: 1 year at or equivalent to the next lower, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level (GS-5), which include but are not limited to: Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment; Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique; Knowledge of basic inventory procedures; and Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-5 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

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 Nebraska-Western Iowa HCS - Omaha 4101 Woolworth Avenue Omaha, NE 68105 US
• Name: Jason Arcand
• Phone: 612-629-7118
• Email: [email protected]