The OUTPATIENT LEAD Pharmacy Technician serves as a lead pharmacy technician for the Palo Alto Outpatient Pharmacy Section. The primary responsibility of this position is to assist pharmacy supervisors with the smooth workflow of the Outpatient Pharmacy to meet/exceed Veteran's and other customer's needs in accordance with the mission, vision and goals of the VAPAHCS and Pharmacy Service.

Duties

The primary responsibility of this position is to assist pharmacy supervisors with the smooth workflow of the Outpatient Pharmacy. The incumbent will perform a variety of complex technical skills and functions which requires comprehensive knowledge of pharmaceuticals and pharmacy practices. In addition, the incumbent will work with the automated equipment and will be responsible for overseeing the daily pharmacy technician operations in the Outpatient pharmacy section. The incumbent must be able to work independently, evaluate, analyze workflow/data and coordinate work activities to accomplish needed tasks each day within the Outpatient pharmacy. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to: ADMINISTRATIVE Activities: Maintains and implements section Automation by serving as a Super User and initial point of contact for any issues; manages day to day operations/workflow of the section and ensures any issues/problems are resolved; prepares fair and equitable work schedules per direction from the section supervisor; serves as a backup VATAS timekeeper to ensure schedules are entered and validated to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time; participates in interview selection panels for vacant positions within their section; participates in the drug recall process; and maintains and manages the electronic inventory lists (EILs). PROGRAM MONITORING AND EVALUATION Activities: Performs daily checklist (ensuring everything that's supposed to be done every day is done); identifies opportunities for improvement and determines best route for change efforts; analyzes and uses data to determine the need for improvement and to track improvement outcomes; conducts customer service audits and makes recommendations for changes as a result of these audits; ensures completion of all area ward inspections and conducts follow up audits; and assists with the stock rotation and management of the All Hazards Emergency Cache. TRAINING AND EDUCATION Activities: Serves as the main trainer of new employee onboarding, contract technician training, technician student training; provides training for pharmacy staff when any new or upgraded pharmacy automation is installed; provides automation training for non-pharmacy staff (e.g., nursing, anesthesia, CSI inspectors); and maintains or develops Outpatient Pharmacy and Pharmacy Automation policy and procedure manuals and accompanying training competency assessment tools. OUTPATIENT PHARMACY TECHNICIAN Activities: Upon direction from supervisor, will step in to cover any traditional outpatient pharmacy technician duties. These include (but are not limited to) filling non-controlled and controlled prescriptions, processing patient medications brought into the hospital; processing prescription refill requests received by mail, phone or internet; releasing medications or supplies for window pick up to patients/caregivers; preparing products for mailing to patients; verifying receipt of medications and signing invoices; conducting ward inspections; conducting controlled substance inventories; and addressing patient concerns with prescriptions. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Available on an Ad-hoc basis Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. 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 Determinations: GS-7 Experience. One year experience at the next lower level and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *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. Preferred Experience: Expertise and proficiency in inpatient pharmacy workflow and duties, excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated initiative and leadership skills, and a true desire to lead people and improve processes are highly desired. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G28The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying, Straight pulling, pushing, use of fingers, reaching above shoulder, both hands required, walking, standing, bending, ability to distinguish basic colors, and Hearing (Aid permitted).

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 Palo Alto VA Medical Center 3801 Miranda Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94304 US
• Name: Timothy McBrian
• Email: [email protected]