The Pharmacy Technician (Inpatient Automation) is located at the Jesse Brown VAMC, Chicago, IL, in Pharmacy Service. This position is responsible for providing first line support, maintenance and basic repair of all automation not under the direct management of IRM. Currently, other automation includes Pyxis ES and ScriptPro. Works independently overnight to assume all other pharmacy technician duties to include sterile compounding and medication deliveries throughout the medical center.

Duties

Functions: Provides specialized technical support to pharmacy staff regarding the use of automation systems (ex. Parata). Configures, adjusts and maintains the operation of the automation systems that support the treatment of VAMC patients. Each of these devices has multiple settings and features that require precise calibration and monitoring, on a continuous basis, to enable them to operate reliably. Configures, adjusts and maintains accessories and supplies for automation systems. The Automation Technicians will be the "owners" of the system and ensure that the system is maintained and working properly at all times. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to: Monitor medication supply Monitor ribbon, paper, and desiccant supply Conduct quality assurance reports Conduct usage reports and order new canisters Verify presence and completeness of log books Continuous training of all staff members Maintains control records, collecting data on any deviation in equipment accuracy, operation or suitability. Recognizes and notifies the Pharmacy Inpatient Supervisor and Technician Supervisor of such deviations. This includes collecting technical data necessary for the purchase of new equipment, collecting and reporting quality improvement data in a format useful for pharmacy management and providing suggestions or other information that may be useful for improving the efficiency of the pharmacy's automated dispensing systems. Inpatient Pharmacists will be responsible for verifying manual packaging through the Universal Tray Counter (UTC) as well as verifying canister refills. Responsible for communicating with procurement pharmacist and pharmacy ADPAC directly and through Inpatient Supervisor and Technician Supervisor regarding all automation system issues. Responsible for ensuring that 24 hour cart-fill takes place daily and on time. Performs all the duties of lower graded technicians, as required, such as sterile compounding. Must hold Pharmacy Technician certification/license by State or National. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Wednesday through Saturday (Overnight), 8:30pm - 6:30am and 9:30pm - 7:30am. Tour of duty is subject to change based on needs of agency to include evenings/weekends/holidays as needed. Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 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. 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 for this grade level. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates for GS-07: Experience. One year experience at the next lower level and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level GS-06. AND, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Ability to evaluate, analyze workflow, and coordinate work activities. Ability to independently gather, evaluate, and analyze data to generate reports and/or for other projects/statistical purposes. Knowledge of pharmacy policies and procedures sufficient to train and orient new employees and other staff Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and care of specialized pharmaceutical equipment. Comprehensive knowledge of the procurement and formulary process. Comprehensive knowledge of investigational drug policies and procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of controlled substance policies and procedures, and the ability to identify and investigate discrepancies in these policies and procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to, analyze data in VA information systems. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 MARCH 17, 2006 PART II APPENDIX G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: Employees are typically expected to work forty hours per week. This may include nights, weekends and/or holidays as assigned. May require pushing carts, lifting and carrying light loads (up to 50lbs.), including boxes, equipment and unit dose-cassettes; stooping, bending or kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, remove and replace items on lower shelves, and to file documents in lower file drawers, etc.); sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours). Normal ranges of hearing and vision are required to perform work and communicate effectively; must have the visual ability to distinguish between basic colors and shades of color. Ability to perform tasks requiring rapid mental and muscular coordination functions simultaneously is necessary. Incumbent must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used for the job.

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 Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 820 South Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60612 US
• Name: Yasmin Scott
• Phone: 910-488-2120 X1499
• Email: [email protected]