Functions primarily in outpatient area of Pharmacy Service. Performs a variety of complex procedures/activities on a rotating basis. May be assigned to any area of Outpatient Pharmacy including expanded distributive function assignments (i.e. filling controlled substances). Functions includes but not limited to dispensing medications, stocking & restocking automated dispensing cabinets & other stock areas, maintaining quality control (QC) practices & assigned QC inspections, training, etc.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to: Reading and interpreting prescriptions, obtaining proper medication or material in the proper strength and dosage form Determining proper amount and counts, pours or measures the medications Affixing proper label Recording required data on Pharmacy's copy of prescription/order or documents required data in the outpatient automated dispensing machine/robot. After a final check by a Pharmacist, dispenses medication in ambulatory care, pass or discharge situations Providing customer service concerning patient eligibility, prescription status, medication availability, co-payment charges and mailing status Reviewing daily notations from all call centers, documents and enters notes which need further action from providers, pharmacists and nurses or other appropriate personnel Handling telephone inquiries, receiving prescriptions and replying to questions from patients concerning co-pay referring to the Medical Care Cost Recovery (MCCR) policies and procedures as needed Processing refill requests and verifying prescriptions for mailing Entering new and refill prescription data which may include correct drug, strength, dosage form and quantity into the patient's medication profile (VistA or otherwise). Someone authorized to verify accuracy subsequently reviews the medication profile for accuracy Monitoring inventory needs in outpatient Pharmacy areas, relaying this information to the Pharmacy Procurement Specialist. Including receiving/placing stock in proper storage areas, rotating stock on shelves and removing/replacing outdated items Conducting monthly ward inspection of assigned patient care/Pharmacy storage areas assuring proper storage (including temperature and humidity), stock, cleanliness and drug expiration Operating, maintaining, filling/refilling and troubleshooting complicated, specialized or automated Pharmacy equipment Assisting with training of technicians, student technicians and pharmacy students Preparing, handling and having knowledge of investigational drugs and their policies and procedures Performing all the duties of lower graded technicians and other duties as assigned, if required. Work Schedule: Fulltime, Monday thru Friday; rotating work hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Bargaining Unit position

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. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-2 Experience. None beyond the basic requirement. GS-3 Education or Experience. Completion of 1 year of post-high school coursework related to medicine (e.g. chemistry, biology, college mathematics, etc.), or successful completion of a 1 year accredited pharmacy technician training program, or 6 months of general experience, that may have included experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, laboratory technology, etc.). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to maintain appropriate files. Ability to prepare sterile compounds under supervision. Ability to communicate with patients and other health professions. GS-4 Education or Experience. Successful completion of 2 years above high school with courses related to pharmacy or pharmacy technology, or 1 year of general experience that may have included experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, laboratory technology, etc.) Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program conducted by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision is creditable on a month-for-month basis for general experience. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to process and fill prescriptions under supervision. Ability to operate and maintain dispensing equipment. Ability to operate pharmacy information systems. Ability to maintain appropriate files. Ability to prepare sterile compounds under supervision. GS-5 Education or Experience. Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included at least 24 semester hours of courses related to pharmacy or pharmacy technology; successful completion of pertinent specialized training courses in pharmaceutical and pharmacy services while serving in the Armed Forces is creditable on a month-for-month basis up to the 1 year of experience required for the GS-5 level; or at least 1 year of experience at the next lower level that demonstrates the core competencies (KSAs) described at the GS-4 level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment. Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. Preferred Experience: PTCB certification Previous VA experience Experience working in a hospital pharmacy Experience working in a retail pharmacy References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G28 Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard GS-661 Veterans Health Administration March 17,2006 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-02 to GS-05. Physical Requirements: moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), use of fingers, walking (greater than 2 hours), standing (8 hours), near vision correctable to 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid may be permitted), emotion/mental stability and typing/computer use.

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.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

Contacts

• Address Thomas E Creek VA Medical Center 6010 Amarillo Boulevard, West Amarillo, TX 79106 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]