This position functions as a general, all around, non-professional assistant to the pharmacist. Performs the full range of sub-professional, non-judgmental, technical duties required in the assigned section under the direct supervision of a pharmacist. Performs specialized pharmacy technician duties such as automation support as required. This position is located at the Harlingen Outpatient Clinic.

Duties

Incumbent will perform as a general, all around, non-professional assistant to the pharmacist. Will perform the full range of sub-professional, non-judgmental, technical duties required in the assigned section under the direct supervision of a pharmacist. Incumbent will perform specialized pharmacy technician duties such as automation support as required. Incumbent must be capable of working efficiently and accurately, independent of direct supervision. Incumbent will perform duties such as, but not limited to: receive, read, sort and interpret prescriptions and determine kind, strength and dosage of drugs to be dispensed; possess proficient clerical skills required for automatic data processing (ADP) prescription information entry, collating prescriptions or refill documents with ADP labels generated, record storage and retrieval, excellent typing skills are necessary during intervals when ADP systems are nonfunctional and other clerical skills as deemed appropriate by area supervisor for the maintenance and proper functioning of processing systems and files; perform computer functions as outlined in the pharmacy technician's listing of options for the Outpatient Pharmacy Module of the Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VISTA) including input/output techniques, exercising proper security requirements with patient data or other sensitive information stored in the VISTA System, patient file and other records and operation of various computer equipment (visual display terminals and printers); Receives phone calls in a tactful and helpful manner from physicians, dentists, nurses, other professional staff members, patients and volunteers regarding patient information. Also, answers specific questions about drug availability of other limited information, referring therapeutic questions to the pharmacist; Will monitor stock levels of drugs, office supplies, appliances, etc. by periodic inventories, submission of requests for needed items, receiving storing and/or transporting incoming orders, removing outdated or deteriorated items and preparing them for disposal; and As a representative of the Pharmacy Service, incumbent must project a pleasing personality and maintain a positive attitude towards duties and responsibilities at all times. This summary is not all inclusive and requires other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: M-F, 0800-1630, 0900-1730 rotation Telework: Available (Ad-Hoc) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Pharmacy Technician 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. 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 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). Preferred Experience: Experience in receiving, reading, sorting and interpreting prescriptions and determining the kind, strength and dosage of drugs to be dispensed. Correlate instructions on the prescription with Pharmacy Policy. Experience in generating labels and processing prescriptions by obtaining correct stock, counting or measuring correct amount of medication. Comprehensive knowledge of pharmacy automation and computer systems and ability to successfully operate and maintain pharmacy equipment normal to the operation (general office equipment, packaging and mail processing equipment, pharmaceutical: electronic counters, scales, repackaging machines, and maintain work in a clean, neat orderly manner). Ability to communicate orally and in writing to offer non-clinical information to clinical staff and patients in a friendly and courteous manner. Possess clerical skills required for automatic data processing (ADP) prescription information entry, collating prescriptions or refill documents with ADP labels generated, record storage and retrieval. 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. Registration from a state Board of Pharmacy. Grade Determinations: GS-6 Experience - Must have one year of experience equivalent to the next lower level, that fully meets the KSA's at that level. Creditable Experience - To be creditable, experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with the scope of pharmacy technician practice. Reference: GS-5 Assignment - This is the full-performance level for pharmacy technicians. Employees at this grade level serve as staff pharmacy technicians receiving little guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patients and procedures, and require minimal supervision. Reference: GS-5 KSA's - (a) Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment. (b) Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique. (c) Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. (d) Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. GS-6 KSA's - You must meet the following Knowledge, Skills, and or Abilities. 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, Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard, Appendix G28, Dated 3/17/2006. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15 - 44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15 - 44 pounds; Straight pulling up to 1 hour; Pushing up to 1 hour; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Walking up to 4 hours; Standing up to 3 hours; Repeated bending up to 2 hours; Use of both legs; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Vision correctable with eye ware; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish colors; Ability to distinguish shades of color; Hearing (aid permitted).

Education

Education above high school may not be counted towards qualification for this position at the GS-6 level. High school education may only be counted towards meeting the basic requirements for this position.

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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

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 TX Valley Coastal Bend HCS 2601 Veterans Drive Harlingen, TX 78550 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]