The Pharmacy Technician is a certified professional expected to provide a variety of complex technical functions that requires the application of an extensive knowledge of pharmaceuticals and pharmacy practices. The employee assists the pharmacist in providing optimal pharmaceutical care and timely customer service in accordance with the mission, vision and goals of VA Healthcare System.

Duties

Has operational responsibility for all ongoing inventories of drug products and pharmaceutical supplies and their procurement. Maintains accountability of daily purchases and coordinates receipt, controls budget ledger, assures consistent delivery schedules are employed and handled in a manner mutually beneficial to Pharmacy Service, and appropriately disperses stock into designated storage areas. Maintains and elaborate system of retrieval. Files must be routinely purged to avoid accumulation of obsolete material. Utilizes the prime vendor to order FSS items. This involves direct contact with the prime vendor via computer modem and placement and receipt of drug order after assessment of the various contracts available and selection of the most cost-effective item. Reviews drug orders on computer screen/printed copy, verifying amount to be ordered and transmitting the order to the prime vendor. Processes outdated, unusable, and excess inventory for return to respective manufacturers for replacement of usable formulary items or credit. Assists the Pharmacy Program Manager and Inventory Management Specialist in drug cost analysis to assure continuing maximal economy. Assists the Pharmacy Procurement Pharmacist in cost usage analysis of high cost medications to identify the inpatient and outpatient high usage areas and the usage trends. Provides liaison with A&MMS in support of the high volume, scope, and complexity of the service required. Performs and duties and special projects deemed necessary by the Pharmacy Program Manager for the proper operation of the Pharmacy Service. Incumbent will serve as a Contractor Officer Representative (COR) assisting with Contracts within Pharmacy Service. Functions as resource person to all members of the pharmacy staff regarding inventory status and control. Provides orientation and training, as required, for staff members, pharmacy technicians. Assists pharmacists in determining high priority or emergency requirements and initiates procurement activity to local wholesale sources. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Rotating Shift of Days, Nights, Evenings, Weekends and Holidays - Rotating all shifts -12a-12p; 7a-330p 1030a-7p 3p-1130p 730a-4p 8a-430p 930a-6p 1p-930p 1130P-8P 830a-5p Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 629-00497-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. BASIC REQUIREMENTS. a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). b. Education or Experience. (1) None required. (2) For all grade levels and positions that accept both education and experience to qualify, equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 100% are qualifying. The combined percentage is determined by adding total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level to the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level. c. Certification. For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: (1) Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). OR (2) National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). Grade Determinations:e. Pharmacy Technician, GS-07. (1) Experience. Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (2) Certification. For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: (a) PTCB as a CPhT. OR (b) NHA as a ExCPT. (3) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. (b) Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent. (c) Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers. (d) Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students. (e) Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution. (f) Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28, Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard dated November 07, 2023.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. 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). Physical Requirements: Physical Demands: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Environmental Factors: Outside and inside constant noise, dust, working around machinery with moving parts, working around moving objects or vehicles, working with hands in water, working closely with others; working alone, protracted or irregular hours of work, solvents and heat from equipment.

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 New Orleans VA Medical Center 2400 Canal Street New Orleans, LA 70119 US
• Name: Ambera Oyoo
• Phone: 317-435-2270
• Email: [email protected]