The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center is seeking to fill one full-time Pharmacy Technician. This position represents the Controlled Substance Pharmacy Technician, who oversees the operation and security of the Controlled Substance distribution system at the VA Medical Center, Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The position functions in areas which service both inpatient and outpatient pharmacy, specialty clinic and the Community Based Outreach Clinics (CBOC).

Duties

John J. Pershing VAMC is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans. Duties may include but are not limited to: As the Controlled Substances Pharmacy Technician, the incumbent's duties relate to professional, sub-professional, and administrative activities. The Incumbent is responsible for maintaining accountability of controlled substances, and to be in full compliance with DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and Department of Veterans Affairs Regulations. Is responsible for the preparing and filling of inpatient and outpatient orders and requests for controlled substances. The incumbent is responsible for assisting in the monthly controlled substance audit/review by distributing identification badges and certification stamps to inspectors, assisting controlled substance inspection officers in the investigation of discrepancies, and reviewing and initialing each completed pyxis reports for drug arithmetic, losses or unusual waste in the biennial inventory of all controlled substances. Maintains readily retrievable files of all administrative data dealing with controlled substances in an easily accessible manner. Stores and eliminates files according to provisions of RCS 10-1. The incumbent answers questions from nurses and physicians on drug dosage and product availability of controlled substances. Information is furnished from personal knowledge, or by consulting Pharmacy reference books, drug information file or from the pharmacist. Also, consults with nurses to determine if any new medication orders have been written, increased, decreased, or cancelled to insure proper levels of medication for that ward. Reviews doctor's order sheets when there is a question as to the need for new drugs and/or increased usage of the drug. Incumbent prepares, by bulk compounding, routine and simple pharmaceuticals; receives, checks after unpacking and sorting, and assists in properly storing controlled substances. Is responsible for checking Narcotic Vault, clinics and wards for outdated drugs. The incumbent does general housekeeping, cleaning, and equipment maintenance of the Pharmacy area, especially the Narcotic Vault. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining exact records of all transactions involving controlled substances. Incumbent is also responsible for retrieving said records. Incumbent furnishes AMIS data concerning controlled substances. Is responsible for assisting in Pharmacy QA activity in regard to controlled substance. Performs initial review of medication to be dispensed to inpatient areas (pyxis), and/or fills automated medication machines independently. Inventories and replenishes emergency carts for final review by pharmacist. Operates and maintains complicated pharmacy equipment such as the, Laminar flow hoods, Pyxis control dispensing units, TCGRX etc. The incumbent is responsible for duties that include drug recall management, hazardous medication management, generic drug product selection, inventory management, procurement of pharmaceuticals to include controlled substances, supply items and non-formulary drugs, over the counter medications and other prescription medications. Assists and coordinates with logistics and business services to arrange the return and credit for return of outdates and deteriorated medications Maintains appropriate receipt records and supporting documents, reconciles payments, Responsible for manufacturing uncomplicated parenteral admixtures to be delivered in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringe, other complex pharmaceuticals, etc. Prepackages tablets, capsules, liquids. Courteously receives prescriptions and refill requests from veterans at the outpatient window and over the telephone. Answers most telephone calls. Has the ability to answer routine inquiries from doctors, nurses, and other professional staff. Directs more complex questions to the pharmacists on duty. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30 pm and occasionally 9:30am-6pm and occasional holiday's. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: No 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. 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. (CERTIFICATE REQUIRED) 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 Pharmacy Technician Experience. One year experience at the next lower level which demonstrates (1) Creditable Experience. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with the scope of pharmacy technician practice. (2) Quality of Experience. To be creditable, pharmacy technician experience must be documented on the application and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means. and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. These are: GS-06 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Knowledge of Federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice. 2. Knowledge of preparation, storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation. 3. Ability to use pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment. 4. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. 5. Ability to communicate with patients and staff and direct questions to appropriate personnel. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 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, PART II, APPENDIX G28 Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged period of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighting up to 40lbs., pushing and pulling of large medication carts, and bending/stooping.

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 John J Pershing VA Medical Center 1500 North Westwood Boulevard Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 US
• Name: Rebecca Hampton
• Phone: 573-413-3921
• Email: [email protected]