The Pharmacy Technician at the Alexandria VA Medical Center of pharmaceutical nomenclature, including generic, chemical and trade names of drugs; of the various formulas, strengths and unit quantities of drugs and medications compounded and packaged; of the metric and apothecary systems of weights and measures; of the operation of various types of equipment and apparatus; and of special practices and techniques involved in the handling of various pharmaceutical items.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: Without close supervision, incumbent performs a wide variety of complex procedures involved in the activities of all sections of the pharmacy on a rotating basis. The performance of these functions requires an extensive knowledge of pharmaceuticals and pharmacy practices. He/she applies judgment based on substantial experience in the Pharmacy or formal education Operates and maintains complicated pharmacy equipment such as the Baxter ATC machine, laminar flow hoods, automed dispensing devices, omnciell, etc. Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile) without a second review. This includes calculating and converting to proper weights and measures the amount of drug or solution to be used. Maintains proper records of all prepacked items to include amount, manufacturer, lot number, and expiration date, etc. After orders are reviewed by a pharmacist for therapeutic appropriateness, the technician reviews orders for technical accuracy and converts the order, if necessary, so that the item dispensed corresponds to the drug and dose ordered Answers questions from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution. As a representative of the Pharmacy, he/she is expected to deal with professional staff and other representatives in a tactful and helpful manner. Complex questions will be referred to the pharmacist on duty Identifies basic therapeutic problems, such as duplicate therapy with drugs in the same class and alerts the pharmacist to the possible need for clinical intervention Processes missing dose requests generated from BCMA, pharmacy automation, and FedEx. Interprets order, selects correct drug and enters drug and dose dispensed into Vista Inventories working stock-controlled substances and maintain accurate records as directed by M2 Part 7 and VA Controlled Substance Policy Accurately prints BCMA labels and affixes to correct drugs, IV labels, and medication labels, (etc.) required and/or as directed by the supervisors Assists in total quality improvement activities by participating in medical center and service process assessment and action teams and continually seeks to improve services Is involved in all facets of the of the unit dose distribution system. This includes receiving orders and delivery to the wards/clinics. He/she will also be responsible for the restocking of unit dose carts. He/she will pick up, fill, and deliver ward and clinic stock orders. Performs all the duties of lower graded technicians, if required. Work Schedule: Rotating shifts to include 8:00am-4:30pm, 9:30am-6pm, 7:00am-3:30pm, and 2:00p-10:00pm (nights, holidays, and weekends) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 502-00176-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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. English Language Proficiency: Candidates appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Education or Experience: Education:(a) Successful completion of four years post-secondary education with courses related to pharmacy (e.g., 48 semester hours of science, mathematics, pharmacy) or a bachelor's degree. OR (b) An associate's degree in pharmacy technician or technology (48 semester hours of concentrated pharmacy technician training).OR (c)One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level such as experience with pharmacy operations, pharmaceuticals to perform duties in pharmacy functional areas, pharmaceutical nomenclature (including generic, chemical and proprietary names of drug). fill prescriptions, use pharmacy information systems or basic pharmacy dispensing equipment. OR Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower level GS-5 Certification: Not Required at this grade level Grade Determinations: GS6 Education or Experience. Education requirement at the lower level or one year of experience equivalent to the next lower level GS-5. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of Federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice. (b) Knowledge of preparation, storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation. (c) Ability to use pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment. (d) Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. (e) Ability to communicate with patients and staff Preferred Experience: Experience in and including, pharmacy operations, pharmaceuticals to perform duties in pharmacy functional areas, pharmaceutical nomenclature (including generic, chemical and proprietary names of drug). fill prescriptions, use pharmacy information systems or basic pharmacy dispensing equipment. References: VA Handbook Part II Appendix G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertions, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 50 lbs. 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 Alexandria VA Medical Center 2495 Shreveport Highway Pineville, LA 71360 US
• Name: Teri Bankhead
• Phone: 2057719942
• Email: [email protected]