This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

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 include but not limited to: 1. Checks assigned areas on a regular basis and delivers stock in a timely manner. Monitors stock levels and usage patterns in order to prevent overstocking or understocking. Coordinates changes in stock levels with head nurse and pharmacy supervisor. Enters all ward stock data (including auto-replenishment and on-demand requests) into the computer accurately and in a timely manner. 2. Delivers controlled drugs to wards and clinics, assuring strict security and accountability. Picks up completed drug administration records when assigned. Works with head nurse to resolve problems. 3. Performs tasks associated with the unit dose distribution system on a rotating basis and as scheduled. Tasks include: 4. Filling medication carts from medication administration records or computerized pick lists. 5. Providing the pharmacist with first doses for checking (with enough medication to last unit next cart fill). 6. Printing pick lists and inputting dispensing data into the computer after filling. 7. Prepacks/premixes medication for distribution to ward/clinic areas through unit dose, IV, wardstock, or auto-replenishment programs. 8. Answers inquiries on drugs, dosage forms, availability, formulary status, etc., of a technical nature, referring questions beyond scope of authority or knowledge to the pharmacist. 9. Assists in the orientation and computer training of new personnel. 10. Fills prescriptions/physicians' orders (inpatient and outpatient) in an accurate timely manner. These are filled under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist. 11. Prepares extemporaneous compounds (bulk items or single requests) for topical use, oral administration, or for irrigation. 12. Collects AMIS and drug utilization data when requested by the section supervisor. Maintains appropriate administrative records related to prepacking, restocking, and distributive functions as required by policies and procedures 13. Maintains assigned area in clean, orderly manner. 14. Assists in checking in orders received through Acquisitions and Material Management Service and Prime Vendor and in placing stock on shelves in appropriate areas. 15. Reviews medication storage areas in the hospital to assure that out-of-date drug and removed, stock levels are appropriate, and that other conditions necessary to the proper storage and distribution of medications and supplies are met. 16. Utilizes the ATC machine to prepare unit dose medications when assigned. 17. Coordinates and directs pharmacy technical training with all pharmacy programs, including computerized unit dose order entry, use of Pharmacy Automation machines (Omnicell, Script-pro), operation of bar code scanner technology and basic pharmacy programs involving Ward/IV stocking or IV drug preparation. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 502-000383-FS EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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). Experience: Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Certification: For positions above the full performance level, the candidate 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 Health-career Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). Grade Determinations: GS7: Experience: Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. 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. (KSAs must be clearly reflected in resume under description of duties in order to be found qualified for this position/grade level). Preferred Experience: None Listed References: VA Handbook Part II Appendix G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing.

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]