The incumbent of this position works within the inpatient pharmacy and performs the full range of pharmacy technician functions in support of Pharmacy Service operations. These functions include processing medication orders, controlled substance processing, inventory management, sterile product compounding, and unit dose processing. The inpatient pharmacy provides services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so the incumbent may work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, etc.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: Performs duties involved in all facets of unit dose drug distribution, in all areas of the inpatient pharmacy. Conducts controlled substance inventories and maintains inventory records. Assures medical center inspectors complete all assignments and area program manager of Controlled Substance Committee of any delinquent situations. Maintains good workflow patterns to keep outpatient prescription waiting time to an average of 30 minutes or less. Establishes and maintains appropriate ordering intervals and inventory levels based on budget, , seasonal variations in drug usage, changing patterns of medical practice, etc. Modifies ordering intervals and inventory levels as needed to ensure proper levels of supplies. Receives and verifies drug deliveries. Determines most appropriate storage area and ensures storage conforms to VA and OSHA standards. Conducts ward inspections by inspecting clinic areas for proper storage of medications and documents findings on inspection report form. Uses specialized equipment to package and/or dispense medications and provides required equipment maintenance. Serves as an effective preceptor/instructor for trainees (students, technicians, volunteers) conducting on-the-job training, orientation, and in-services. Performs final review of medication to be dispensed to inpatient wards and/or fills unit dose carts independently without secondary review. Triages patient inquiries. Selects/prepares medications in proper dosage sizes, forms, quantities, and delivers to patient care/ward/clinic locations, after clinical pharmacist checking. Fills unit dose medications from storage bins to individual patient drawers, transferring cassettes from pharmacy to medication carts on the nursing station as assigned. Responds appropriately to inquiries from professional staff, patients, and outside parties, other health care professionals, and refers professional-technical questions received to clinical pharmacists. Provides information and answers questions both in person and on the telephone (includes the GLA Pharmacy Call Center) regarding Pharmacy Service policies and procedures, drug availability, delivery times, drug costs, prescription status, tracking of prescriptions, and other pharmacy-related issues. Records IV compounding and dispensing information as required. Numbers, dates, and prioritizes prescriptions (e.g., discharge, pass, and contract nursing home prescriptions), and records pertinent data, as required. Prepares and fills mail out prescriptions for controlled substances. Conducts controlled substance inventories and maintains inventory records. Initials, dates, and obtains clinical pharmacist countersignature or initials on all documents or labels required, prior to delivering medications. Work Schedule: Monday-Sunday, weekends and holidays, variable shifts which may include days, evenings, or overnight shifts. Tours may be adjusted to meet medical center and patient care needs. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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 Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education or Experience: None required. 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. Certification: For positions above the full performance level (GS-07), the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). Or National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). 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). Pharmacy technicians employed in VHA on the effective date 11/7/2023 are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. Grade Determinations: GS-06 Education or Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower level. AND Applicant must meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below: 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/159 PART II APPENDIX G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing/sitting for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 50 lbs., and bending/stooping. The work may entail repetitive wrist movement while using various size syringes, vial cap removal, and typing.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System 11301 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90073 US
• Name: Hugo Lopez
• Phone: (858) 552-8585 X7748
• Email: [email protected]