Pharmacy technicians at this grade level work autonomously on assigned tasks, using independent judgement to perform a full range of duties. Pharmacy technicians can mentor and train lower grade technicians in the practice setting. The employee will assist the pharmacist in providing optimal care and timely service in accordance with the mission, vision, and goals of the Puget Sound VA Health Care System and Pharmacy.

Duties

The incumbent is expected to accomplish all duties related to receiving and stocking inventory, filling and dispensing prescriptions, inspecting inventory, controlled substances distribution, security, and accountability, non-sterile compounding (including hazardous drugs). Duties will include: Accurately interprets, fills, and prepares prescriptions with appropriate medications and or medical supplies for pharmacist verification. Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition by assuring that all stock and equipment are in assigned locations and all shelves and counters are free of dust and debris in order to create sanitary and optimal work areas. Assures drugs and supplies are stored appropriately and secured according to VHA policies, local Pharmacy policies, and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) including the storage of high-risk, look-alike sound-alike, hazardous, controlled substances, corrosive chemical, flammable liquids, and refrigerated items. Receives, checks, rotates, and places in stock all items received from pharmacy vendors and identifies and reconciles any discrepancies to assure correct items have been received. Utilizes automated dispensing equipment available to the pharmacy staff following all safety and QA procedures. Reports automation malfunctions timely to the automation lead or supervisor as appropriate. Records expiration dates in the automated prescription dispensing systems upon stocking. Performs monthly inspections of assigned areas to ensure proper storage of medications and soon-to expire drugs are removed from inventory. Documents inspections according to Service Line procedures. Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile). This includes assuring sanitary conditions of compounding area, calculating and converting to proper weights and measures the amount of drug or solution to be used, using standard protocols for assigning beyond-use-dating, and documenting compounding activity for pharmacist final verification. Answers questions from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution. 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. Assists in training and orientating new staff technicians, residents, and students. Demonstrates the ability to work under a variety of conditions to maximize group productivity and quality. Performs duties of all lower grade technicians as needed. Participates in process improvement initiatives for pharmacy. Complies with all VHA, Medical Center, and Pharmacy regulations, directives, policies, and procedures. Coordinates with Accountable Officer witness to receive controlled substances from pharmacy vendors. Interprets, fills, and readies prescriptions for pharmacist verification. Restocks controlled substances into automated dispensing cabinets (e.g. ScriptPro) in pharmacy or throughout medical center, as assigned. Maintains perpetual controlled substance accountability according to local, VA, and DEA procedures and regulations. Maintains controlled substance security at all times. Reports unresolvable discrepancies to vault pharmacist or immediate supervisor for resolution. Assists in investigating, witnessing, and resolving discrepancies. Complies with all laws, regulations, directives, policies, and procedures applying to the dispensing, storage, transfer, inventory, and accountability of controlled substances. Assists Controlled Substance Inspectors (CSI) with monthly unannounced inventory and accountability inspections. Work Schedule: Many tours available, that all include occasional weekend and holiday work. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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). 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 Certification: For positions above the full performance level, 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). Experience: Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. 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. Preferred Experience: One year of outpatient pharmacy experience and experience with managing controlled substances. References: VHA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G28, Qualifications for Pharmacy Technicians The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, standing (6 hrs), repeated bending (2 hrs), near vision correctable, ability to distinguish basic colors, mental and emotional stability. Environmental Factors: Constant noise, extensive keyboard/mouse use, working closely with others, working alone.

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 VA Puget Sound Health Care System 1660 South Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98108 US
• Name: Michelle Yahne
• Phone: 503-220-8262 X53055
• Email: [email protected]