The Robert J. Dole VAMC is seeking a Pharmacy Technician to serve as an Automation Specialist. The incumbent coordinates and oversees all operational aspects of the pharmacy automated dispensing equipment in the outpatient and inpatient areas of the pharmacy, as well as throughout the facility and outpatient clinics including community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs).

Duties

Robert J Dole VA Medical Center 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. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Coordinates the technical aspect of Pharmacy drug distribution activities to ensure standard operating procedures are in alignment with automation capabilities so that efficiencies are maximized. Recommends and implements changes for the improvement of the workflow, work methods and priorities involved within the drug distribution and compounding systems. Assist procurement in obtaining adequate off-line inventory levels of prepackaged medication packaged through automation are maintained. Adds new medications and deletes obsolete medications to maintain current inventory. Assists the ADPAC with maintenance of the drug file in Vista/CPRS. Runs, reviews, and maintains automation reports on biannual review. Resolves problems and complaints regarding Pharmacy automation. Troubleshoots problems with the workflow compounding systems, automated pharmacy inventory management, automated dispensing cabinets, and automated prescription filling systems, or printers when production is compromised. Alerts appropriate personnel and actively participates in resolution. Performs or schedules basic and routine maintenance to electronic compounding equipment, automated inventory systems, automated dispensing devices or other equipment at times least disruptive to patient care. Performs daily maintenance/inventory procedures on equipment as required and/or assigned. Ensures that equipment is cleaned and maintained to minimize downtime. Trains and orients Pharmacy Staff and other Medical Center staff involved in operating Pharmacy automation equipment. Maintains automated compounding and equipment user files. Actively participates in the writing, updating, training, and implementation of facility policy and procedure pertaining to automation equipment. Communicates with departments outside of pharmacy concerning discrepancies, errors, machine failures, and other problems that arise. Maintains control records, collecting data on any deviation in equipment accuracy, operation or suitability. Recognizes and notifies the Pharmacy Supervisor of such deviations. Assists pharmacy procurement team with maintaining the medication inventory required to run daily pharmacy operations. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, with alternating weekends, evenings, and holidays. Shifts will vary anywhere from 0700-2200. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship - You must be a citizen of the United States English Language Proficiency - You must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d) 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 (GS-07 and above): 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). National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). Grandfather Provision. A Pharmacy Technician employed in VHA on the effective date of the qualification standard (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. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level or changed to lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/ registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/ certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-08 you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07). 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). National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology and policies in a specialized area or section of pharmacy (such as sterile compounding, controlled substances, automation, clinical pharmacy, contact center, etc.) Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures. Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G28, Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: Physical movements involve completion of routine pharmacy functions which include but are not limited to significant computer work/typing, prescription order entry and processing, contact of patients (both face to face and via phone). Certain tasks are repetitive in nature and require multiple steps performed in succession for success. The incumbent should be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds without significant difficulty. Incumbent must be able to stand or sit in one place for considerable time during completion of complex tasks. Complexity of mental processes involved is extensive, demanding, and challenging.

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 Robert J Dole VA Medical and Regional Office Center 5500 East Kellogg Drive Wichita, KS 67218 US
• Name: Eduardo Alva
• Phone: 316-469-0922
• Email: [email protected]