This position is located within the Raymond G Murphy VAMHC. This position provides support to all pharmacy operations in a variety of settings. This includes patient care activities in the main outpatient dispensing pharmacy, phone center, outpatient clinic, administration area, or other area as assigned by the supervisor. The outpatient pharmacy distributes acute and chronic medications or other direct patient care services unique to the VA health care model.

Duties

Medication Distribution System Reads and interprets prescriptions from the veteran electronic health record systems (EHRS) or in written format. Reviews prescription orders. Prepares medications and ensures the orderable item matches the item being dispensed regarding drug, strength, quantity, or appropriate supply item. Dispenses medications following all regulations, policies, and procedures for safe medication distribution. Uses Automatic Dispensing machines (ADM) to batch and label medications. Ensure ScriptTalk labels are batched if needed. Maintains highly sophisticated pharmacy equipment. This includes cleaning procedures and maintenance and other counting machines. Troubleshoots equipment and databases when needed. Assists with automated or manual inventory processes that include but are not limited to inventory counts, medication ordering, stocking, checking for outdates, pulling outdates, pulling recalled medications, inspections or any other activity related to the supply of VA medications. Interprets EHRM patient medication profiles. Can confirm prescription information in the Pharmacy computer packages. Able to execute refills or other technician duties within the pharmacy software. Updates patient information in the many pharmacy software packages such as ADM's and EHRM. Enters notes into the electronic health record using pharmacy templates or blank forms. Comprehends and participates in procurement activities, inventory management, narcotic dispensing, secure messaging, overnight mail, partial fills, window dispensing, administrative reports, prescription review, and incident reports as delegated by supervisor. Prioritizes workload to complete assignments on time. Maintains a safe orderly and clean working environment. Ensures all look alike, sound alike, high alert, refrigerated medications are stored properly according to manufactures recommendations and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) requirement. Maintains adaptability and flexibility for various emerging roles and responsibilities in the medication distribution system including new equipment, assignments, and changes in pharmacy workflow. Pharmacy Phone System Able to use the current facility phone system. Maintains appropriate phone etiquette and professionalism. Able to work independently in phone center locations. Accurately collects and clarifies patient information. Capable of synthesizing patient information to identify basic therapeutic, distributive, or medication related problems. Understands when to alert pharmacists for problems. Communicates information accurately in the electronic health record or other formats. Completes calls and as needed follow up in a timely manner. Seeks opportunity to support pharmacy operations when phone volume low. Pharmacy Mail System Fills medication "to be mailed" in accordance with description provided in the medication distribution section. Ensures prescription label matches mailing label and maintains accuracy in other software or paper systems. Able to transport mail containers to pick up destinations, restock supplies, lift mail bags or containers. Assists with other medication distribution activities as directed by pharmacist, supervisor or as delineated as part of the shift responsibility. Medication Management System Assists the pharmacist with problem solving patient care or medication issues. Assists in quality improvement projects as an individual or on assigned teams to improve pharmacy service. Assists to complete required pharmacy reporting obligations as directed. Maintains pharmacy security. This includes the physical security of the pharmacy and the security of electronic records. Maintains accountability for tour of duty. This includes being ready for their tour of duty at the start of their shift, and being on time as they return from lunch, breaks, or other assigned meetings and activities. Uses written communication skills for job related activity such as secure messaging, email, or other form of pharmacy communication. Understands pharmacy SOPs and policy for general operations and inspections. Understands waste streams for returned medications and medications to be destroyed. Work Schedule: 8:00AM to 4:30PM, Monday to Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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. 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. 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). 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: Pharmacy Technician, GS-07 Experience. Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below. Certification. For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: PTCB as a CPhT; or, NHA as a ExCPT. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs. Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent. Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers. Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students. Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution. Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases. References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G28 Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard dated 11/07/2023 Physical Requirements: The work requires the regular and recurring use of a computer monitor and prolonged periods of sitting. However, based on the secondary duty assignments, the work may require regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, walking, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Raymond G Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1501 San Pedro Drive, Southeast Albuquerque, NM 87108 US
• Name: Evelyn Gaynor
• Email: [email protected]