The GS8 Inpatient Pharmacy Technician is a highly trained technician responsible for coverage of a variety of complex positions in the inpatient pharmacy including, but not limited to hazardous and non-hazardous sterile IV compounding, controlled substance dispensing, triaging phone calls, unit dose medication distribution, packaging of medication and operations of all Inpatient Pharmacy automated equipment.

Duties

Major Duties: Maintains knowledge in United States Pharmacopeia (USP) 797/800/795, pharmacy law, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulations, VHA Directives, facility and departmental policies and procedures as they relate to practice within the VA Healthcare System and its organizational elements. Maintains competence in all operational aspects of pharmacy distribution services including sterile compounding, equipment maintenance, materials handling, automation, dispensing, labeling, packaging, documentation, controlled substance accountability, and unit dose management. Uses aseptic technique to compound both complicated and uncomplicated parenteral admixtures in the form of large volumes, small volumes, infusion syringes or sterile ophthalmic preparations and other complex sterile pharmaceuticals such as total parenteral nutrition and cardioplegia solutions. Correctly interprets orders, selects product, calculates and measures appropriate ingredients, mixes ingredients in an aseptic and effective manner utilizing written procedural guidelines and manufacturer information. Inspects the final product for accuracy, stability and elegance. Labels the product, maintains records of the manufacturing process, and supplies the product for double check and timely delivery. Understands specific handling considerations for storage, distribution, and disposal of all unit dose and IV medications. Maintains technical working knowledge of equipment and supplies used in compounding and dispensing sterile and non-sterile products including but not limited to automations, needles, syringes, and various compounding devices in both the unit dose and sterile compounding. Operates and maintains pharmacy equipment systems including but not limited to Pyxis, BD IV Prep, laminar flow hoods, biological safety hoods, and a variety of medication repackaging machines. Serves as subject matter expert for these systems to perform complicated manipulations and participate in implementation of upgrades to these systems. Responsible for triaging all phone calls to the inpatient area and refer to appropriate pharmacist as necessary. Work Schedule: Two (2) Midnight/overnight positions available which primarily work the overnight compressed tours consisting of eight 10 hour shifts in a row. This position will be required to work approximately 1 week of day shifts every 6 months, or another pattern of day shifts which would result in similar total number of days shifts throughout the year. Multiple Rotational positions available covering primarily days and evenings however, some overnight coverage will be required. Weekend and holiday coverage required. Part time positions available for this work schedule. Premium Pay: Shift Differential for employees who perform work during regularly scheduled hours between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. shall receive 10 percent of basic pay for those hours. Premium pay equal to 25 percent of the employee's basic hourly rate of pay is given for hours worked between midnight Friday or midnight Sunday Compressed/Flexible:Available for 2 positions that primarily cover overnight shifts. Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000

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. Certification: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). 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: Pharmacy Technician GS-0661-08 Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07). Examples below: 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. Resolving pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers. Training developmental pharmacy technicians and students. Dispensing medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution. Troubleshooting automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases. -AND- In addition to meeting the experience for the GS-08 level, you must possess the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: You may be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

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 Minneapolis VA Medical Center One Veterans Drive Minneapolis, MN 55417 US
• Name: Karin Wehmeyer
• Phone: 3193380581
• Email: [email protected]