The primary functions of the Clinical Pharmacy Technician include assistance with medication reconciliation upon admission and discharge, support of internal medicine clinical pharmacists via report generation and laboratory monitoring, drug utilization evaluation monitoring, pharmacoeconomic reviews, telephone logistical support, supplemental patient education communication, and prescription order entry (with pharmacist verification). Basic Requirements: Education or Experience. A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain licensure/certification/registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. Grandfathering Provision. The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all Title 38 hybrid qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/ registration requirements that apply to this occupation. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Pharmacy Technician, GS-07:Experience. One year experience at the next lower level and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: *Ability to evaluate, analyze workflow, and coordinate work activities. Ability to independently gather, evaluate, and analyze data to generate reports and/or for other projects/statistical purposes. Knowledge of pharmacy policies and procedures sufficient to train and orient new employees and other staff Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and care of specialized pharmaceutical equipment. Comprehensive knowledge of the procurement and formulary process. Comprehensive knowledge of investigational drug policies and procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of controlled substance policies and procedures, and the ability to identify and investigate discrepancies in these policies and procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to, analyze data in VA information systems. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Pharmacy technicians at this grade level may be assigned as a supervisor; lead technician in a particular area of the pharmacy; a controlled substance technician; an investigational drug technician; a procurement/inventory management technician; a clinical pharmacy technician; or similar assignment with this level of complexity. The GS-7 level is for select, complex pharmacy technician positions, as established by each health care facility. To be advanced, employees must meet all of the following standards, provided the standard is part of their assignment. Determinations concerning placement of positions at this grade level shall take into consideration the skill mix and the availability of supervision in the work unit. Although these positions are under the supervision of a pharmacist, employees in such settings successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment (without the need for readily available supervision) as well as comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of the most complex or difficult practices and procedures. Such individuals may also serve as leaders or co-leaders in a Pharmacy Service or for a specific unit or section. Preferred Experience: Experience with performing medication reconciliation Extensive experience with communicating with patients and non-pharmacy healthcare disciplines Experience with note writing in medical records. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28, Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard, GS-0661 dated March 17, 2006 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking; Standing; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Emotional and Mental Stability. ["On-site certification of clinical aptitude shall be completed prior to performing assigned clinical functions. Major Duties as Assigned, but not limited to: This technician functions under the matrix supervision of a Clinical Pharmacy Technician Supervisor who reports to a Clinical Pharmacist Manager under the umbrella of the Associate Chief of Pharmacy, Clinical Services. Clinical & Pharmacoeconomic Activities: The Clinical Pharmacy Technician shall provide and support clinical and pharmacoeconomic activities as assigned. All assigned clinical activities and functions shall be completed in accordance with approved clinical pharmacy protocols. Assigned activities include: Routinely reviews computer medication profile for prescription duplication, therapeutic duplication, prescription noncompliance, and allergies / adverse drug reactions. Reports identified patients to assigned clinical pharmacist for evaluation. Routinely reviews laboratory monitoring reports for selected disease states and identifies patients with lab values beyond normal limits. Reports identified patients to assigned clinical pharmacist for evaluation. Routinely performs patient medical chart & medication profile reviews to identify poly-pharmacy situations. Reports identified patients to assigned clinical pharmacist for evaluation. Interviews patients regarding their medication history and current usage to include VA and non-VA medications. Documents clinical and operational activities as assigned via CPRS progress notes. Order Entry: The Clinical Pharmacy Technician shall be responsible for the accurate and timely computer entry of medication orders for assigned area(s). The incumbent shall: Input new, refill and mail prescriptions into the computer after the prescriptions have been reviewed for appropriateness by a pharmacist. Prescriptions entered by the Clinical Pharmacy Technician shall be verified by a pharmacist prior to processing / dispensing. Provide secondary review for the pharmacist by reviewing the order for patient allergies, eligibility, dosage, schedule, duration and instructions. The Clinical Pharmacy Technician will also provide a secondary back-up review for any potential drug-drug, drug disease, drug-nutrient interactions, and therapeutic duplications as well as identifying any potential patient compliance problems. Understand the function and activity of the computer and consult with clinical pharmacist as appropriate concerning operational or compliance related issues. Prioritize operational and assigned clinical functions to provide the highest quality of patient care. Customer Service and Communication: The clinical pharmacy technician shall: Provide telephone triage and patient follow-up as assigned. Promote harmonious relationships within the work environment supporting the needs of the team and the customer. Communicate and follow-up on requests in a timely manner based on the needs of the clinic team /supervisor(s). Communicate (orally and in writing) in a manner which supports the needs of the customer and promotes harmonious relationships. Education & Personal Competence: The Clinical Pharmacy Technician is responsible for participating in assigned educational services and activities of clinical pharmacy and the Ambulatory Care Services product line. The clinical pharmacy technician shall: Participate in clinical pharmacy lectures and educational programs as assigned. Lectures and programs may include journal club, noon lecture series and staff development lectures. Maintain competence by participating in staff development programs. Successfully complete annual competency certifications based on specific clinical functions / activities assigned. Confidentiality and Security: The clinical pharmacy technician shall: Comply with all hospital patient and service confidentiality guidelines and policies. Follow applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as delineated in the computer access agreement and VA policy. Protect patient information from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. Patient Safety: The incumbent will be responsible for promoting a culture of safety and will fully cooperate in efforts to improve patient safety and eradicate potential events including the reporting of events resulting in actual or potential injury to a patient. Incumbent must demonstrate knowledge of the reporting procedures involving safety issues relating to patients. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts, Nights/Weekends/Holidays; 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but my be extended to 7:00 p.m.\nCompressed/Flexible: Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position\nFunctional Statement #: Pharmacy Technician/#000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not Required"]