The Inpatient Pharmacy Technician will be assigned tasks within any area of the inpatient or outpatient pharmacy, vault, clean room, clinic, procedural area, operating room, and inpatient ward. Additionally, the technician will perform quality assurance activities including medication room inspections within the facility and at off-site clinic locations. 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. 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. 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: Experience. One year experience at the next lower (GS-6) level and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. KSAs for the GS-6 level include: Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following GS-7 technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *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. Preferred Experience: Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Understanding of regulatory and quality standards for health system pharmacy practice. Candidates should have recent experience in a current or previous job that includes sterile compounding, controlled substance accountability, inventory management and prioritization of responsibilities in an acute care setting. All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II Appendix G-28, Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard GS-661, Veterans Health Administration. Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; walking and standing (3 hours); repeated bending and climbing (1 hour); both legs required; ability to distinguish basic colors; and hearing (aid permitted). ["**This is an Open Continuous Announcement. The first review/referral of applications will occur 15 business days after the opening of this announcement; after this date applicants will be reviewed on a weekly basis.** Duties include, but are not limited to: Maintain competence in the area of compounded sterile preparations and compounded hazardous medications, including appropriate preparation, stability, handling, beyond use dating, and disposal. Maintain competence in all operational aspects of pharmacy service including specialty equipment and materials, automation, distribution, labeling, packaging, documentation, controlled substance accountability, procurement, and inventory management. Ensure database maintenance (Omnicell, MedCarousel, Script Pro, Alaris, Codonics) by informing appropriate personnel of new products/packages and scanning failures. Troubleshoot in the event of equipment or associated software malfunction, including the ability to request service assistance from VA entities or the equipment vendor. Supervise pharmacy technician trainees and pharmacy students in performance of any operational functions. Ensure workload is completed in a timely manner and prioritize tasks to provide the most efficient and relevant service delivery. Maintain ordering officer designations and knowledge of VA formulary and VA contractual requirements for procurement; order medications and supplies to meet anticipated patient care requirements and avoid waste. Conduct monthly medication storage area inspections in inpatient wards and outpatient areasfor audit purposes. Completes thorough inspections, documents findings, and shares findings with pharmacy management. Maintain a thorough understanding of VA, USP, Joint Commission and other standards for drug handling and storage and monitor in all areas, taking action to maintain security and integrity of all medications. Serve on department or medical center committees as requested. Manage information security within areas of responsibility to assure that computer system security and confidentiality of sensitive information is maintained. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm. Occasional weekends and holidays, 7:00am to 3:30pm. Possible evenings, 1:30pm-10pm. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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