These Pharmacy Technician vacancies are for the VA Boston Healthcare System and may be located at any of the following campuses: Jamaica Plain, MA, West Roxbury, MA or Brockton, MA for both Inpatient and Outpatient sections. This is an open and continuous announcement lasting 3 months and applications will be reviewed every 2 weeks - 15 days. Applicants should be fully qualified by the closing date of this announcement or upon selection whichever is sooner. 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. Grade Determinations: GS-6 Pharmacy Technician (1) Minimum Qualifications: One (1) year of experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-5), which demonstrates the technical knowledge, skills and abilities associated with the duties of the position? (Experience includes, but is not limited to: performing more highly complex duties including preparation of oncology agents for clinical pharmacy specialists; performing complex service and maintenance of automated equipment.) (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. 2. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. 3. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. 4. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. 5. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts.6. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. Additionally, candidate must also be able to demonstrate KSAs for the GS-5 Full performance level: 1. Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment. 2. Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique. 3. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. 4. Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. Assignments. Pharmacy technicians may be assigned to any area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive function assignments; for example, assignment as team leaders for specific process improvement teams involving technical areas or performing more highly complex duties including preparation of oncology agents for clinical pharmacy specialists. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G-28. Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Principle duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., preparing prescriptions, use of a computer keyboard, etc.). May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 44lbs.), including boxes, equipment, medical supplies, stock boxes etc.; stooping or kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, remove and replace items on lower shelves, and to file documents in lower file drawers, etc.); sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours). Ability to operate automation. Normal ranges of hearing and vision are required to perform work and communicate effectively. An ability to perform tasks requiring rapid mental and muscular coordination functions simultaneously is necessary. Must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used for the job. ["VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws The Pharmacy Technician will perform routine pharmacy functions under the supervision of a pharmacist. All pharmacy distributive functions are performed in according to Veterans Health Administration (VHA), VA Boston Healthcare System and Pharmacy Service policies and procedures to provide comprehensive pharmaceutical services in a timely fashion to meet the needs of our patients and medical center staff. Duties include but not limited to: Reviews medications and supplies returned from units and clinics for restock or destruction in a timely manner. Prepares and dispenses all controlled substance orders using VISTA and follows VA policies and DEA rules and regulations. Prioritizes daily tasks based on importance, urgency (e.g. stroke protocol), and pharmacist requests in a timely manner to assure quality patient care. Prepares outpatient prescriptions from a variety of sources (e.g., clinic, ER, discharge) for dispensing. Answer the telephones and answer questions from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution. Identify basic therapeutic problems and alert the pharmacist to the possible need for clinical intervention. Perform any duties and special projects deemed necessary by the Chief, Pharmacy Service, Pharmacy Supervisors or the pharmacist-in-charge for the proper operation of the Pharmacy Service. Operates, maintains and cleans complicated pharmacy equipment. Assist patients and hospital personnel at the pick-up window(s). Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Schedule to be determined upon selection and is dependent upon the area of the selection. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 523-F0289 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required NOTIFICATIONS: These positions are NAGE of AFGE Bargaining Unit positions. These positions are covered by a special salary rate. Selectee may be required to work at any VA Boston Healthcare System campus, as needed. Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. Veterans' preference does not apply for other current permanent Federal agency employees. Incomplete applications will not be considered."]

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