The Medication Reconciliation Clinical Pharmacy Technician is a certified pharmacy technician with the ability to support the medication reconciliation program at the Robley Rex VAMC. The incumbent is responsible for performing medication reconciliation for patients under the oversight of the Acute Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialists, Medication Reconciliation Clinical Pharmacist, and other pharmacists while directly reporting to the Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor. 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. 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. Grandfathering Provision: 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 (GS-7): Experience. One year experience at the next lower level (GS-6) and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the required experience, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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. 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. 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-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: The work involves regular and recurring physical exertion including walking, bending, prolonged standing, stooping, lifting and carrying packages weighing up to 40 pounds. Dexterity is required for the operation of Pharmacy equipment. ["The primary function of the Medication Reconciliation Clinical Pharmacy Technician is to assure and document the complete reconciliation of all medications. Other duties may include laboratory value monitoring, medical chart/action profile poly-pharmacy reviews, medication utilization evaluation monitoring, pharmacoeconomic reviews, telephone logistical support, and supplemental patient education communication. On-site certification of clinical competency shall be completed prior to performing assigned clinical functions. The medication reconciliation clinical pharmacy technician successfully and consistently demonstrates 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. Duties include, but are not limited to: Interviews patients (and families/caregivers as appropriate), to develop an accurate list of medications, strengths, and dosages the patient has been taking which may include prescription medications, OTC (over-the-counter) products, herbal, and/or illicit drugs. Contacts other pharmacies to complete the accurate list. Assesses patient compliance with prescribed therapy through patient/caregiver interview and review of refill dates. Compares the compiled list with the active medication profile in VISTA/CPRS. Provides supplemental reinforcement education for patients concerning operational issues or need for therapy compliance. Reviews medication profiles for prescription duplication, therapeutic duplication, prescription noncompliance, medication conversion and cost savings opportunities, and allergies/adverse drug reactions. Reports identified patients to assigned pharmacist for further evaluation. Assists the pharmacist in reporting adverse drug reactions, medication errors, and near misses according to the facility policy. Participates in quality improvement processes and programs as assigned. Receives training and follows all infectious disease precautions. Maintains competence by participating in staff development programs. The incumbent is administratively accountable to an assigned Pharmacy Supervisor/Manager. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; Primarily day shift with rotating weekends and holidays Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Pharmacy Technician/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
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Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.