The Outpatient Pharmacy Technician at the Hines VAMC primary serves in the outpatient pharmacy, however can function in various areas of the Pharmacy Service Outpatient Pharmacy technicians at this level have a major impact on the operational aspects of the Pharmacy Service for providing timely, efficient, and accurate prescription filling and dispensing with minimal need of supervision. 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. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English. Education or Experience: A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience. GS-5 Grade Determinations: Education: Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included at least 24 semester hours of courses related to pharmacy or pharmacy technology. OR Experience: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower level (GS-4) that demonstrates the core competencies (KSAs) described at the GS-4 level or successful completion of pertinent specialized training courses in pharmaceutical and pharmacy services while serving in the Armed Forces is creditable on a month-for-month basis. GS-4 KSAs 1. Ability to process and fill prescriptions under supervision. 2. Ability to operate and maintain dispensing equipment. 3. Ability to operate pharmacy information systems. 4. Ability to maintain appropriate files. 5. Ability to prepare sterile compounds under supervision. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following GS-5 KSAs: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G28 Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standards. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing/sitting for prolonged periods of time, considerable walking, frequent twisting/turning, and bending/stooping. Principle duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers when compounding or manipulating medications. The incumbent must be able to perform lifting/carrying, pushing, or pulling different types of equipment such as cabinets, carts or supplies weighing at minimum 50 pounds through various terrains. Must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used on the job in the areas as assigned. ["Outpatient Pharmacy Technicians typically carry out the full range of technical support functions, processing and filling outpatient prescriptions for scheduled and non-scheduled federal legend drugs and medical devices, over-the-counter products and supply items. Preparation and distribution of unit dose medications and ward stock items and intravenous admixtures including cytotoxic chemotherapy; stock management; operation, maintenance, re-stocking and troubleshooting of automated dispensing equipment; patient and customer relations. Preparation and maintenance of various logs, records and reports. Required to perform some or all of the functions; however, the relative percentages of time spent performing each specific function varies with the area of administrative assignment. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the duties of the position including that necessary to provide care appropriate to the population of the patients served. Knowledge and skills are identified in the Competence Assessment Checklist of the position and include the knowledge and skills in: Communicated and interpersonal relations, including the ability to appropriately and courteously relate to internal and external customers. Maintenance of confidentiality of patient/employee information, electronic and print. The medical center performance improvement program. How to work and function in the medical center in a safe manner, including infection control and the correct operation of equipment. Population-specific care, as identified in the Population-Specific Competencies, including communicating with patients who may have hearing, physical or cognitive impairments. Servicing clinic locations including CBOCs as needed. Performs other duties assigned. Work Schedule: Rotating 8:00a-4:30p and 9:30-6:00p with rotational weekend and holidays; off-tour hours as needed for patient care. Rotating schedule to include, days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Will be discussed further at the time of interview. Telework: Not Available Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
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.