Career Center

Serves as Pharmacy Technician in the Pharmacy Service providing either Inpatient or Outpatient support as follows: Outpatient: Provides technical and automated outpatient pharmacy support under the guidance of a registered pharmacist and under the direct supervision of the Outpatient Supervisor Pharmacy Technician. Inpatient: This position functions primarily inpatient non-ambulatory medical, surgical and intensive patient care areas of Pharmacy Service within the VA Medical Center. 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. GS-5 Education or Experience: 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; 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 up to the 1 year of experience required for the GS-5 level; or at least 1 year of experience at the next lower level that demonstrates the core competencies (KSAs) described at the GS-4 level AND in addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment. Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. References: VA Handbook 5005, April 15, 2002, Part II Appendix G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-05. Physical Requirements: Routinely involved in walking, bending, stooping, lifting and handling items not to exceed 50 lbs. Includes prolonged periods of standing and irregular work shifts. ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until October 11, 2022. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be April 25, 2022, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Outpatient: Performs duties involved in all facets of outpatient distribution which includes computer entry of prescriptions and prescription filling with the correct medication. Ensures proper identification of patient picking up medications, which include controlled substances. Deals appropriately with direct and telephone inquiries from patients, Medical Center staff and others. Uses computer packages to update patient information and provides technical information to customers. Performs standard assays on products before they are packaged and labeled. Maintains communication with the Material Management section concerning inventory needed and possible shortages. Provides assistance and coverage during periods of heavy workload and during the absence of the Controlled Substances Technicians, to include preparing, filling, and decrementing all outpatient orders and requests for controlled substances; receives new stock and returned stock into inventory. Repackages liquids, tablets, capsules, etc., into specific quantities and various size containers. Inpatient: Reads and interprets prescriptions, obtains proper medication or material in the prosper strength dosage form; determines proper amount and counts, pours, or measures the medications; affixes proper label; and records required data on pharmacy's copy of prescription/order. Inventories and replenishes emergency carts. Collects drug use evaluation data for quality improvement purposes. Operates and maintains complicated pharmacy dispensing equipment. Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile) without a second review. This includes calculating and converting to proper weights and measures the amount of drug or solution to be used. Answers questions from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution. Identifies basic therapeutic problems such as duplicate therapy with drugs in the same class and alerts the pharmacist to the possible need for clinical intervention. Work Schedule: Rotating Schedule\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]