Career Center

THIS OPEN & CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT (OCA) ESTABLISHES A STANDING REGISTER OF ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS, which closes on September 30, 2022. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be April 15, 2022 with subsequent reviews every other week as additional vacancies occur, or on an as-needed basis, until positions are filled. Please see the "What To Expect Next" area of the announcement which provides additional information on the referral process for this type of announcement. 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. 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-6 Pharmacy Technician (a) Experience. One year experience at the next lower level (GS-05), and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. GS-05 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): (b) Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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. (d) 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 G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5019. ["This Pharmacy Technician position is in Pharmacy services at the White River Junction VA Medical Center, located at the White River Junction, Vermont location. This position is a full-time at 40 per week. The pharmacy technician works in collaboration with other pharmacy technicians and responds to requests of pharmacists and other pharmacy supervisory staff. Duties include, but are not limited to: Work assignments may include but not limited to Inpatient and Outpatient Pharmacies Provide various technical support services within the pharmacy department. Provides services related to inpatient and outpatient ambulatory patients Performs a variety of complex technical functions in Pharmacy Service under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. May include window and mail-out prescription processing. Drug procurement as necessary. Accepts emergency assignments as indicated by supervisor. Performs a variety of complex technical functions which include, but are not limited to IV admixture section, unit dose, and bulk compounding or prepackaging. Filling medication orders. Service of Veterans either at pickup window or with telephone assistance. Refilling of ScriptPro and Pyxis machines. Inventory control. Training and service in narcotic vault as needed. Interpret medication orders and formulas for appropriateness, to include, content, dosage, completeness, compatibility and conformity with established guidelines. Prepares, packages and labels drug orders as directed by pharmacist. Receives inpatient medication orders and dispenses accordingly. Procures medication through prime vendor in absence of procurement pharmacy technician. When assigned to telephone triage area the technician will assist in resolving problems and aiding patients with medication needs. Work Schedule: Varies. Possible weekends and holidays.\nCompressed/Flexible: Not Authorized\nTelework/Virtual/Remote Work: Not Authorized\nFunctional Statement #:F2375, F2376, F2377, F2378\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required Notifications: This position is in the Excepted Service. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees. Interchange Agreements with Other Merit System: Employees who occupy medical or medical-related positions and were appointed under 38 U.S.C. 4701(1) or (3) [formerly 38 U.S.C. 4104 (1) and (3)] must be serving in a full-time position without time limit and have served continuously for at least one year in this other merit system to be eligible to convert to the Title 5 System. Some exceptions to this rule may apply if you have previously acquired tenure under a Title 5 appointment. 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. This position is a AFGE Bargaining Unit position. This position is covered by a special rate."]