This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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 in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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. Grade Determinations: Experience: One year experience at the next lower level (GS 6) and must fully meet the GS 6 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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSA's: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28 Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 40 lb., and bending/stooping. ["Sets up, adjusts & maintains the operation of all inpatient pharmacy machines needed to support dispensing to patients Performs or schedules basic & routine maintenance to automated dispensing devices at times least disruptive to patient care which can include nights, weekends & holidays. Also performs daily maintenance / inventory procedures on equipment as required and/or assigned. Ensures that equipment is cleaned & maintained to minimize downtime Works directly with automation companies' technical & clinical support to troubleshoot & resolve automation issues & maximize utilization of the automation equipment Responsible for resolving problems & complaints regarding Pharmacy Inventory Management & Unit Dose Automation Troubleshoots problems with all automated dispensing systems when, production is compromised & alerts appropriate personnel Responsible for simple fixes in coordination with manufacture or requesting repairs in accordance with maintenance contracts Inventories & replenishes automated equipment without the need to be checked by a pharmacist or another technician Works directly with other health care services locally this includes VISN & VHA employees, along with services to maximize utilization of the automation equipment Manages, fills, & prepares for delivery, orders & all requests pertinent to the automated medication dispensing system(s) Sets up, adjusts & maintains accessories & supplies for automated medication dispensing devices Coordinates the collection & reporting of data analysis & summarizing reports for review by Pharmacy Management Maintains control records, collecting data on any deviation in equipment accuracy, operation or suitability Recognizes & notifies the Chief of Pharmacy Service of such deviations when patient harm is eminent. This includes collecting technical data necessary for the purchase of new equipment, collecting & reporting quality improvement data in a format useful for pharmacy management & providing suggestions or other information that may be useful for improving the efficiency of the pharmacy's automated dispensing systems Monitor's quality assurance & reports deficiencies to their Pharmacy Supervisor & other leadership within the Pharmacy Service as instructed Assists the Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor in collecting data for workload reports & process improvement projects Trains & orients Pharmacy Staff, Controlled Substance Inspectors & other Medical Center staff involved in operating the automation equipment to improve understanding & ability to research & resolve discrepancies within these Systems Maintains a training/education manual for the area(s) assigned Provides training to new or existing staff so that these competencies are maintained Actively participates in the writing, updating, training, & implementation of facility policy & procedure pertaining to automation equipment Provides specialized technical support to pharmacy staff & other medical center personnel regarding the use of automated medication distribution systems Serves as technical advisor & trainer to other pharmacy staff in the operation, calibration & maintenance of automated pharmacy equipment & devices Supports pharmacy & other medical staff in the use of automated pharmacy equipment involved in the packaging & distribution of medications to patients, medical staff & Automated drug machines of this medical center Plans, develops & implements Automated Dispensing System security awareness to heighten controlled substance accountability Demonstrates critical systems thinking in automation implementation & process improvement initiatives Coordinates the technical aspect of Inpatient Pharmacy drug distribution activities to ensure standard operating procedures are in alignment with automation capabilities so that efficiencies are maximized Is instrumental in recommending & implementing changes for the improvement of the workflow, work methods & priorities involved within the drug distribution system Evaluates, analyzes workflow & coordinates work activities to accomplish needed tasks each day in the safest, efficient way possible following all required guidelines Maintains Medical Center Memoranda pertaining to Pharmacy Service & Pharmacy Service Standard operating procedures Functions as a pharmacy technician with all the same duties assigned by the pharmacy supervisor or designee as needed or as assigned by another member of Pharmacy management staff Performs all the duties of a Pharmacy Technician at lower grades as assigned Work Schedule: M-F 7:30AM - 4PM with rotating shifts, nights, weekends, & holidays Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 54530-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Liz.Licea@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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