The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Pharmacy Technician. The Pharmacy Technician will function in Pharmacy Service. 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) 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 for a Pharmacy Technician-Compounded Sterile Preparations Technician (GS-7) Experience. One year experience at the next lower level (GS-6). Examples of specialized experience include: 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, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: 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 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Areas of Consideration - Applicants will be considered based on the following areas of consideration. First Area of Consideration (Facility Employees) - Current, permanent VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System employees (this includes Outpatient Clinics, permanent employees of the Veteran Canteen Service assigned to this facility, Office of Information & Technology employees assigned to this facility, CPAC bargaining unit employees located at the Cleveland VAMC, and Virtual CBOPC bargaining unit employees under station 741 located at the Cleveland VAMC. Second Area of Consideration (Other VA Employees) - Current, permanent Department of Veterans Affairs Employees (VA employees who are located at other VA medical centers). All other qualified US citizens. ["1. Acts as primary pharmacy advisor to clinic staff on policies and procedures, medication availability and formulary status, controlled substance policies and procedures, copayments, and other pharmacy programs and responsibilities. 2. Enters data into the VISTA Automatic Replenishment Package for each CBOC. 3. Provides training to CBOC staff on utilization of the Pyxis Medstation, drug identification and use, FDA and VHA regulations, and good pharmacy practice. 4. This position requires technical knowledge of drug and medication brand names, generic names/ chemical names, general and special storage requirements, expiration date requirements, dosage forms, applicable system of weights and measures, and medical terminology in order to interpret physician's orders and verify that correct drug, dosage form, strength, and dose is prepared and dispensed. Working knowledge of drug use and dosage forms available to be able to screen drug orders for propriety and assist the pharmacist in solving potential problems using working knowledge of hospital computer system, specifically, the applicable VISTA processing options. 5. Checks CBOC pharmacy stock for discoloration, deterioration, outdates, or the accumulation of abnormally large amounts of supplies or items in need of replenishment. Removes unusable products from active stock at each of the CBOC's and coordinates/documents the disposal of unusable stock with the Pharmacy Supply team. 6. Checks CBOC pharmacy stock to determine if it is at the appropriate level, rotated properly to insure freshness, and stored correctly in the Pyxis Medstation. This includes adequate cleanliness/maintenance of outpatient pharmacy service equipment. Unusual conditions are referred to the supervisor. 7. Assesses and determines the relative importance of various factors when stocking each CBOC. The various factors to consider include assessing the urgency of the medical need, seasonal variations in drug usage, changing patterns of medical practice, and/or balancing inventory control concerns against the risk of being out of drugs that are critical for maintaining an acceptable level of health care, etc. 8. This position requires knowledge of Pharmacy Service and Medical Center Policies and Procedures, as well as VA and DEA regulations. Due to the large number of guidelines and their similarities, employee is required to use judgment to identify and select the most appropriate guidelines, references, and procedures for application in making minor deviations to adapt the guidelines to specific cases. For situations where the existing guidelines are not applicable, the employee refers them to the supervisor. 10. Acts in the capacity of automation technician on days when not off site. This typically is twice a week. The automation technician fills prescriptions, dispenses at the window, and answers phone calls. 11. Performs other miscellaneous duties as requested by supervisor. 12. The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting, and carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 40 lbs., bending / stooping, and driving back and forth between the various facilities (500 miles per week) in all types of weather conditions. 13. Work is performed in patient care areas and in the pharmacy, where there is potential for exposure to communicable diseases. Such areas are adequately heated and ventilated. The work is fast paced and at times stressful. The incumbent observes normal safety precautions while working in this area and while traveling between the medical center and the various CBOC's. 14. The impact on positive patient care outcomes can be profoundly influenced, by the skills, abilities, and performance of this technician. Products managed by this employee are essential to maintaining the life and well-being of patients. Accuracy of performing duties can have a profound effect on the course of medical care a patient receives. 15. Provides back up coverage, including deliveries, in the absence of the Wade Park Off-Site Support Pharmacy Technician."]

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