The Outpatient Pharmacy Technician will be assigned on a rotation basis to various positions, including pharmacy call center, outpatient pharmacy inventory management, non-sterile compounding, controlled substance management, as well as medication preparation and shipping. The technician must have an extensive knowledge of pharmacy policies and procedures and the use of specialized equipment. 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) is required at grades GS-6 and above. 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. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Experience. One year experience at the next lower (GS-5) level and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. KSAs for the GS-5 level include: 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 GS-6 technical KSAs: 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. All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II Appendix G-28, Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard GS-661, Veterans Health Administration. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; walking (3 hours); standing (6 hours); both legs required; both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted). ["**This is an Open Continuous Announcement. The first review/referral of applications will occur 5 business days after the opening of this announcement; after this date applicants will be reviewed on a weekly basis.** Duties include, but are not limited to: Pharmacy Operations: Operates and maintains complicated pharmacy equipment including robotic automation (ScriptPro). Troubleshoots in the event of equipment or associated software malfunction. Requests service assistance from VA entities or the equipment vendor. Reads and interprets prescriptions for technical accuracy, completes prescription filling process including labeling and batching prescriptions utilizing robotic automation (ScriptPro) when applicable. For those medications and/or supplies unavailable for fill by robotic automation (ScriptPro), technician manually obtains correct medication or material in the proper strength and dosage form, manually counts, pours, and/or measures correct amount of medication, and manually affixes proper label; records required data in robotic automation (ScriptPro) database or on Pharmacy's copy of prescription/order hardcopy when required. Presents completed prescriptions to pharmacist for final verification prior to dispensing. Answers questions from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution. Assists in total quality improvement activities by participating in medical center and service process assessment and action teams and continually seeks to improve services. Controlled Substance vault responsibilities: Performs inventory, fills prescriptions, maintains all paperwork, files and computer entries. Assures all documentation is completed as required by IG and JCAHO standards. Maintains ordering officer designations to receive controlled substance medication orders from prime vendor. Pharmacy call center responsibilities: Triages phone calls. Phone will be appropriately routed to pharmacists, pharmacy management, and members of medical team, or other areas of the medical center. Assists patients with tele-pharmacy applications including patient orientation to the application. Provides patient education on pharmacy topics such as the requesting refill process, drug information sheets, and relaying judgmental questions to the pharmacist. Processes refill requests from a variety of avenues including refill slips dropped on site, refill slips given over the phone, etc. When appropriate, forwards refill and or renewal requests to the medical care team on behalf of the Veteran. Assists veterans by researching the status of prescriptions, including package tracking, etc. Quality Assurance Conducts monthly medication storage area inspections in inpatient wards and outpatient areas for audit purposes. Completes thorough inspections, documents findings, and shares findings with pharmacy management. Maintains a thorough understanding of VA, USP, Joint Commission and other standards for drug handling and storage and monitor in all areas, taking action to maintain security and integrity of all medications. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Possible weekends and holidays. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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