Summary

This certified Pharmacy Technician position is located at the Lake Baldwin VA Community Clinic which is part of the Orlando VA Healthcare System. Pharmacy technicians at this grade level are nationally certified by PTCB or ExCPT and can work autonomously, using independent judgement to perform a full range of duties.

Qualifications

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
• Certification
• For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
• OR National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT)
• English Language Proficiency
• Pharmacy Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. §
• 7403(f)
• Grade Determinations Pharmacy Technician, GS-07: Experience
• Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-06
• The knowledge, skills, and abilities at the GS-06 grade level are: Knowledge of Federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice
• Knowledge of preparation, storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation
• Ability to use pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment
• Knowledge of basic inventory procedures
• Ability to communicate with patients and staff and direct questions to appropriate personnel
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work
• Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent
• Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers
• Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students
• Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution
• Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.

Duties

• VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Pharmacy Technicians above the full performance level can mentor and train lower grade technicians in the practice setting
• The employee will assist the pharmacist in providing optimal care and timely service in accordance with the mission, vision, and goals of the Orlando VA Healthcare System and Pharmacy
• The Pharmacy Technician are expected to accomplish all duties related to stocking, delivering, inventory, inspections, assembling ward orders, prescription assembly, controlled substances distribution, sterile compounding (including hazardous drugs), unit-dose drug packaging, dispensing, distribution, and any other function related to pharmaceutical practices
• Functions of the Pharmacy Technician include, but are not limited to: Accurately interpret, fill, and prepare prescriptions with appropriate medications and/or medical supplies for the Pharmacist verification
• Maintain work area in a clean and orderly condition by assuring that all stock and equipment are in assigned places and all shelves and counters are free of dust and debris in order to create an optional work area
• Record expiration dates in the automatic prescription dispensing system upon receipt
• Perform monthly inspections to assigned areas to ensure proper storage of medications and soon to expire drugs are removed
• Demonstrate the ability to work under a variety of circumstances to maximize group productivity and quality
• Assume an active role in the overall pharmacy-training program consisting of students, externs, interns, residents, and professional and non-professional staff members
• Completes all National, VISN, local, and Pharmacy mandatory training in a timely manner
• Complies with all VHA, Medical Center, and Pharmacy regulations, directives, policies, and procedures
• Controlled Substances Activities Document all controlled substance items in automated secured cabinets (i.e Pyxis) in pharmacy or throughout medical center, as assigned
• Ensure that proper handoffs occur when receiving or delivering controlled substances, assuring that at all times these medications are never left unsecured
• Report unresolvable discrepancies to immediate supervisor for resolution
• Assist with investigating, witnessing, and resolving discrepancies Inpatient Pharmacy Activities: Consist with displaying competence with good manufacturing practice and sterile technique through demonstration and/or work performance
• Follow USP 797/800 guidelines for the compounding of all sterile preparation
• Outpatient Pharmacy Activities: Assemble prescription properly with correct drug, strength, quantity, auxiliary labels, and prescription labels for dispensing
• Verify that patient receives the correct prescription by using VA software
• Package prescriptions correctly, as to assure packages are not damaged with in transit
• Utilize and comprehend the mail shipping programs
• Perform searches, update patient information, and generate shipping reports
• Work Schedule: May be required to work day, evening, night, weekend, holiday and/or compressed tours on a rotating schedule
• The hours may vary per the needs of the service and will rotate on a fair and equitable basis, to include weekends and holidays
• Telework: Ad-hoc telework available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: : 81990F, Pharmacy Technician (Inpatient/Outpatient) Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized