Summary

The Outpatient Lead Pharmacy Technician is responsible for inventory management - database maintenance - maintenance and care of automation equipment and adherence to operational - regulatory - and quality assurance standards.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• To qualify for appointment to this position - all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship - You must be a citizen of the United States English Language Proficiency - You must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d) Education or Experience: None required
• For all grade levels and positions that accept both education and experience to qualify - equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 100% are qualifying
• The combined percentage is determined by adding total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level to the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level
• Certification (GS-07 and above): 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)
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA) - Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT)
• 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)
• Pharmacy Technician - GS-08 Grade Requirements: Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements - to qualify for the GS-08 you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07)
• Experience includes mentoring and training lower graded pharmacy technicians in the practice setting
• assisting advanced/ specialized pharmacy technicians and participating in performance improvement initiatives
• using independent judgement to perform the full range of duties in the pharmacy
• functioning as staff pharmacy technicians in various locations of the pharmacy - including pharmacy contact centers and other non-traditional pharmacy locations - with minimal oversight
• 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)
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA) - Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT)
• Knowledge - Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: Comprehensive knowledge of concepts - principles - methodology and policies in a specialized area or section of pharmacy (such as sterile compounding - controlled substances - automation - clinical pharmacy - contact center - etc.) Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures
• Ability to evaluate - analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy
• 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 5005/159 PART II APPENDIX G28

Duties

• Duties include - but are not limited to: Pharmacy Operations: Maintain competence in hazardous medications - including appropriate preparation - stability - handling - beyond use dating - and disposal
• Maintain competence in all operational aspects of pharmacy service including specialty equipment and materials - automation - distribution - labeling - packaging - dispensing documentation - controlled substance accountability - procurement - and inventory management
• Ensure databases are updated with new or outdated products
• Troubleshoot in the event of equipment or associated software malfunction - work with vendors and internal services to solve problems
• Maintain ordering officer designations and knowledge of VA formulary and VA contractual requirements for procurement
• order medications and supplies to meet anticipated patient care requirements
• manage drug shortages and avoid waste
• Serve as a backup for all department procurement activities
• Perform all annual inventory functions in the inpatient pharmacy
• Ensure medication recalls are handled appropriately
• Create and maintain all SOPs for equipment used in the outpatient pharmacy Lead Activities: Train and schedule all pharmacy technicians and students - ensure all pharmacy policies and procedures are followed and maximize efficiency
• Train pharmacists and technicians on new equipment and processes
• Conduct annual competencies for all staff and initial competencies for all equipment use
• Work closely with Pharmacy Management to execute strategic plans and policies
• Prepare work schedules and assign tasks to ensure timely completion of duties
• Adjust work assignments due to absences - emergencies - or changes in priorities
• Ensure pharmacy resources are in optimal working condition and address workflow needs
• Resolve complaints of employees and patients and refer more difficult problems to the supervisor
• Quality Assurance: Oversee monthly medication storage area inspections - ensure all medication appropriately stored and checked regularly - including medications in kits and carts
• Maintain a thorough understanding of VA - USP - Joint Commission and other standards for drug handling and storage and monitor in all areas - take action to maintain security and integrity of all medications
• Program Management: Serve on department or medical center committees as requested
• Adhere to all medical center and department policies and procedures
• Manage information security within areas of responsibility to assure that computer system security and confidentiality of sensitive information is maintained - and that employee access to sensitive information is limited only to that which the employee requires to perform their duties
• Report and address violations of information security
• Maintain the security of pharmaceuticals according to local policies and federal and state regulations
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized