Career Center

The primary purpose of the position is to process, prepare and package prescribed medications and medical supplies for outpatient pharmacy and delivery to inpatient wards/clinics. The organizational location of the position is at the office of the Associate Chief, Pharmacy Operations (Outpatient), VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), Bonham, Texas. 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. 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: Grade 06: (a) Experience. One year experience at the next lower level (GS 05), and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level, to include the following: 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 technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs. (b) Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 1. Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. 2. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. 3. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. 4. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. 5. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts.6. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. Preferred Experience: 1. Minimum of 1-year previous outpatient or inpatient pharmacy experience 2. Experience with pharmacy automation (ScriptPro, Omnicell, ScriptCenter) 3. Knowledge and experience with pharmacy information/operating system References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 Pharmacy Technician The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 06. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds, Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds, Straight pulling <30 hours, Pulling hand over hand, Pushing <30 hours, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking 6 hours, Standing 6 hours, Repeated bending 1 hours, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Hearing (aid permitted), Working closely with others, Distant vision (Snellen): without corrective lenses: right 20 left 20 ; with corrective lenses, if worn; right 20 left 20, Ear Assessment: Right Ear 20 ft. Left Ear 20 ft ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until February 15, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 2, 2022, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until 02/15/2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days, after 90 days applicants will have to reapply. The Pharmacy Technician is responsible but not limited to the following: A. Dispensing: 1. Works collaboratively with the pharmacist to organize workload and establish optimal workflow in the area/duties assigned to complete work as accurately and efficiently as possible.\n2. Identifies basic therapeutic problems such as duplicate therapy with drugs in the same class. Recommends to the pharmacist clinical intervention or consultation with the patient about the drug(s). Prints patients' profile for resolving problems such as patients requesting expired, early prescription refills, etc.\n3. Interprets, scans, sets up labels and readies the prescription medication order for final check by the Pharmacist. Converts the order, if necessary, so that the item dispensed corresponds to the drug and dose ordered. Reads and interprets prescriptions; obtains proper medication or material in the proper strength and dosage form; determines proper amount and counts, pours, or measures the medications. Calculates and converts to proper weights and measures the amount of drug or solution to be used. Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile). Affixes proper label; and records required data on Pharmacy's copy of prescription/order. Prepares and packages medications for mailing, including certified mail.\nB. Medication Distribution and Management\n1. Properly and accurately loads/restocks pharmacy automation with assigned medications after pharmacist verification.\n2. Performs final review of medications prepared and packaged by pharmacy automation to be dispensed to inpatient areas only, such as unit dose\ncarts and Omnicells. Fill and deliver unit dose carts timely and independently without secondary review.\n3. Restocks ward and clinic orders for drugs, supplies, and vaccines as necessary. Maintain records accurately and properly.\n4. Resolve missing doses by collaborating with nursing and other personnel and deliver medications timely to assist with good patient care.\nC. Automation\n1. Operates and maintains all pharmacy equipment (Omnicell, ScriptPro, ScriptCenter, unit dose packaging equipment, etc.). Troubleshoots problems\nand initiates corrective actions in situations where unanticipated or difficult machine stoppages occur and operating instructions are inadequate.\nApprises manufacturer on problems encountered when unable to be resolved locally.\nD. Administrative\n1. Assists in keeping the overall pharmacy work environment clean and presentable. Participates in the medical center total quality improvement\nactivities, Pharmacy Service process assessment and other action teams seeking to improve services. Collects drug use evaluation data for quality\nimprovement.\n2. Assists Medical Center staff, patients, and other external customers, whether by phone, online, or in person, concerning drug distribution, refill\nrequests, mail and general triaging of requests for the pharmacists, and other refer inquiries to a pharmacist appropriately if needed. Participate in\nthe education and training of all new employees, trainees, and volunteers, and assist in their evaluation by providing feedback on their progress and\nperformance. Uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and\nfiles; activating printers; inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving e-mail. Uses the\nVeterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (Vista) to access information in the Medical Center Computer System.\nE. Communication 1. Establishes, develops, and maintains effective working relationships and rapport with Facility Providers, Nursing and other departments as needed.\nServes as a source to resolve questions and problems affecting hospital staff members and patients.\n2. Expected to communicate in a manner that affords internal and external customers the ability to experience positive exchange and outcomes. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 OR 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Tour may be further adjusted or extended to meet patient care needs.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]