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This position functions in the Inpatient Pharmacy section, primarily in the unit dose, sterile compounding areas which includes the preparation of antineoplastic agents, inventory control forward stock, bar-coded unit dose, bulk, and IV admixture products and emergency crash carts, simple daily maintenance of automated dispensing equipment and interpreting data from pharmacy information systems. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 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. 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: GS-6 Experience. One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 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 or more years of pharmacy technician experience, 2 or more years of Inpatient Pharmacy and IV experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28, March 17, 2006 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, standing, repeated bending, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), and mental and emotional stability. Environmental factors include constant noise, extensive keyboard and mouse use, working closely with others, and working alone. ["Unit Dose Medication Management: Fills unit dose cassettes and unit dose \"pre-exchange\" orders independently without secondary review. Receives inventory from vendors, applies bar-code or other labeling as indicated and restocks shelves. Inventories and replenishes emergency carts without secondary review. Operates and provides routine maintenance for pharmacy equipment, such as automated dispensing machines and barcode label printers. Performs record-keeping and inventory management of investigational drugs. Prepackages a wide variety of pharmaceuticals, labeling them properly and leaving them for final verification. Performs automation replenishment and processes requests for ward stock; performs record keeping for these activities. Inspects ward stock supplies for unapproved items, storage practices, and outdates; performs record keeping for these activities. Sterile Product Compounding: Compounds sterile IV antibiotics, parenteral admixtures, sterile ophthalmic preparations, and other compounded sterile preparations (CSPs) using aseptic technique described in chapters 797 and 800 of the US Pharmacopoeia. Compounds sterile pharmaceuticals which are associated with a high degree of toxicity, such as antineoplastics. Verifies correct formulation and ingredients; selects and measures appropriate components; mixes components in a safe and appropriate manner; inspects the final product for accuracy, appearance and elegance; labels the product; and takes responsibility for ensuring timely delivery. Follows established protocols in determining appropriate beyond-use dates on all pharmaceuticals prepared. Controlled Substances: Abides by the laws and regulations pertaining to controlled substances and follows all VHA, DEA and local facility requirements. Knows and follows standard operating procedures for maintaining complete, accurate, and readily retrievable controlled drug accountability records. Fills outpatient prescriptions for controlled substances. Participates in routine inventory counts and inspections, identifies questionable circumstances or unusual trends in narcotic usage. Immediately reports discrepancies to the supervisor. Prepares expired or unusable controlled substances for destruction General: Teaches pharmacy technicians and residents proper technique for the preparation of sterile products in laminar air flow hoods and biological safety cabinets; and teaches students and technicians procedures for the unit dose management system. Interacts with patients, pharmacists, nurses and other clinical staff as required. Answers general questions, and refers therapeutic problems to the pharmacist; seeks assistance from others when needed. Performs tasks unique to outpatient pharmacy as needed, including filling outpatient prescriptions, wrapping mail, answering phones, dispensing medications at the window and working in the vault. Demonstrates the ability to prioritize and make appropriate decisions in urgent or fast-paced situations. Notifies supervisor of safety or quality concerns in a timely fashion. Work Schedule: 2 tours available, 7AM - 3:30PM and 3PM - 11:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized - Recruitment only Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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