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The pharmacy technician at this grade must be certified by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The incumbent is responsible for performing routine pharmacy functions for inpatients or outpatients requiring medications such as IV solutions or oral medications under the supervision of a pharmacist. The technician also applies standards relating to all aspects of distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs. 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. 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. Certification: Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain licensure/certification/ registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/ registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) at all grade levels, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation for which he/she qualifies if a placement opportunity exists. For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) in assignments above the full-performance level only, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may remain at an appropriate lower grade level in the occupation when both of the following apply: the credential is not a requirement and a placement opportunity exists." Grade Determinations: Pharmacy Technician GS-6 Experience: 1 year at or equivalent to the next lower, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level (GS-5), which include but are not limited to: Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment; Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique; Knowledge of basic inventory procedures; and Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-5 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), Straight Pulling (2 Hours), Pushing (2 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (4 hours), standing (8 hours), kneeling (3 hours), Repeated bending (2 hours), Climbing, legs only (0.3 hours), ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted), good vision 1 eye-glasses permitted, Emotional/mental stability ["Major Duties: General Maintains work flow patterns that assure timely delivery of all pharmacy services and ensures accurate dispensing and record keeping documentation. Organizes workload, troubleshoots and solves problems. Triages appropriate issues to the pharmacist from internal or external patient or staff contacts. Answers telephone calls and attempts to resolve problems at the lowest level possible and manages inquiries in a timely and courteous manner before directing questions to the appropriate member of the pharmacy staff. Dispensing Accurately and efficiently packages, labels, and transports medications to patient care areas or dispenses to patients as appropriate after verification by a pharmacist. Accurately and efficiently prepackages medications. Compounds and fills a range of drugs to be checked by a pharmacist including extemporaneous preparations, special formulations, narcotics, investigational drugs, oncolytic agents, etc., in both outpatient and inpatient areas. Adequate quality assurance procedures shall be followed as applicable. Educational Provides education to health care providers when appropriate. Maintains knowledge in the area of practice. Assumes an active role in the overall pharmacy-training program consisting of students, externs, interns, residents, and professional and non-professional staff members. Conducts on-the-job training and provides guidance through designated programs. Keeps abreast of new developments in pharmacy practice and drug therapy by reading pharmacy and medical literature, and participating in continuing education programs. Research Participation in research activities must be in accordance with FDA guidelines and regulations and VHA policy. May participate in research studies by collecting data or in special medication preparation or dispensing procedures under the supervision of the pharmacist. Work Schedule: Full time, Various shifts from 6 AM - 10 PM weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Telework: Not Authorized 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 This occupational series is eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Repayment is limited to $10,000 annually, up to $60,000 in lifetime awards. Participants must sign a service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program. **A recruitment/relocation incentive has been authorized for highly qualified applicants.** **Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis until the closing date of this open continuous announcement, as long as vacancies exist.**"]

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