Vacancy expired!
Outpatient
1. Outpatient Prescription Preparation: Reads prescription & then retrieves repackaged, labeled container or bulk stock container & measures proper amounts into a smaller container. Pharmacists perform a final check of the work. Reads individual prescriptions & determines kind, strength, & dosage of drug to be dispensed. Applies pharmacy policy limitations. Obtains correct stock container, counts or pours correct amount of medication, & placing medication in an appropriately sized container. Contents & labels are set aside for a final check & for dispensing by the pharmacist.
2. Correctly packages medications for shipment to patients or to Community Based Outpatient Clinics. Effectively uses knowledge of special packing techniques for various medications; e.g., liquids, flammables, hazardous, & narcotics. Ensures adherence to facility, service, & postal regulations governing shipment. Adheres to federal & VA policy for the management & regular use of all hazardous medications, to include appropriate labeling, storage & destruction.
3. Utilizes pharmacy information systems to answer patient questions related to status of their medication, completion date, package tracking, etc. Operates & maintains complicated pharmacy equipment including ScriptPro outpatient pharmacy automation.
4. Ensures that information such as generic name of drug, manufacturer's name, lot number, control number, shipment number, etc., are properly recorded on log books & on labels.
5. Uses appropriate Opioid pain note templates & documents accurate data in computer entry system for use by medical providers to reorder high risk medications. Renews or flags maintenance medications under medical providers per local policy.
6. Utilizes pharmacy phone system efficiently & with appropriate customer service in line with VA ICARE values.
Inpatient
1. Replenish & update stock in automated dispensing cabinets. Accurately packages unit dose medications utilizing unit dose packaging machine for all inpatient units. Monitors inventory needs in-patient care areas. This also includes placing stock in proper storage areas, rotating stock on shelves, & removing/replacing outdated items. Maintains, verifies, stocks, & replaces outdated medications on inpatient wards & through inpatient pharmacy storage cabinets.
2. Compounds sterile products in accordance with federal & VA policy. Performs all quality control measures, to include using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment & performing & documenting cleaning procedures.
3. Conducts monthly ward inspection of patient care areas. Monitors refrigerator temperature & maintains destruction receptacles (Cactus-Sink) on in-patient care areas. Inventories & replenishes emergency carts.
4. Ensures that information are properly recorded on log books & on labels.
5. Reads & interprets orders, obtains proper medication or material in the proper strength & dosage form; determines proper amount & counts, pours, or measures the medications; affixes proper label; & records required data on Pharmacy's copy of prescription/order. After a final check by a pharmacist, dispenses medication to unit staff according to pharmacy policies & procedures. Performs final review of medication to be dispensed to inpatient areas, &/or fills unit-dose carts independently without secondary review.
6. Answers questions & identifies basic therapeutic problems such as duplicate therapy with drugs in the same class & alerts the pharmacist to the possible need for clinical intervention.
7. Receives supplies, checking for shortages, tampering, breakage, deterioration, or expiration. Selects proper storage area. Notifies procurement technician or Chief, Pharmacy Service of any perceived shortages, increase in dem&, or other factors affecting pharmacy operations. Maintains, verifies, stocks, & replaces outdated medications on inpatient wards & through inpatient pharmacy storage cabinets. Understands more advanced inventory principles & works closely with procurement tech & Chief, Pharmacy Service in effectively managing inventory levels.
8. Operates & maintains complicated unit dose packaging machines, & inpatient pharmacy automation equipment. Utilizes all pharmacy equipment according to manufacturer, facility, & service policies & procedures. Utilizes computerized patient record.
9. Distributes inpatient & outpatient orders & requests for controlled substances according to established pharmacy procedures. Follows pharmacy policies & procedures regarding transfer & return of controlled substances & notifies Chief of Pharmacy or designee of any discrepancies
Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, there are rotating shifts & weekends/holidays.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #:Pharmacy Technician/PD900260 and PD52978-O
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk ():
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.
Assignments. Pharmacy technicians may be assigned to any area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive function assignments; for example assignment as team leaders for specific process improvement teams involving technical areas or performing more highly complex duties including preparation of oncology agents for clinical pharmacy specialists. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 for specific physical requirements. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment This position provides services to patients and their families. Incumbents must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others. Normal work of the position requires visual acuity (with the ability to read typewritten characters without strain, corrective lenses permitted), keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, manual dexterity. This position may require reaching above shoulder-level height and requires potentially moderate levels of lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds). This position requires long periods of sitting, standing and walking. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (VA)
Other (1)
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/30/2021 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11292668.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or onboarding with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), if after November 22. VA will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation is needed and how you can request a legally required exception from this requirement. Please contact the Human Resources Point of Contact listed at the top of the JOA.
Pandemic Telework Program: Due to COVID-19, the VA is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework depending upon the terms of your organization's telework policy and the duties of the position.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (VA)
Other (1)
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
ALL US CITIZENS
