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Position duties include the full range of technical tasks that support pharmacy operations and the professional pharmacist staff. To assure that patients receive quality care in a timely fashion, the pharmacy technician must maintain a working knowledge of all pharmacy systems and processes. This technician has as his/her primary function, triaging and taking action as appropriate on telephone requests from all pharmacy customers including Veterans, providers, and external customers. All requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. 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. 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. 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, Pharmacy Technician Experience: One year experience equivalent to the next lower level, GS-5, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level: 1. Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment. 2. Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique. 3. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. 4. Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. AND Certification: PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical 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: USP 800, customer service, automation References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15, PART II, APPENDIX G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Duties include, but are not limited to: Primary responsibility for telephone triage, management of inquiries, and timely response to requests. 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; affixes proper label; and records required data on Pharmacy's paper or electronic copy of prescription/order. Answers routine inquiries (via telephone or otherwise) from medical staff or Veteran patients on the availability of drugs and dosage forms, or prescription status. Refers appropriately to professional staff those questions having to do with drug reactions, rational therapy, and requests for formulary additions, etc. Must maintain a working knowledge of the facility and clinical programs, including drug formulary issues. Performs all functions related to the accurate packaging and labeling of outpatient prescriptions, inpatient medication orders and ward stock under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist. Performs computer manipulations that are required to complete the principle duties of the position. Transports medications from the pharmacy to nursing units and ward-stock locations as required. Prepackages medications in unit of use form when required. Conducts general maintenance, cleaning and housekeeping tasks associated with work areas as assigned and per regulations Prepares and packages prescription medications for mail-out. Completes additional duties as assigned (i.e. crash carts, procurement assist, projects, committees, etc.) Conducts monthly outdates and ward inspection of medication storage areas in the facility. Responsible for operation and general maintenance of all equipment used in assigned activities and reports malfunctions promptly to management so that service or repairs may be ordered. Demonstrates knowledge of operation and performs care of automated equipment. Example: maintenance and cleaning. Maintains familiarization with the regulations and safe handling requirements governing the handling of hazardous substances, flammable liquids and perishable biologicals and drugs, corrosive chemicals and/or poisonous materials. Inputs patient information and prescription information into the VA computer system. Maintains familiarity with all aspects of the computerized system related to pharmacy operations. Will assist with training of new technicians and technicians, students and residents requiring additional or new training. Will be required to perform supervised tasks and be proficient after basic orientation and specialized training. Must have a strong sense of personal responsibility and self-direction and be able to assume leadership for technical tasks. Must recognize and assure that the special security requirements, handling and controls involved with drugs to assure accountability are not compromised. May be assigned to any areas to perform supervised tasks as determined by the Pharmacy Supervisor, Chief of Pharmacy, or any other supervising pharmacist. Inpatient and outpatient, controlled substance processing with supervision. Is authorized to conduct or assist with regularly scheduled inventories of controlled substances by inspection teams. Is responsible to immediately report any questionable circumstances or irregularities to the pharmacy supervisor or chief. Prepares compounded sterile preparations for both hazardous and non-hazardous medications utilizing aseptic technique. The pharmacy technician will also stock and perform maintenance of the sterile product preparation areas as required by standard protocol and regulation including documentation. May assist pharmacists with the collection of data required to conduct drug use reviews or performance improvement activities. Work Schedule: Full-time; M-F, 730-415\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"]