Pharmacy Technician

Description:

The incumbent performs a variety of general and specialized technical and clerical support functions in Pharmacy Service and enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the professional staff.
Processes refill requests, collates and prepares prescriptions for distribution. Determines if prescriptions are for window pickup or mailing. Also fills prescriptions for medical supplies. Ability to complete a heavy volume of work accurately on a daily basis is essential.

Requirements:

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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. Education or Experience: A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience associated with the scope of Pharmacy Technician practice. Grade Determinations: In addition to the meeting the Basic Requirements listed above, GS-6 must meet the following GS-6 Requirements. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required for this grade level and above. 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 and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) AND 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. AND Ability to perform 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 MARCH 17, 2006 PART II APPENDIX G28The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.