Inpatient Pharmacy Technician

Description:

The Inpatient Pharmacy Technician works in the inpatient section of Pharmacy Service, processing and filling inpatient medication orders (unit dose, IV admixture, ward stock, etc.) at the Syracuse VA Medical Center. Incumbent will ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which they are responsible.

**There are both GS06 and GS05 positions, depending on experience levels.**

Requirements:

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: 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. 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:

--GS05 Determination--
Education or Experience:
(a) Successful completion of four years post-secondary education with courses related to pharmacy (e.g., 48 semester hours of science, mathematics, pharmacy) or a bachelor's degree.
OR
(b) An associate's degree in pharmacy technician or technology (48 semester hours of concentrated pharmacy technician training).
OR
(c) One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

In addition to the education or experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of basic pharmacy operations.
(b) Knowledge of pharmaceuticals to perform duties in pharmacy functional areas.
(c) Knowledge of pharmaceutical nomenclature (including generic, chemical and proprietary names of drug).
(d) Ability to fill prescriptions.
(e) Ability to use pharmacy information systems or basic pharmacy dispensing equipment with oversight.

Assignments. Pharmacy technicians at this developmental level perform all duties expected of employees at lower grade levels; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgement, require less supervision and operate in accordance with all established policies and procedures. Pharmacy technicians at this grade level will fill orders and dispense/ deliver medications using automated systems. These technicians require oversight of assigned duties by full performance level technicians and or pharmacists.

--GS06 Determination--
Experience-One year experience at the next lower level and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level.
(a) Knowledge of Federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice.
(b) Knowledge of preparation, storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation.
(c) Ability to use pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment.
(d) Knowledge of basic inventory procedures.
(e) Ability to communicate with patients and staff and direct questions to appropriate personnel.

Assignments. Pharmacy technicians at the full performance level may fill orders, dispense/deliver medications using automated systems or provide technical customer service to Veterans related to prescription needs. Duties will include delivery of medications to floors/patients, filling medications for the pharmacist to review, checking for expired medications, answering phones with appropriate disposition, preparing sterile products (when applicable) and assisting with basic inventory management such as putting up stock and identifying when medications need to be ordered.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/159, PART II, APPENDIX G28, November 07, 2023

Physical Requirements: The In-patient Pharmacy Technicianmay be required to sustain extended periods of stretching, standing, sitting and reaching during his/her employment. This occasionally involves lifting moderately heavy items. The Inpatient Pharmacy Technician must possess average agility and dexterity and must be able to work adjusted schedules and rotating shifts as assigned.