Pharmacy Technician

Outpatient Rotational Pharmacy Technician

The incumbent is responsible for delivering excellent customer service and will use appropriate judgment and skills to complete technical functions. This role provides cross coverage in multiple areas. Primary duties of the Outpatient Rotational Pharmacy Technician include, but are not limited to:

1. Maintains competence in all operational aspects of outpatient pharmacy distribution services and assists with the dispensing and distribution functions of technician staff in the central outpatient pharmacy area and remains proficient in each role.
2. Performs all GS-6 outpatient pharmacy technician roles in an accurate, efficient, and professional manner. Including: Fill Stations, Mail Packing, Automated Dispensing Equipment (ADE) maintenance, Window, Breaker, Triage, Community Care and Controlled Substance Dispensing. When not serving in these roles, the incumbent actively monitors workload and wait times to assist where needed.
3. Accurately labels and dispenses medications. Ensures proper dispensing documentation is completed.
4. Ensures outgoing mail is ready for daily pickup, including overnight and/or priority packages.
5. Monitors prescription out-of-stocks to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment.
6. Effectively utilizes Electronic Health Records (EHR) and computer systems as well as other automated pharmacy equipment and software systems.
7. Follows proper procedures for safe handling of Hazardous Medications including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), hazardous waste disposal, and spill response, and references Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
8. Effectively organizes workload, solves problems, and achieves established goals.
9. Dispense controlled substances and monitors inventory according to current policies, procedures, and standards established by DEA, FDA, VA, and Joint Commission.
10. Demonstrates knowledge of policies and procedures related to outpatient pharmacy medication dispensing.

Provides cross-coverage for the Lead Controlled Substance Technician. Fills controlled substance prescriptions, completes record keeping and maintains accuracy of inventory. Reports any unusual occurrence or confirmed prescription or discrepancy to a supervisor. Assists with technical functions that support Outpatient Clinical Pharmacists.

• Performs various report processing, handles CMOP rejects and other CMOP-related problems including but not limited to: Internet Refills Not Processed, Bad Address Rejects, Canceling/Stopping CMOP orders, and other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot when automated equipment malfunctions. Requests service and assistance from the supporting vendor.
• Assists with restocking medications and conducts regular physical inventory of medications/supplies to ensure necessary stock levels are maintained. Communicates with procurement staff regarding any identified issues.
• Evaluates Community Care prescriptions for authorization and triages appropriately.
• Processes returned mail, triaging orders appropriately for destruction or re-mailing. Contact patients, updates address information, and documents in the Electronic Health Record where appropriate.
• Serves as a point of contact for triaging outpatient pharmacy questions for Minneapolis VA facility staff. Communicates to the assigned pharmacist all interactions dealing with medication problems.
• Interacts face-to-face and by telephone, email, or via other media with patients, caregivers, and other professionals.
• Serves as a liaison to physicians, nursing, or other facility staff concerning problems related to outpatient pharmacy. Acts as the pharmacy's patient representative to resolve outpatient dispensing concerns.
• Completes monthly inspections for outdates in assigned areas and any required mandatory training and education.

Works and communicates effectively with others while remaining courteous, tactful, and understanding when interacting with others, even in potentially difficult/volatile situations. Assists the Outpatient Pharmacy Technician Supervisor in the implementation of all Pharmacy Service policies and procedures while assuring compliance with applicable standards (for example, Drug Enforcement Administration, Joint Commission, Office of the Inspector General, etc.) and VA handbooks and directives. Assists the Outpatient Pharmacy Technician Supervisor with all necessary pharmacy technician orientation and training occurs associated with the central outpatient pharmacy area.

Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday through Friday, weekends and holidays

Telework: Not authorized

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized