Pharmacy Technician

Summary

This position is for a certified pharmacy technician above the full performance level at the Lakeland VA Clinic. The incumbent at this grade level is nationally certified by PTCB or ExCPT and can work autonomously, using independent judgement to perform a full range of duties. The incumbent is a highly functioning technician, who will perform a variety of complex technical skills and functions, which requires comprehensive knowledge of pharmaceuticals and software programs.

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Duties

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II. FUNCTIONS OR SCOPES OF PRACTICE.

Pharmacy Activities:

1. Prescription Assembly

a. Assembles prescriptions properly with the correct drug, strength,

quantity, auxiliary labels, and prescription labels. for window dispensing

and mail delivery

b. Assures that the correct medication is filled by using bar code scanning

on stock bottles.

c. Supports automation by manually completing prescriptions not

processed through the automation dispensing machine.

d. Assures the timely completion of all prescriptions.

2. Window Pick-Up

a. Verifies the patient's identification following the Medical Center's

policies (i.e., double patient identifiers)

b. Verifies that the patient receives the correct prescriptions by using VA

software (i.e., VISTA and barcode scanning)

c. Verifies that the patient has received all prescriptions (i.e., refrigerated,

controlled substances, bulk medications, etc.)

3. Inventory Stock Control

a. Notifies the procurement section of inventory needs and shortages,

using published procedures (i.e., SOP, PSPM).

b. Assures that stock is properly rotated upon storing and that no more

than one (1) multi-use container is opened at any given time.

c. Checks for outdated medications and supplies in the current inventory

that expires within ninety (90) days.

4. Mail Packaging

a. Utilizes and comprehends the mail shipping programs used by the

facility (i.e., USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.) for overnight delivery of noncontrolled

and controlled prescriptions.

b. Performs searches, updates patient information, and generates

shipping reports as requested by the supervisor.

c. Calls patients to arrange delivery of refrigerated prescriptions and

verifies patients address.

d. Packages prescriptions appropriately, as to assure that packages are

not damaged within transit (i.e., bubble wrap, ice blocks, insulated

containers, etc.)

e. Utilizes VA software programs to check narratives and problem solve

deliveries for patients with no physical address.

5. Customer Service

a. Assists patients with refill request, problems with prescriptions and

other queries.

b. Takes detailed messages for the pharmacists when a problem needs

professional attention.

c. Processes returned-to-sender mail by calling patients to verify and

correct addresses for non-controlled medications. For controlled

medications, directs the returned-to-sender package to the Controlled

Substance Vault.

d. Utilizes VA software programs to process mail refill request, return

misdirected mail and contact patient to inquire about returned

prescriptions (i.e., credit, remail, destruction, etc.)

6. Automation

a. Knows the basic procedures to run the automated prescription filling

machines (i.e., ability to start-up and shut down machinery)

b. Uses handheld scanner and/or scale to load and re-stock canister with

correct medication using NDC and barcodes.

c. Uses equipment specialized programs (i.e., Exceptions Manager,

Inventory, Reports, etc.) to assure proper utilization and resolve

operational issues.

d. Provides equipment maintenance (i.e., cleaning, archiving data, etc.).

e. Works closely with the Pharmacy ADPAC to assure continuous

operations and to troubleshoot operational issues.

7. Controlled Substances

a. Complies with all laws, regulations, directives, policies, and procedures

applying to the dispensing, storage, transfer, inventory, and

accountability of controlled substances.

b. Assists all inspectors with the inventory and accountability inspections.

8. Sterile Product Compounding

a. Follow USP 797/800 Guidelines for the compounding of all sterile preparations, including ophthalmic, cardioplegic, TPN, hazardous, large & small volume IV solutions, PCAs, etc. Manufactures uncomplicated and/or complicated parenteral admixtures to be delivered in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringe or other as required.

b. Correctly interprets physician orders, selects, and measures appropriate ingredients, mixes ingredients in a safe and effective manner, inspects the final product for accuracy, suitability, and elegance, labels the product, maintains records of the manufacturing process, and supplies the product for pharmacist verification and delivery.

c. Uses standard protocols to determine an accurate expiration date for each batch prepared.

d. Consistently displays competence with good manufacturing practices and sterile technique through demonstration and/or actual work performance.

Work Schedule : Typically Monday-Friday, occasional rotating nights and weekends as determined by the service.

Functional Statement # : 71157F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives Not Authorized

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

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. Pharmacy Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

Education or Experience.

• None required.
• For all grade levels and positions that accept both education and experience to qualify, equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 100% are qualifying. The combined percentage is determined by adding total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level to the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level.

GRADE DETERMINATIONS

Pharmacy Technician, GS-07

• Experience. Candidates must possess one full year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-6) level which are:
  • Knowledge of federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice.
  • Knowledge of preparation, storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation.
  • Ability to use pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment.
  • Knowledge of basic inventory procedures.
  • Ability to communicate with patients and staff and direct questions to appropriate personnel.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work.
  • Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent.
  • Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers.
  • Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students.
  • Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution.
  • Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases.

Certification-Documentation Submitted. This position is above the full performance level and the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either:

• The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). or,
• The National Healthcareer Association (NHA), as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), Light lifting (under 15 pounds), Heavy carrying (45 pounds and over), Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), Light carrying (under 15 pounds), Straight pulling (2 hours), Pushing, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking (up to 4 hours), Standing (prolonged), Repeated bending, Climbing, use of legs and arms (infrequent), Operation of motor vehicle, Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, Specific visual requirement (Ability to read fine print on labels), Depth perception, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Hearing (aid permitted), Clear Speech, Emotional Stability, Good Dexterity

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: 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:

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

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.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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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.

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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.