Current, permanent VA employees or Federal employees from another agency should apply under CBST-11871723-23-AK. This position functions in the Outpatient Sections of Pharmacy Service within the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. The incumbent is a rotating generalized pharmacy technician, who, under the authority of the Chief, Pharmacy Service, is directly involved in all aspects of the preparation and dispensing of drug orders and prescription items. 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. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations: Pharmacy Technician, GS-5 Education or Experience. Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included at least 24 semester hours of courses related to pharmacy or pharmacy technology; successful completion of pertinent specialized training courses in pharmaceutical and pharmacy services while serving in the Armed Forces is creditable on a month-for-month basis up to the 1 year of experience required for the GS-5 level; or at least 1 year of experience at the next lower level that demonstrates the core competencies (KSAs) described at the GS-4 level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities): 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 Preferred Experience: None. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II Appendix G28, Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-5. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), straight pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending, specific visual requirement (ability to read prescription), hearing (aid may be permitted). (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services). ["VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws The duties of the Pharmacy Technician - Outpatient, include but not limited to: Performs as a general, all-around assistant to the pharmacist, performing the full range of technical duties required in the assigned section. This includes, but not limited to, interpretation of new physician orders, checking eligibility status of patient, and entering the prescriptions and/or refills into VISTA. Screens new physician orders for completeness, drug approvals, DEA numbers, accuracy of medication dose, eligibility of 90-day fills, non-formulary or restricted determination, appropriate quantity ordered, and allergic interactions. Also records statistical or other sensitive information into the VISTA system, patient files or other records. Prepares and fills prescriptions for routine and special therapies, including investigational drugs, restricted drugs, dietary supplements, controlled substances, and medical and surgical supplies. Selects drug form and proper dosage to fill prescriptions. Labels medication, including special warning labels associated with specific drugs. Assures timely processing of prescriptions including, but not limited to, receiving requests, entry into VISTA, collating and packaging of prescriptions. Assists in the total quality improvement activities by participating in medical center and service process assessments and action teams and continually seeks to improve services. Communicates with patients or caregivers at the time prescriptions are picked up at pharmacy. Responsible for assuring that information concerning reordering is communicated and that any specific drug questions are referred to a pharmacist. Assures that proper patient identification is supplied in order that proper medication is given to patient. Screens all phone calls, answering questions of veterans, caregivers, physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals concerning the processing of outpatient prescriptions. Identifies basic therapeutic problems such as compliance problems or duplicate therapy with drugs in same class and refers to a pharmacist the need for clinical intervention. Performs daily maintenance/minor repairs as well as manual/ replenishment and bulk functions of automated dispensing systems. Assures quality assurance measures involving automated dispensing systems. Operates all equipment normal to the area operation and processes the special handling necessary to mail narcotic medications. Maintains work area in a clean, neat and orderly manner. Maintains stock levels by periodic inventories, submissions of requests for needed items, receiving, storing and/or transporting incoming orders, removing outdated or deteriorated items and preparing them for proper disposal. Ensures accuracy and accountability of all receiving reports. Assures that an ample supply of drugs, appliances, labels, containers, supplies and related necessities are readily available in the work area. Prepares records (prescription files) for storage disposition including boxing, wrapping, labeling and initiating proper paperwork. Performs all other duties and functions performed by technicians of an equal or lower grade common to the work area. Works irregular tours of duty, including holidays and weekends, when required. Develops and formulates many investigational drugs used by physicians in clinical research. Registers investigational drugs into VISTA system, stores, packages, labels and prepares drugs as necessary. Responsible for setting up recordkeeping and monitoring system for investigational studies involving drugs. Performs daily inventory and replenishment of pharmacy emergency room mobile cart. Prepares bulk compounding activities to include ophthalmics, oral and topical preparations. Maintains required records for extemporaneous compounding and reports atypical occurrences regarding change in color, consistency, etc. Receives new stock and returns stock to inventory, ensuring accuracy of controlled drug records. Prepares and fills prescriptions for investigational drugs, maintaining all mandatory records and coordinating with pharmacists and study coordinators issues related to dispensing investigational drugs. Monitors inventory levels, ordering schedules and special orders in coordination with budget/inventory management staff. Responsible for communicating with pharmacists and supervisors when problems arise with supplies of medication. Conducts daily inventories and interacts with controlled substances inspection officials. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm or 8:30am-5:00pm, varies based on service needs Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 598-00324-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
