Summary Provides technical and automated outpatient pharmacy support under the guidance of a registered pharmacist and under the direct supervision of the Outpatient Supervisor Pharmacy Technician. Processes, prepares, assembles, and packages all medications and supplies, prepares bulk/extemporaneous compound mixtures. Provides direct support to the Vault Pharmacy, SCI pharmacy, and Pharmacy procurement during times of heavy workload and during their absence. Responsibilities Outpatient Medication Management Performs duties involved in all facets of outpatient distribution which includes computer entry of prescriptions and prescription filling with the correct medication. Ensures proper identification of patient picking up medications, which include controlled substances, and may upon request of patient, provide personal information and basic drug information to the appropriate patient. Operates and maintains pharmacy computerized prescription processing and dispensing system and pharmacy automation. Restocks, on a daily basis, each filling station with the following: vials, prepackaged medications, stocks miscellaneous items such as fast moving meds, syringes, etc. Outpatient Customer Service Deals appropriately with direct and telephone inquiries from patients, Medical Center staff and others; referring any unanswerable questions concerning professional practice to a pharmacist. To answer informational questions, incumbent will utilize available references and responding to questions from veterans, caregivers and healthcare professionals in the provision of on-going medication therapy (within the scope of the pharmacy technician as outlined by the Board of Pharmacy). Uses computer packages to update patient information and provides technical information to customers when assigned; communicating verbally and in writing with veterans, caregivers and healthcare professionals in the provision of medication therapy. Extemporaneous/Bulk Compounding Follows standardized formulas and procedures in weighting, measuring and mixing bulk quantities of routinely used solutions, ointments or powders. Uses precision balances, colloid mills, filtering machines, tub filling and crimping machines. Performs standard assays on products before they are packaged and labeled. Manufactures all products requiring compounding. Interprets the physician's orders; selects and measures appropriate ingredients using a wide variety of formulas and recipes not otherwise available from manufactures. Compounds products involving variations from standard formulas. 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, according to the Pharmacy Service Policies and Procedures. Material Management Maintains communication with the Material Management section concerning inventory needed and possible shortages. Returns stock medication and supplies to their appropriate areas by the end of each tour of duty, maintains a clean, orderly workplace and supports prescribed safety practices. Monitors refrigerator temperatures on a daily basis in the Outpatient pharmacy as directed by a supervisor. Provides assistance and coverage during times of heavy workload and in the absence of the Procurement Technicians. Preparation of Sterile Products In some instances, it may be necessary to prepare some products dispensed in the outpatient pharmacy, using sterile preparation. (I.e. ophthalmic medications, chemotherapy agents). When this is required, rigid aseptic techniques will be followed, ensuring the solution or product is not contaminated and potentially dangerous to the patient. Inspects the final product for accuracy, suitability and elegance. Completed sterile preparations are then reviewed by a pharmacist prior to dispensing. Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile). This includes calculating and converting to proper weights and measures the amount of drug or solution to be used. As deemed necessary by the pharmacy supervisor, assists in other Pharmacy patient care areas (including inpatient pharmacy services) to maintain the consistency of overall pharmacy services. Controlled Substances Provides assistance and coverage during periods of heavy workload and during the absence of the Controlled Substances Technicians, to include the following duties; preparing, filling and decrementing all outpatient orders and requests for controlled substances; receives new stock and returned stock into inventory by insuring the accuracy of the controlled drug records; conducts regularly scheduled inventories; is authorized and executes authority to initiate and complete all orders for controlled drugs, including local requirements, VACO directives, DEA requirements, and other state and local requirements that may apply; monitors and analyzes orders and distribution patterns to identify questionable circumstances or unusual trends; communicates potential problems to a pharmacist in charge or supervisor. Packages completed prescriptions for mailing to patients, completing the appropriate documents. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00AM-4:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. 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). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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. Education or Experience: None required. For all grade levels that accept both education and experience to qualify, equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 100% are qualifying. 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: GS-3 Pharmacy Technician Experience and Education. One year of post-secondary education. OR, Six months of general experience. OR, Student Technician. A student enrolled in an approved nationally accredited pharmacy technician program for an occupation identified in 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(A) or (B) may be appointed on a temporary full-time, part-time or intermittent basis under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(D) for a period not to exceed two years or the duration of the individual's program. GS-4 Pharmacy Technician Experience and Education. Completion of two years of post-secondary coursework related to pharmacy (e.g., 12 semester hours of science and mathematics courses). OR, Completion of one of the following: Six months of experience, that demonstrated knowledge of medication or medical field practice. OR, Successful completion of a military or nationally recognized pharmacy technician education/training program. American Society of Health System Pharmacists® (ASHP), American Pharmacist Association (APHA), Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), PTCB or NHA are examples of acceptable professional organizations recognizing such training programs. NOTE: Training courses recognized by PTCB and NHA are not actual certifications. OR, One year of experience equivalent to next lower grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to follow policies and procedures. Ability to maintain appropriate files. Ability to communicate with patients and other health professionals. Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions. Ability to operate office software/equipment to include, computers, software applications and printers. GS-5 Pharmacy Technician Experience and Education. 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, An associate's degree in pharmacy technician or technology (48 semester hours of concentrated pharmacy technician training). OR, One year of experience equivalent to next lower grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of basic pharmacy operations. Knowledge of pharmaceuticals to perform duties in pharmacy functional areas. Knowledge of pharmaceutical nomenclature (including generic, chemical and proprietary names of drug). Ability to fill prescriptions. Ability to use pharmacy information systems or basic pharmacy dispensing equipment with oversight. GS-6 Pharmacy Technician Experience. One year of experience equivalent to next lower grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 3 to 6. Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift/carry pharmaceutical supplies weighing 50 lbs. or less; bending and stooping; and regular and recurring physical exertion involving walking and standing for prolonged periods. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information 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.