Summary This is the full performance level for Pharmacy technicians. Duties may include filing orders, dispense/deliver medication using automated systems or provide technical customer service to Veterans related to prescription needs, delivery of medications to floors/patients, filling medication for the pharmacist to review, checking for expired medications, answering phones with appropriate disposition, preparing sterile products (when applicable) and assisting the basic inventory management. Responsibilities DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: A. Medication Management: Reads and interprets prescriptions, obtains proper medication or material in the proper strength and dosage form; determines proper amount and counts, pours, or measures the medications; affixes proper label and auxiliary labels; and records required data on electronically or via the Pharmacy's copy of prescription/order. Replenishes inventory for emergency carts, kits, and trays. Collects drug use evaluation data for quality improvements purposes. Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile) without a second review. After prescription/order(s) are reviewed by a pharmacist for therapeutic propriety, reviews orders for technical accuracy and ensures that the item dispensed corresponds to the drug and dose ordered. Answers questions and calls from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution. Monitors refrigerator temperature daily in assigned areas. Perform monthly inspections to assigned areas to ensure proper storage of medications and soon to expired drugs are removed. Maintains, verifies, stocks and replaces outdates in patient care area automated dispensing machines throughout the facility (i.e., floors and clinics). Properly handles medications by ensuring high alert, hazardous, refrigerated and controlled substance medications are handled/stored appropriately and legally. Prepares medications that requires special handling and documentation. Assures that each individual prescription order is filled correctly with right drug/supply item, strength, dosage form, quantity and with all necessary auxiliary labels attached. B. General Duties: As deemed necessary by the pharmacy supervisor: 1. Assist in other patient care areas to maintain the consistency of overall pharmacy services. 2. Provides pharmacy phone support with other departments and patients. 3. Will maintain the medication storage areas for compliance with drug outdates for correct storage of medication per the Joint Commission requirements. C. Education: 1. Completes all National, VISN, local, and Pharmacy mandatory training. 2. Provides training and education to health care professional trainees including pharmacy residents, students, and other staff members. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday with rotating weekends and holidays (Part-time 20 hours) Compressed/Flexibility: Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 30069F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): 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 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: You must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d) Education or Experience: (1) None required. (2)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. GS-6 Grade Determination: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-6 you must possess at least 1 year of experience at the next lower level (GS-5), and must fully meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), which are: 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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience/KSAs above, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs at the GS - 6 level: 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. References: Former VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G28 Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard, GS-0661, dated November 7, 2023. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time, typing, walking distances within the medical center, lifting/carrying ( up to 50 pounds) of pharmaceutical supplies, and bending/stooping/stretching. 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 Receiving Service Credit or 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.