Pharmacy Technician

Description:

The Pharmacy Technician functions primarily in both the inpatient and outpatient care of Pharmacy Service within the VA Medical Center.

Requirements:

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.
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• Certification: For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either:
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).

OR

• National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).

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 :
Pharmacy Technician, GS-0661-07

Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06).

AND

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to meeting the experience for the GS-07 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs and meet any additional KSAs for the assignment, if indicated:
- 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.

Preferred Experience: Inpatient pharmacy experience preferred, but not required.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ .

Physical Requirements: Work involves extended periods of time standing, sitting, or doing computer work. Lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds, lifting to stock shelves, bending stooping and walking.