Pharmacy Technician - Automation

SummaryThe Pharmacy Technician - Automation position functions as the automation specialist in all the patient care areas of Pharmacy Service with primary focus in the inpatient and/or outpatient pharmacy service. The Pharmacy Technician is assigned to the automation specialized area as the subject matter expert and must have expert understanding of the complexity of the automation program.DutiesHelpVA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEwsTotal Rewards of a Allied Health ProfessionalAutomation Coordinates the technical aspects of pharmacy drug distribution activities to ensure standard operating procedures are in alignment with automation capabilities so that efficiencies are maximized.Evaluates and analyzes workflow and coordinates all work activities involved with Pharmacy automation. This will involve trouble shooting, regularly gathering data, analyzing, and interpreting VA data and formulating action plans.Ensures that automated dispensing data is archived within established guidelines for each type of equipment.Ability to participate in process actions teams to improve automation quality and safety, continually seeking ways to improve the service provided to patients and other customers.Resolves problems and complaints regarding all pharmacy and automated dispensing automation, troubleshoots problems with all automated dispensing equipment when production is compromised and alerts appropriate personnel.Has oversight responsibility of the user files of all automated dispensing systems.Has oversight responsibility for the addition of new items and deletion of obsolete items from all automated dispensing systems.Trains and orients pharmacy staff, and other medical center staff involved in operating the automation.Provides data for workload reports and process improvement projects to appropriate supervisors.Thoroughly understands VA Pharmacy procurement and formulary and uses this knowledge to appropriately manage Pharmacy automation equipment.Thoroughly understands investigational drug policies and procedures, if applicable, as they relate to Pharmacy automation equipment.Thoroughly understands controlled substance policies and procedures, including controlled substance inspection process, discrepancies and resolution.Attends regulatory meetings regarding all Automation as assigned and provides learned knowledge to the pharmacy staff.Other DutiesInpatient services may include but not limited to such areas as aseptic admixture preparation including chemotherapy agents, automatic and on-demand ward stock replenishment, maintenance, and operation of automated prepackaging and dispensing equipment, assembly, and documentation of controlled substance requests, and properly packaging with documentation of single unit of use medications or other assignment or workstation in the inpatient area.Outpatient services may include but not limited to outpatient prescription filling, pharmacy phone triage, window prescription dispensing, narcotic vault assignments, maintenance and operation of automated prescription dispensing equipment, and the preparation and packaging of mail out prescriptions.Assists as deemed necessary by the pharmacy supervisors, in any patient care area (including inpatient, outpatient, Choice, CBOC or similar) to maintain the consistency of overall pharmacy services.Assists in the quality management of Pharmacy Service by participating in process action teams or other as directed by the supervisor and continually seeks ways to improve the service provided to patients and other customers.Maintains clean and orderly work areas by keeping stock and equipment in assigned places and all counters free of debris for optimal work environment in accordance with good manufacturing practices.Ability to interact with facility personnel and our Veteran customers in a professional manner that promotes proper rapport and insures the highest level of customer service and patient care.Ability to recognize and solve problems, makes recommendations to avoid potential problems, and refers appropriate concerns to Procurement Technician or supervising Pharmacist.Uses knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management to receive and inventory pharmacy stock, relay inventory information to the Procurement Technician.Expected to protect patient sensitive information, electronic and print in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, Federal Regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy.EducationSeeks personal and professional development opportunities which enhance personal well-being, customer service skills, and technical expertise.Educates non-pharmacy personnel and patients regarding Pharmacy Service's procedures, policies and processes.Serves as preceptor for pharmacy technician students.Assists with and helps conduct the training, orientation, retraining, and documentation of training of employees to Pharmacy Service policies and procedures.Work Schedule: Variable tours (6:00am-2:30pm, 7:00am-3:30pm, 8:00am-4:30pm, 3:30pm-Midnight with rotating weekends and holidays).Telework: Not availableVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: 635-59042-ARequirementsHelpConditions of employmentYou 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 trial period.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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).QualificationsApplicants 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.Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States.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.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). ORNational Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).Grandfathering Provision. 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).Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials.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).Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, VA HR staff must use the following criteria to determine the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.Pharmacy Technician, GS-08.Experience. Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) and demonstrate the KSAs below.Certification. For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either:PTCB as a CPhT. ORNHA as a ExCPT.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs for all GS-08 assignments and meet any additional KSAs for the assignment, if indicated:Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology and policies in a specialized area or section of pharmacy (such as sterile compounding, controlled substances, automation, clinical pharmacy, contact center, etc.)Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures.Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy.Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.This position is performed above the full performance level.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 40 pounds) of pharmaceutical supplies, and bending/stooping/stretching. The position requires walking, standing, and sitting for long periods of time.Maintains safe and orderly work areas. Reports any incident of self/patient. Fills out appropriate form.Uses equipment and supplies appropriately.Follows Life Safety management (fire protection) Procedures. Reports safety hazards, accidents, and injuries. Reviews hazardous material/ Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)/ waste management. Follows Emergency Preparedness plan. Follows security policies/ procedures. Complies with federal, state, and local environmental and other requirements preventing pollution, minimizing waste, and conserving cultural and natural resources.The work environment receiving involves everyday risks of discomforts which require normal safety precautions. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.Demonstrates infection control practices for disease preventions (i.e. hand washing, universal precautions/ isolation procedures, including TB requirement/ precautions.EducationNote: 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 informationDuring 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.Expand Hide additional informationCandidates 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.BenefitsHelpA 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.Review our benefitsEligibility 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.