Pharmacy Technician - OPC

Summary Incumbent serves as an Outpatient Pharmacy Technician (OPT) with responsibility of performing duties at the Phoenix VA Outpatient pharmacy at the 32nd Street Clinic and may rotate on regular basis or as required--incumbent may be required to work at main Phoenix VAMC on occasion when staffing needs arise. Technicians at this grade level function independently receiving little guidance from more experienced staff. **A recruitment incentive may authorized for highly qualified candidates** Responsibilities **Please note: a recruitment or relocation of up to $5000 (for a one year commitment to VA) may be authorized for highly qualified applicants who are either new to federal service, or who would be required to move at least 50 miles to accept the position.** Supports and ensures the Service and Medical Center policies, procedures and guidelines, government regulations, and profession/technical standards concerning drug control, drug security, and drug accountability (including medical supplies) are maintained at all times. May be the first line of communications between the Service and patient, caregivers, clinical staff or administrative staff to service patients' needs either in person or by phone. Performs pharmacy technician functions that that require an application of routine knowledge of pharmaceuticals and pharmacy practices. Fills orders accurately, selecting a drug product prescribed by its trade or generic name, and assembles completed orders for pharmacist review and check. Provides training and orientation and oversight to lower level technicians and new employees, students and volunteers in the technical aspects of pharmacy dispensing. Has working knowledge of all pharmaceutical equipment (balances, faxes, printers, tablet counters etc) used in the pharmacy setting and exercises prudence and care in its operation. Provides patient education via telephone on the medication refill process, use of automated telephone system and general information on outpatient services Assists supervisors and managers with compilation of data for workload statistics and reports or administrative tasks deemed necessary by pharmacy management. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, and possible rotating weekends as necessary Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Pharmacy Technician/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified candidates new to federal service or for individuals who would need to move more than 50 miles in order to accept the position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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. 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. A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain licensure/certification/registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it may qualify. Refer to the VA Qualification Standard cited below. Grade Determinations for GS-06: Experience: One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. Assignments. Pharmacy technicians may be assigned to any area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive function assignments; for example assignment as team leaders for specific process improvement teams involving technical areas or performing more highly complex duties including processing controlled prescriptions, troubleshooting robotics, preparation of oncology agents for clinical pharmacy specialists. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty),and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standards Appendix G28, dated March 17, 2006.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. 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: d.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: d.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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. 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 to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.