Pharmacy Technician

Description:

The employee will assist the pharmacist in providing optimal care and timely service in accordance with the mission, vision, and goals of the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System and Pharmacy. Pharmacy technicians at this level function in various areas of the pharmacy, e.g., inpatient pharmacy, outpatient pharmacy and other patient care areas. Pharmacy technicians provide various technical support services within the pharmacy department.

Requirements:

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

Citizenship . Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.

English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed.

GRADE DETERMINATIONS

Pharmacy Technician, GS-07

Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-6) level.

Certification-Documentation Supplied. 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.

OR

• NHA as a ExCPT.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the education or experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• 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:

• One year of experience compounding sterile products using aseptic technique. Demonstrated competency in preparing sterile medications accurately and safely, following stringent aseptic guidelines.
• One year of experience filling and troubleshooting Pyxis. Proficiency with Pyxis automated dispensing systems, including the ability to effectively fill, pend, load, manage inventories, utilize reports, and troubleshoot any operational issues.
• One year of hospital experience. Experience working in a large, complex VA medical center as a pharmacy technician.
• Experience preparing and dispensing medications.
• Competence in preparing and dispensing unit dose medications accurately and efficiently. This includes ensuring proper labeling, prepackaging, and adherence to protocols and regulations.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), Light lifting (under 15 pounds), Heavy carrying (45 pounds and over), Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), Light carrying (under 15 pounds), Straight pulling (2 hours), Pushing, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking (up to 4 hours), Standing (prolonged), Repeated bending, Climbing, use of legs and arms (infrequent), Operation of motor vehicle, Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, Specific visual requirement (Ability to read fine print on labels), Depth perception, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Hearing (aid permitted), Clear Speech, Emotional Stability, Good Dexterity

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7 . The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7 .

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