Pharmacy Technician

Description:

In this position, the Pharmacy Technician is expected to accomplish all duties related to stocking, delivering, inventory, inspections, assembling ward orders, prescription assembly, controlled substances distribution, sterile compounding (including hazardous drugs), unit-dose drug packaging, dispensing, distribution, and any other function related to pharmaceutical practices.

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

• Citizenship . Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.)
• 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 of VA Handbook 5005.
• Experience and/or Education . None required.

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: In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

Pharmacy Technician, GS-03.

(a) One year of post-secondary education.

OR

(b) Six months of general experience.

OR

(c) Student Technician. A student enrolled in an approved nationally accredited pharmacy technician program for an occupation identified in 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(A) or (B) may be appointed on a temporary full-time, part-time or intermittent basis under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(D) for a period not to exceed two years or the duration of the individual's program.

Pharmacy Technician, GS-04 - In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-04 you meet one of the following: Completion of two years of post-secondary coursework related to pharmacy (e.g., 12 semester hours of science and mathematics courses); Six (6) months of experience, that demonstrated knowledge of medication or medical field practice; Successful completion of a military or nationally recognized pharmacy technician education/training program. American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP), American Pharmacist Association (APHA), Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), PTCB or NHA are examples of acceptable professional organizations recognizing such training programs. NOTE: Training courses recognized by PTCB and NHA are not actual certifications; Or One (1) year of experience equivalent to next lower grade level.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) GS-4 - In addition to the education or experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Ability to follow policies and procedures.
2. Ability to maintain appropriate files.
3. Ability to communicate with patients and other health professionals.
4. Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions.
5. Ability to operate office software/equipment to include, computers, software applications and printers.

Pharmacy Technician, GS-05 - In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-05 you meet one of the following: Successful completion of four years post-secondary education with courses related to pharmacy (e.g., 48 semester hours of science, mathematics, pharmacy) or a bachelor's degree; An associate's degree in pharmacy technician or technology (48 semester hours of concentrated pharmacy technician training); or One (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) GS-5 - In addition to the education or experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of basic pharmacy operations.
2. Knowledge of pharmaceuticals to perform duties in pharmacy functional areas.
3. Knowledge of pharmaceutical nomenclature (including generic, chemical, and proprietary names of drug).
4. Ability to fill prescriptions.
5. Ability to use pharmacy information systems or basic pharmacy dispensing equipment with oversight.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) GS-6 - 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-05)

1. Knowledge of Federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice.
2. Knowledge of preparation, storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation.
3. Ability to use pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment.
4. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures.
5. Ability to communicate with patients and staff and direct questions to appropriate personnel.

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

Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 50 lb., and bending/stooping. Work is typically performed in a clinical setting that exposes incumbent to communicable diseases, biohazards, hazardous chemicals, and hazardous medications common in a health care environment. Such exposure will be mitigated in accordance with local policies and operating procedures as per USP 800 standards, OSHA guidance and local risk assessment practices. Standard safety precautions and PPE are required and specified per local policies. Some work is performed in a setting away from the pharmacy where the environment cannot be controlled.

The full performance level for this qualification standard is the GS-06 grade level.