Summary

This is the full performance level for Pharmacy Technicians. Duties include filling and delivering medications using automated systems - assisting with inventory - preparing sterile products (when applicable) - checking for expired medications - answering phones - and providing technical support to Veterans regarding prescriptions.

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.

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: None required
• Certification: None required
• English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English
• 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)
• Employees grandfathered under this provision may continue to hold their position or be reassigned within the occupation but cannot be promoted beyond the full performance level without meeting all basic requirements
• Grade Determinations: To qualify at the GS-06 level - applicants must have one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) and demonstrate the following knowledge - skills - and abilities (KSAs): - Knowledge of Federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice
• - Knowledge of preparation - storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation
• - Ability to use pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment
• - Knowledge of basic inventory procedures
• - 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/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06
• Physical Requirements: In accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - the position requires: Standing - walking - bending - and lifting moderately heavy items (e.g. - boxes of medications)
• Manual dexterity to operate pharmacy equipment and handle medications
• Visual acuity to read prescriptions and labels accurately
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond to urgent requests.

Duties

• Major duties include but not limited to: Fill and dispense medications using automated systems
• Deliver medications to patient care areas and assist with inventory management
• Prepare non-sterile compounded medications and reconstitute oral/external medications
• Read and interpret prescriptions - ensuring proper strength - dosage - and labeling
• Operate and maintain pharmacy equipment and automated dispensing machines
• Conduct ward inspections and monitor medication storage areas for compliance
• Answer inquiries from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution
• Identify basic therapeutic issues (e.g. - duplicate therapy) and alert pharmacists
• Assist in training lower-graded technicians and technician students
• Work Schedule: Varies depending on needs of service Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #:60326F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorize