Pharmacy Technician

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Colorado, Aurora, seeks a Pharmacy Technician at the full performance level to assist pharmacists in inpatient and outpatient medication-related tasks at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent or at least 3 months of experience, and PTCB certification for GS-6 level eligibility. English proficiency is mandatory for direct patient care work, with citizenship required by VA policy.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience.
• Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above.
• English language proficiency is required for direct patient care positions.
• United States citizenship is required unless VA policy allows non-citizens.

Responsibilities

• Assist pharmacists in inpatient and outpatient medication related tasks.
• Support preparation, storage and distribution of medication products, including those requiring special handling.

Skills

Pharmacy knowledge

Communication with patients

Inventory procedures

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Pharmacy information systems

Job description

This is the full performance level for Pharmacy technicians at ECHCS. Employees at the full performance level will assist pharmacists in inpatient and outpatient medication related tasks. This position will be at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center.

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 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.

Grade Determinations

GS-6 To qualify, applicants must have 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:

• (a) Knowledge of Federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice.
• (b) Knowledge of preparation, storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation.
• (c) Ability to use pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment.
• (d) Knowledge of basic inventory procedures.
• (e) Ability to communicate with patients and staff and direct questions to appropriate personnel

VA experience preferred, inpatient and outpatient experience preferred. Minimum of 3 years of pharmacy experience.

References

VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix 28, Pharmacy Technician, GS-661, Qualification Standard http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-6.

Physical Requirements

Principle duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers. May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 44lbs.), e.g., to pick up items from the floor, remove and replace items on lower shelves, sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time . Normal ranges of hearing and vision are required to perform work and communicate effectively; must have the visual ability to distinguish between basic colors and shades of color. An ability to perform tasks requiring rapid mental and muscular coordination functions simultaneously is necessary. Must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used for the job.

Selected applicants may be required to complete an online onboarding process.