Pharmacy Technician

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 41,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Outpatient Automation Pharmacy Technicians perform the technical functions required in the operation of an outpatient dispensing pharmacy. This includes providing first line support, maintenance, and basic repair of all Pharmacy Service automation.

They work under the direct supervision of the Pharmacy Technician Supervisor and observe the chain of command at all times. Citizenship and English proficiency are required; national certification (CPhT or ExCPT) is needed for higher levels.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Education or experience may qualify; combinations totaling 100% as defined.
• Certification required for positions above full performance level: CPhT or ExCPT.
• English language proficiency in spoken and written.
• Foreign education must be evaluated for equivalence when applicable.

Responsibilities

• Perform full range of duties with independent judgement.
• Mentor lower graded pharmacy technicians.
• Work across multiple locations including pharmacy contact centers.
• Maintain and troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment.

Skills

English proficiency

Independent judgement

Pharmacy knowledge

Team communication

Job description

The Outpatient Automation Pharmacy Technicians perform the technical functions required in the operation of an outpatient dispensing pharmacy. This includes providing first line support, maintenance, and basic repair of all Pharmacy Service automation. The employee works under the direct supervision of the Pharmacy Technician Supervisor and observes the chain of command at all times as outlined in the Pharmacy Service organizational chart. 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 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
• Education or Experience. (1) None required. (2) For all grade levels and positions that accept both education and experience to qualify, equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 100% are qualifying. The combined percentage is determined by adding total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level to the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level.
• Certification. For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either:
  • (1) Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). OR
  • (2) National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).
• Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials.
• English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

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

Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

Certification.

For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: (a) PTCB as a CPhT. OR (b) NHA as a ExCPT.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs).

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:(a) Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work.(b) Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent.(c) Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers.(d) Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students.(e) Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution.(f) Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases.

Assignments.

Pharmacy technicians at this level are nationally certified and can work autonomously using independent judgement to perform a full range of duties. These pharmacy technicians mentor and train lower graded pharmacy technicians in the practice setting. They assist advanced/ specialized pharmacy technicians and participate in performance improvement initiatives. At this level, pharmacy technicians use independent judgement to perform the full range of duties in the pharmacy. They also function as staff pharmacy technicians in various locations of the pharmacy, including pharmacy contact centers and other non-traditional pharmacy locations, with minimal oversight.

Preferred Experience:

3 years of Pharmacy Technician experience.

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-07.

Physical Requirements:

The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving walking and standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing at least 50 lbs., and frequent bending and stooping.