Pharmacy Technician

Veterans Health Administration; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Veterans Health Administration in Madison, WI seeks a CSP Chemotherapy/Controlled Substance Pharmacy Technician to perform complex sterile preparation of chemotherapeutic agents and manage controlled substances. You will apply independent technical judgement and handle timely filling of orders in a high-stakes environment.

Applicants may be referred while certifications are in progress; full qualifications include a national certification and active credential (PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT).

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship required; non-citizens considered per VA policy.
• English language proficiency in speaking and writing.
• Certification: active national certification (PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT) required.
• Education or experience: none required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare sterile IV products and manage chemotherapy-related sterile compounding.
• Fill and manage controlled substance orders according to DEA regulations.
• Take medication histories and counsel patients as needed.
• Manage automation and assist in workflow optimization.
• Train and orient staff in specialized pharmacy procedures.

Skills

Sterile compounding

Controlled substances handling

Pharmacy terminology

Attention to detail

Tools

Sterile compounding equipment

Automation systems

Job description

The Compound Sterile Product (CSP) Chemotherapy/Controlled Substance Pharmacy Technician is a highly specialized technician, who will perform a variety of complex functions in the preparation of chemotherapeutic agents and management of controlled substances. The incumbent will consistently demonstrate independent technical judgement and comprehensive working knowledge of sterile preparations. This position has responsibility for the handling and timely filling of controlled substance orders.

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. 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) Education or Experience: (1) None required.

Certification: 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. A COPY OF YOUR CERTIFICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION. 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).

GS-08 Pharmacy Technician Grade Determinations: Experience: Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below. 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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs for all GS-08 assignments and meet any additional KSAs for the assignment, if indicated: Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology and policies in a specialized area or section of pharmacy (such as sterile compounding, controlled substances, automation, clinical pharmacy, contact center, etc. Note: See Specialized Area.in the Definitions Section. Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures. Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy.

Pharmacy technicians in this assignment specialize in areas such as sterile compounding, oncology, controlled substances, medication history review, clinical specialist (anticoagulation, pain, infectious diseases), clinical informatics, automation, immunizations and any other specialized area in the advancement of the profession. The pharmacy technician will serve as a subject matter expert and key resource in the day-to-day technician duties of the specialized area. The technician will be performing assignments such as compounding sterile products, filling controlled substance prescriptions while maintaining compliance with Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulations, taking medication histories and counseling patients, managing automation, managing workflow and training and orienting staff in the specialized area.

Preferred Experience

• Experience preparing sterile IV products in compliance with USP cleanroom standards.
• Prior hands-on experience compounding hazardous drugs, including chemotherapy,.
• Experience working in a controlled-substance vault or performing day-to-day controlled substance accountability.
• Familiarity with DEA handling requirements and inventory procedures.
• Strong communication skills and experience working alongside pharmacists and other technicians in high-volume, high-risk preparation areas.
• Ability to multitask and maintain accuracy under time-sensitive conditions (e.g., STAT IVs, infusion clinic deadlines).

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 8. Physical Requirements: Refence VA Directive and Handbook 5019