Pharmacy Technician

VA Detroit; Proviso Township (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

VA Detroit is seeking an entry-level Pharmacy Technician for its Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy. The role includes assembling medications, supporting pharmacy operations under supervision, and requires U.S. citizenship and proficiency in English. Benefits include paid time off and federal insurance programs.

Benefits

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days annually

Child Care Subsidy up to 25%

Federal health/vision/dental insurance

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English required.
• Education in pharmacy or experience relevant to pharmacy operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and package drugs and supplies for mailing.
• Transport stock and interpret, fill, and ready prescriptions.
• Assist with inventory and check for outdated pharmaceuticals.

Skills

Ability to follow policies and procedures

Ability to communicate with patients and other health professionals

Ability to operate office software

Education

Completion of pharmacy technician program

Job description

Join to apply for the Pharmacy Technician role at VA Detroit

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Pharmacy Technician role at VA Detroit

Summary

This position serves as the Pharmacy Technician in the Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP). Appointee participates in the technical product dispensing and pharmacy operational support functions under general supervision.

Summary

This position serves as the Pharmacy Technician in the Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP). Appointee participates in the technical product dispensing and pharmacy operational support functions under general supervision.

Help Help

Duties

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

As a Pharmacy Technician for the Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy Program (CMOP) you will participate in the technical product dispensing and pharmacy operation support functions under the general guidance of a supervisor. Work ay be in any of the following areas: automated dispensing, labeling, manifesting, packing and receiving.

Major Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• Assembling and packaging drugs and supplies for mailing to patients.
• Transporting stock from receiving to storage and dispensing areas.
• Accurately interpreting, filling, and readying prescriptions with appropriate medications and/or medical supplies for pharmacist verification.
• Assisting with basic inventorying activities and checking for outdated pharmaceuticals.
• Receiving all pharmaceuticals including restricted pharmaceuticals.
  
  

Work Schedule: 6:30am-3:00pm, Monday- Friday

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 99515A, 99516A, 99517A, and 99518A

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Help Help

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  
  

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:

• Citizenship - You must be a citizen of the United States
• English Language Proficiency - You must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d)
• Education or Experience:
• None required.
• 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.
  

Grandfather Provision. A Pharmacy Technician Employed In VHA On The Effective Date Of The Qualification Standard (11/7/2023) Are Considered To Have Met All Qualification Requirements For The Title, Series And Grade Held, Including Positive Education And Licensure/certification/registration That Are Part Of The Basic Requirements Of The Occupation. For Employees Who Do Not Meet All The Basic Requirements In This Standard But Who Met The Qualifications Applicable To The Position At The Time They Were Appointed To It, The Following Provisions Apply:

• Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level or changed to lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
• Employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/ registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/ certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.
• Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
• Employees who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.
• Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
  
  

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

GS-03 Pharmacy Technician

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-03 you must meet one of the following:

• One (1) year of post-secondary education. OR
• Six (6) months of general experience OR
• 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.
  
  

GS-04 Pharmacy Technician

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-04 you must 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). OR
• Completion of one of the following:
• 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.
• One year of experience equivalent to next lower grade level.

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

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

GS-05 Pharmacy Technician

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-05 you must 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. OR
• 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). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

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

GS-06 Pharmacy Technician

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-06 you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06.

Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a highly mechanized warehouse setting around production machinery. Moderate noise and traffic require attention to safety. Some work areas involve a moderate risk requiring exercise of safety precautions when operating or working around the automated equipment (i.e., accumulators, moving belts, etc.). Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory when handling specific medications and in certain areas of production or assignment. The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion and activity, involving standing for prolonged periods of time on hard surfaces, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 50 lbs. unassisted and bending/twisting/stooping/reaching.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Read more

• Help Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Area of Consideration: Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

• Current permanent VA employees of the Hines Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP) facility, Station 765. Applicants must provide a current SF-50 that shows "12PBM CMOP Hines, IL USA" in box 22.
• Current permanent VA employees of the following Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP) facilities, Station 760, Station 761, Station 762, Station 763, Station 764, Station 765, Station 766. Applicants must provide a current SF-50 that shows "12PBM CMOP" in box 22.
• All other VA employees. Applicants must provide a current SF-50 that shows they are a current permanent employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  
  

Note: Veterans' Preference is not applicable to VA employees or employees of other Federal agencies.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Help Help

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  
  

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript
  
  

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Health Care Provider

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at VA Detroit by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Pharmacy Technician” roles.

Outpatient Pharmacy Technician (Per Diem)

Pharmacy Tech Support / Call Center Representative (Remote)

Outpatient Pharmacy Technician (Per Diem)

Pharmacy Technician II - Floater, Ambulatory Pharmacy Services, College of Pharmacy

Pharmacy Technician Specialist-Ambulatory Pharmacy/Population Health, Full-time Days

Pharmacy Tech Support / Call Center Representative (Remote)

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.