Pharmacy Technician

Veterans Health Administration; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

VA Salt Lake City Health Care System is seeking experienced Pharmacy Technicians to perform full-range duties with independent judgment in a clinical setting.

Responsibilities include dispensing medications, delivering to patients, and supporting inventory, with emphasis on accuracy and patient safety.

Qualifications

• Pharmacy technicians must have certified qualifications and knowledge of pharmacy operations.
• Ability to work with automated systems for dispensing and inventory.
• Understanding of safety protocols and patient confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Fill orders and dispense medications under pharmacist supervision.
• Deliver medications to floors and patients and assist with inventory.
• Provide technical customer service to Veterans regarding prescriptions.
• Maintain accuracy in labeling and medication storage.

Skills

Pharmacy technician principles

Independent judgement

Customer service in healthcare

Training and mentoring

Knowledge of ADE

Inventory management

Education

None required

Tools

Automated dispensing systems

ADE/dispensing technology

Job description

Pharmacy technicians at this level are nationally certified and can work autonomously using independent judgement to perform a full range of duties at the VHASLC HCS. 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.

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.
  • (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
  • National Health career Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT)

Grade Determinations:

GS-07 Pharmacy Technician- Outpatient Experience. Candidates must possess one year of experience at the GS-06 level. Pharmacy technicians at the full performance level may fill orders, dispense/deliver medications using automated systems or provide technical customer service to Veterans related to prescription needs. Duties will include delivery of medications to floors/patients, filling medications for the pharmacist to review, checking for expired medications, answering phones with appropriate disposition, preparing sterile products (when applicable) and assisting with basic inventory management such as putting up stock and identifying when medications need to be ordered.

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. (b) NHA as a ExCPT.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

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

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements:

The pharmacy technician position requires frequent standing and walking for extended periods, including regular and recurring physical exertion for prolonged periods, walking distances within the medical center, and pushing carts. The incumbent must be able to lift and carry loads, up to 40 pounds, such as medication containers, supplies, boxes, and pharmaceutical supplies. Manual dexterity is necessary for handling medications, preparing prescriptions, typing, and operating equipment and computers. Adequate near vision is required to read labels, prescription orders, and computer screens, while sufficient hearing ability is essential for understanding spoken instructions and communicating with patients and staff. The position demands mobility to move freely throughout the pharmacy and clinical areas, as well as the ability to reach objects overhead or below waist level; some stooping, bending, and stretching may be required. In addition, pharmacy technicians may be required to safely handle hazardous substances, while adhering to established safety protocols and using appropriate personal protective equipment. Must possess math skills in order to convert medications to the correct dosing.