Pharmacy Technician- Outpatient

Veterans Health Administration; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 53,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

The Veterans Health Administration’s Phoenix VA Healthcare System is seeking a certified Pharmacy Technician at the full performance level (GS-07). The role requires national certification (PTCB or ExCPT/NHA) and working with autonomy to support safe medication distribution.

Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, the computerized prescription process, and ability to train lower grade technicians.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions.
• Ability to resolve medication issues with the healthcare team and Veterans.
• Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students.
• Ability to dispense medication following all regulations and procedures.
• Ability to troubleshoot ADE or technology platforms/databases.

Responsibilities

• Dispense medication following policies and procedures.
• Assist with the use and troubleshooting of automated dispensing equipment (ADE).
• Coordinate with the healthcare team to resolve medication issues.
• Mentor and train lower grade pharmacy technicians and students.
• Maintain compliance with VA standards and safety protocols.

Skills

Independent work

Pharmacy knowledge

ADE troubleshooting

Training others

Dispensing medications

Tools

Automated dispensing equipment (ADE)

Job description

This position is for a certified pharmacy technician above the full performance level at the Phoenix VA Healthcare System. Pharmacy technicians at this grade level are nationally certified by PTCB or ExCPT and can work autonomously, using independent judgement to perform a full range of duties. Pharmacy technicians above the full performance level can mentor and train lower grade technicians in the practice setting.

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: 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. Certification: For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). OR National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). 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: GS-07

Experience: Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06). AND Certification: Must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: PTCB as a CPhT. OR NHA as a ExCPT. AND Applicant must meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• 1. Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work.
• 2. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent.
• 3. Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers.
• 4. Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students.
• 5. Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution.
• 6. 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/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07.

Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time, typing, walking distances within the medical center, lifting/carrying (45 pounds and greater) of pharmaceutical supplies, and pushing/bending/stooping/stretching.