Pharmacy Technician
- Employer
- USAJobs
- Location
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Posted
- Jun 24, 2022
- Closes
- Jul 01, 2022
- Function
- Construction and Skilled Trades
- Industry
- Government and Public Services, Federal
- Career Level
- Experienced (Non-Manager)
- Hours
- Full Time
Duties
This is an open-continuous announcement and may be extended if needed. The announcement will remain open for 30 days or until there is no longer a need. The following cut-off dates will be used to refer applications to the selecting official:
Major Duties include but are not limited to:
Work Schedule: Various and rotating shifts to include evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays to meet operational needs of the service, at the discretion of management.
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.
Pharmacy Technicians are essential employees and follow VA Maryland Health Care System guidance, rules, policies, directives, and/or other notifications for essential employees during emergency and/or inclement weather.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
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. NOTE: This applies to the past, current, and upcoming VA Health Professional Trainees (HPT) only. HPT is an individual appointed to temporary positions in one or more VHA medical facilities performing clinical or research training experiences to satisfy program or degree requirements or receiving VA Health Professional Scholarship Program. HPTs can be either VA-paid or Without Compensation (WOC).
Basic Requirements:
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements of employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:
Experience (GS-06): One (1) year of experience at the next lower level (GS-05), i.e., performing duties of pharmacy technician at aa full performance level receiving little guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patients and procedures, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level (GS-05) i.e., ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment; knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique; knowledge of basic inventory procedures; knowledge of pharmacy information systems. (The experience must be demonstrated on your resume.)
Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*)Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. Preferred Experience: Two or more years of experience in both the retail (outpatient) and hospital (inpatient) pharmacy.
References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28. Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard GS-661.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06.
Physical Requirements: Physical demands of the position require regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds, pushing and pulling of large carts. The job may include significant time at a computer terminal.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html .
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.
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.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a VA job announcement includes language requiring applicants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to Executive Order 14043, that requirement does not currently apply to this Job Announcement. VA may request information regarding your vaccination status, if selected, for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .
This is an open-continuous announcement and may be extended if needed. The announcement will remain open for 30 days or until there is no longer a need. The following cut-off dates will be used to refer applications to the selecting official:
- First cut-off date is June 13th, 2022.
- Second cut-off date is June 23rd, 2022.
- Final cut-off date is July 3rd, 2022
Major Duties include but are not limited to:
- Filling inpatient & outpatient (prescriptions) medication orders (non-controlled and controlled substances) or preparing IV admixtures (piggybacks, large volume parenteral and chemotherapy) utilizing appropriate precautions and aseptic techniques in a timely manner for final check by a pharmacist.
- Using computer systems and software to maintain reports and produce records- Maintaining appropriate stock levels of medications in pharmacy areas and institution automated medication dispensing cabinets
- Maintaining proper records of medications and supplies issued to provide data for reports as needed (i.e. changing use patterns).
- Filling, replenishing, packaging, and/or exchanging medications in unit dose carts, emergency crash carts, medication storage areas, and automated dispensing cabinets.
- Checking medication expiration dates in unit dose carts, emergency crash carts, medication storage areas, and automated dispensing cabinets and document as indicated.
- Accepting pharmaceutical deliveries validating quantities ordered on invoice versus quantities received along with other information notifying procurement technician or appropriate supervisor of any discrepancies.
- Notifying Supervisor or other designated person of actual or anticipated shortages of medications and supplies.
- Answering telephone calls responding to inquiries and triaging as appropriate- Assisting in maintaining the orderliness and cleanliness of the Pharmacy.
- Drug recall CACHE activities and performing other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Various and rotating shifts to include evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays to meet operational needs of the service, at the discretion of management.
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.
Pharmacy Technicians are essential employees and follow VA Maryland Health Care System guidance, rules, policies, directives, and/or other notifications for essential employees during emergency and/or inclement weather.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- 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.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
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. NOTE: This applies to the past, current, and upcoming VA Health Professional Trainees (HPT) only. HPT is an individual appointed to temporary positions in one or more VHA medical facilities performing clinical or research training experiences to satisfy program or degree requirements or receiving VA Health Professional Scholarship Program. HPTs can be either VA-paid or Without Compensation (WOC).
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. Education or Experience: A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience. Certification: Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. Note: VA Health Professional Trainees (HPT) pending the completion of educational may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with the VA policy.
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements of employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:
Experience (GS-06): One (1) year of experience at the next lower level (GS-05), i.e., performing duties of pharmacy technician at aa full performance level receiving little guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patients and procedures, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level (GS-05) i.e., ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment; knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique; knowledge of basic inventory procedures; knowledge of pharmacy information systems. (The experience must be demonstrated on your resume.)
Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*)
References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28. Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard GS-661.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06.
Physical Requirements: Physical demands of the position require regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds, pushing and pulling of large carts. The job may include significant time at a computer terminal.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html .
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.
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.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a VA job announcement includes language requiring applicants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to Executive Order 14043, that requirement does not currently apply to this Job Announcement. VA may request information regarding your vaccination status, if selected, for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .