Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient)
- Employer
- USAJobs
- Location
- Washington, D.C
- Closing date
- May 7, 2021
View more
- Industry
- Government and Public Services, Federal
- Function
- Construction and Skilled Trades
- Hours
- Full Time
- Career Level
- Experienced (Non-Manager)
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Duties
Summary
Pharmacy Technicians function in various areas of the pharmacy,outpatient pharmacy, various storage areas, offices and patient care areas, under the supervision of the outpatient or inpatient pharmacy supervisor and Supervisory Technician, or a registered pharmacist in the absence of a pharmacy supervisor (depending upon the area of administrative assignment of the incumbent). Pharmacy technicians provide various technical support services within the pharmacy department.
Learn more about this agency
Responsibilities
Pharmacy technicians provide various technical support services within the pharmacy department. This position involves providing services related to inpatients and/or ambulatory patients. Technicians typically carry out a limited range of technical support functions described below. These include but are not limited to; processing, filling and distributing outpatient prescriptions for non-scheduled federal legend drugs and medical devices, over-the-counter products and supply items and distributing scheduled federal legend drugs; inpatient preparation and distributing unit dose medications, ward stock items and intravenous admixtures; stock management; operation, maintenance, re-stocking and troubleshooting of automated dispensing equipment; patient and customer relations; and preparation and maintenance of various logs, records and reports. The incumbent may be required to perform some or all of the functions, however the relative percentages of time spent performing each specific function varies with the area of administrative assignment.
Outpatient:
Pharmacy Technicians must basis technician knowledge of drug and medication brand names, generic names/chemical names, general and special storage requirements, expiration date requirements, manufacturer/distributor sources, dosage forms, applicable systems of weights and measures and medical terminology to interpret providers' orders and verify correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose is prepared and/or distributed; working knowledge of drug use and dosage forms available to be able to screen drug orders for propriety and assist the pharmacist in solving potential drug related problems; working knowledge of hospital computer system(s), specifically the applicable VISTA, CPRS and Class-III software applications and processing options (e.g., BCMA, unit dose, outpatient prescription processing including P2000, IV admixtures, etc.) and a thorough knowledge of the operation and basic daily maintenance and minor repair of automated dispensing equipment.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:30am - 6:00pm /occasional Saturdays
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Travel Required
Not required
Supervisory status
No
Promotion Potential
None
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
Preferred Experience: Experience as pharmacy technician - The pharmacy technician must possess technical knowledge of drugs and medication brand names, generic names, chemical names, general and special storage requirements, manufacturer and distributor source, dosage forms, applicable systems of weights and measures, and medical terminology in order to interpret physicians' orders and verify correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose is prepared and dispensed. Also needs working knowledge of hospital computer.
Grade Determinations:
(1) Creditable Experience. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with the scope of pharmacy technician practice.(2) Quality of Experience. To be creditable, pharmacy technician experience must be documented on the application and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means.(3) Part-time Experience. Part-time experience as a pharmacy technician is credited according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a pharmacy technician would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work.
(4) Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:
GS-6 (a) Experience. One year experience at the next lower level of GS-5, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level.
GS-5 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment.
2. Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique.
3. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures.
4. Knowledge of pharmacy information systems.
(b) Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above.In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:(c)
GS-6 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1.Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action.
2. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment.
3. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents.
4. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products.
5. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts.
6. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders.
References: VAH 5005/15 Part II Appendix G28 Dated March 17, 2006
Physical Requirements: Principle duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., use of computer keyboards, etc.). May require lifting and a carrying moderate loads (up to 44lbs.), including boxes and equipment; stooping or kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, remove and replace items on lower shelves, and to file documents in lower file drawers, etc.); sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours). Normal ranges of hearing and vision are required to perform work and communicate effectively; must have the visual ability to distinguish between basic colors and shades of color. An ability to perform tasks requiring rapid mental and muscular coordination functions simultaneously is necessary. Incumbent must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used for the job.
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
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
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.
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.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .
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, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
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.
Background checks and security clearance
Security clearance
Other
Drug test required
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Credentialing , Suitability/Fitness
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search .
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx .
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.
Summary
Pharmacy Technicians function in various areas of the pharmacy,outpatient pharmacy, various storage areas, offices and patient care areas, under the supervision of the outpatient or inpatient pharmacy supervisor and Supervisory Technician, or a registered pharmacist in the absence of a pharmacy supervisor (depending upon the area of administrative assignment of the incumbent). Pharmacy technicians provide various technical support services within the pharmacy department.
Learn more about this agency
Responsibilities
Pharmacy technicians provide various technical support services within the pharmacy department. This position involves providing services related to inpatients and/or ambulatory patients. Technicians typically carry out a limited range of technical support functions described below. These include but are not limited to; processing, filling and distributing outpatient prescriptions for non-scheduled federal legend drugs and medical devices, over-the-counter products and supply items and distributing scheduled federal legend drugs; inpatient preparation and distributing unit dose medications, ward stock items and intravenous admixtures; stock management; operation, maintenance, re-stocking and troubleshooting of automated dispensing equipment; patient and customer relations; and preparation and maintenance of various logs, records and reports. The incumbent may be required to perform some or all of the functions, however the relative percentages of time spent performing each specific function varies with the area of administrative assignment.
Outpatient:
Pharmacy Technicians must basis technician knowledge of drug and medication brand names, generic names/chemical names, general and special storage requirements, expiration date requirements, manufacturer/distributor sources, dosage forms, applicable systems of weights and measures and medical terminology to interpret providers' orders and verify correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose is prepared and/or distributed; working knowledge of drug use and dosage forms available to be able to screen drug orders for propriety and assist the pharmacist in solving potential drug related problems; working knowledge of hospital computer system(s), specifically the applicable VISTA, CPRS and Class-III software applications and processing options (e.g., BCMA, unit dose, outpatient prescription processing including P2000, IV admixtures, etc.) and a thorough knowledge of the operation and basic daily maintenance and minor repair of automated dispensing equipment.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:30am - 6:00pm /occasional Saturdays
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Travel Required
Not required
Supervisory status
No
Promotion Potential
None
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- You may be required to serve a probationary period
- Subject to a background/security investigation
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Qualifications
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.
Preferred Experience: Experience as pharmacy technician - The pharmacy technician must possess technical knowledge of drugs and medication brand names, generic names, chemical names, general and special storage requirements, manufacturer and distributor source, dosage forms, applicable systems of weights and measures, and medical terminology in order to interpret physicians' orders and verify correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose is prepared and dispensed. Also needs working knowledge of hospital computer.
Grade Determinations:
(1) Creditable Experience. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with the scope of pharmacy technician practice.(2) Quality of Experience. To be creditable, pharmacy technician experience must be documented on the application and verified in an employment reference, or through other independent means.(3) Part-time Experience. Part-time experience as a pharmacy technician is credited according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a pharmacy technician would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work.
(4) Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:
GS-6 (a) Experience. One year experience at the next lower level of GS-5, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level.
GS-5 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment.
2. Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique.
3. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures.
4. Knowledge of pharmacy information systems.
(b) Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above.In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:(c)
GS-6 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1.Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action.
2. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment.
3. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents.
4. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products.
5. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts.
6. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders.
References: VAH 5005/15 Part II Appendix G28 Dated March 17, 2006
Physical Requirements: Principle duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., use of computer keyboards, etc.). May require lifting and a carrying moderate loads (up to 44lbs.), including boxes and equipment; stooping or kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, remove and replace items on lower shelves, and to file documents in lower file drawers, etc.); sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours). Normal ranges of hearing and vision are required to perform work and communicate effectively; must have the visual ability to distinguish between basic colors and shades of color. An ability to perform tasks requiring rapid mental and muscular coordination functions simultaneously is necessary. Incumbent must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used for the job.
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
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
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.
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.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .
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, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
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.
Background checks and security clearance
Security clearance
Other
Drug test required
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Credentialing , Suitability/Fitness
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- VA Form 10-2850c, Application for Associated Health Occupations
- Copy of National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search .
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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
- VA Form 10-2850c, Application for Associated Health Occupations
- Copy of National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx .
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.
You need to sign in or create an account to save a job.
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