Clarification from the agency

This vacancy is open to all U.S. Citizens.

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Duties may include but are not limited to:

Pharmacy technicians in this assignment specialize in areas such as sterile compounding, oncology, controlled substances, medication history review, clinical specialist (anticoagulation, pain, infectious diseases), clinical informatics, automation, immunizations and any other specialized area in the advancement of the profession. The pharmacy technician will serve as a subject matter expert and key resource in the day-to-day technician duties of the specialized area.

Computer Data Entry:
(1) Assess a list of patients in the emergency department and inpatient setting who have not had an admission medication reconciliation performed.
(2) Enter progress notes into the patient medical record, using information obtained directly from the patient. Forward each completed note to the appropriate pharmacist for co-signature.
(3) Track pending and completed medication reconciliations in the appropriate pharmacy database.
(4) Report all potential patient or pharmacy distribution problems verbally and/or in writing as requested by the pharmacist in the area assigned. Assist the pharmacist in reporting Adverse Drug Reactions, Medication Errors and 'Near Misses'.

Education & Personal Competence:
(1) Maintain competence by participating in staff development programs.
(2) Provide in-service programs for the appropriate acute care personnel and pharmacy technicians as assigned.
(3) Successfully complete annual competency certifications based on specific clinical functions/activities assigned.

Confidentiality, Security, and Infection Control
(1) Comply with all hospital patient and service confidentiality guidelines and policies.
(2) Comply with all hospital infection control guidelines and policies.
(3) Follow applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as delineated in the computer access agreement and VA policy.
(4) Protect patient information from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion.

Accurate Medication Orders
(1) Medication orders (unit dose, ward stock, parenteral products) are processed and filled accurately in accordance with all laws, rules, regulations, and policies as observed by supervisor and reports of incidents received by the supervisor.
(2) Medications (unit dose, ward stock, parenteral products) are delivered to the customer or patient care area in a timely manner to ensure standards for turnaround time are met, as evidenced by supervisor review and reports of incidents received by the supervisor.
(3) Medications deemed unnecessary or unusable by nursing staff and placed in the Return to Pharmacy bins are returned to pharmacy in a timely manner and assessed for appropriateness of reuse, as evidenced by supervisor review and reports of incidents received by the supervisor.
(4) Patient medications brought into the hospital upon admission that are confiscated by nursing staff for turn in to Pharmacy are processed accurately and efficiently according to policy, as evidenced by supervisor review and reports of incidents received by the supervisor.
(5) Potential medication order problems are brought to the attention of the pharmacist for assistance with resolution as observed by the supervisor and reports of incidents received by the supervisor.

General Performance
(1) Compliance with the Joint Commission, VHA, VA and other program review criteria that govern service is exhibited and documented as evidenced by both internal and external reviews. Employee demonstrates high ethical standards and prevents violations of the law.
(2) Proficiency in the operation of the relevant VISTA computer packages (to include CPRS, Controlled Substance, Outpatient, Inpatient, Progress Note, Hospital Information, Laboratory, Time and Attendance, etc) is consistently demonstrated as assessed by the supervisor.
(3) Maintains proficiency in the operation of the relevant pharmacy automation and equipment as assessed by the supervisor including cleaning, restocking, replenishing, and troubleshooting.
(4) Patient sensitive materials are consistently disposed of in sensitive waste receptacles as required by Federal rules and regulations / HIPAA. Faxes, messages, written orders and other communications are handled appropriately without deviation from the patient confidentiality requirements as evidenced by supervisor observation and reports of incidents to the supervisor.
(5) Pharmaceutical waste is consistently handled and disposed of according to health care system policy as evidenced by supervisor observation and reports of incidents to the supervisor.

Work Schedule: Various Schedules, may include some holidays and weekends.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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.
• 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

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.
• Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required.
• English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.

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-08

(1) Experience. Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below.

(2) 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.

OR

• (b) NHA as a ExCPT.

(3) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs for all GS-08 assignments and meet any additional KSAs for the assignment, if indicated:

• (a) Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology and policies in a specialized area or section of pharmacy (such as sterile compounding, controlled substances, automation, clinical pharmacy, contact center, etc.) Note: See Specialized Area.in the Definitions Section.
• (b) Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures.
• (c) Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy.

Preferred Experience: Previous experience with controlled substance management in the inpatient and/or outpatient setting.

References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G28

Physical Requirements: Employees are typically expected to work varying work schedules. This may include nights, weekends and/or holidays as assigned. Principle duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., preparing IV admixtures, use of a computer keyboard, etc.). May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 44lbs.), including boxes, equipment, unit dose-cassettes, and IV solutions; stooping or kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, remove and replace items on lower shelves, 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. Must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used for the job.

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.

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.