Pharmacy Technician
The primary duties of the Pharmacy Technician (Clinical Pharmacy Technician - Inpatient) will include:
a. Clinical Tasks 1. Interviews patients (and families/caregivers as appropriate), to develop an accurate list of medications, strengths, and dosages the patient had been taking at home. 2. Contacts other pharmacies/nursing facilities to complete an accurate medication list. 3. Assesses medication compliance through interview of patient/caregiver. 4. Documents the completed medication list and compliance issues within 24hrs of patient encounter. 5. Notifies the overseeing pharmacist of any questions or compliance issues. 6. At the request of overseeing pharmacist, completes patient/family interview to determine home medication supply in anticipation of extended pass from facility or discharge to determine medication needs. b. Operational Tasks 1. Coordinates the drug distribution activities at the CLC to ensure that standard operating procedures are aligned with automation capabilities for maximum efficiency. 2. Maintains offline inventory of unit dose medications packaged through automation, adds new and deletes obsolete medications from databases as needed. 3. Maintains a routine to run, review, and maintain automation reports. 4. Independently resolves complaints and problems regarding CLC pharmacy automation, troubleshoots problems with the automated dispensing cabinets and alerts the appropriate personnel if maintenance or repair is required. 5. Ensures that all equipment is cleaned and maintained to prevent downtime and problems. 6. Trains and orients Pharmacy staff and other CLC staff involved in operating the automated dispensing machines. 7. Works in conjunction with the Inpatient and Outpatient Automation Technicians to ensure standardization and coordination as needed. 8. Maintains appropriate stock levels and accountability of all medications, including investigational drugs and high cost medications. 9. Reviews PRN medications by patient population and maintains adequate stock in automated dispensing machines for patient use. 10. Maintains a reliable inventory system to ensure that stock is managed without shortages or excess. 11. Refills automated dispensing cabinets with controlled substances and PRN medications as needed. 12. Assists personnel in resolving situations of drug shortages and discrepancies. 13. Prepares and fills inpatient orders for controlled substances using the VistA controlled substances software following all VA guidelines and procedures. 14. Ensures that automated dispensing cabinets are efficiently utilized for dispensing medications, controlled and non-controlled. c. Prevention and Management of Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events 1. Efficiently and accurately prepacks medications when needed, using the correct lot numbers and expiration dates. 2. Removes expired medications from stock and follows facility policy and procedure for disposal. 3. Stocks medication in automated dispensing machines by rotating stock and stocking items in appropriate locations. 4. Performs assigned ward stock in accordance with facility policy and procedure. 5. Demonstrates appropriate use of VISTA, CPRS and BCMA computer systems for basic pharmacy functions. 6. Communicates any medication errors, adverse events, allergies and any other medication related problems for clarification to the pharmacist and/or supervisor as necessary. d. Other Duties 1. Performs all duties of a Pharmacy Technician at the same or lower grade as required and assigned. Work Schedule:
Monday through Friday, 7:
00am to 3:
30pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required. 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. 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). Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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:
In addition to the basic requirements listed above, applicants must also meet the grade level requirements detailed below. Grade Level Requirements, GS-7 Pharmacy Technician. Experience. One year experience at the next lower level, GS-6, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level:
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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk ( ):
1. Ability to evaluate, analyze workflow, and coordinate work activities. 2. Ability to independently gather, evaluate, and analyze data to generate reports and/or for other projects/statistical purposes. 3. Knowledge of pharmacy policies and procedures sufficient to train and orient new employees and other staff. 4. Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and care of specialized pharmaceutical equipment. 5. Comprehensive knowledge of the procurement and formulary process. 6. Comprehensive knowledge of investigational drug policies and procedures. 7. Comprehensive knowledge of controlled substance policies and procedures, and the ability to identify and investigate discrepancies in these policies and procedures. 8. Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to, analyze data in VA information systems. References:
VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements:
Work will require mostly standing, walking, lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, and pulling.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
a. Clinical Tasks 1. Interviews patients (and families/caregivers as appropriate), to develop an accurate list of medications, strengths, and dosages the patient had been taking at home. 2. Contacts other pharmacies/nursing facilities to complete an accurate medication list. 3. Assesses medication compliance through interview of patient/caregiver. 4. Documents the completed medication list and compliance issues within 24hrs of patient encounter. 5. Notifies the overseeing pharmacist of any questions or compliance issues. 6. At the request of overseeing pharmacist, completes patient/family interview to determine home medication supply in anticipation of extended pass from facility or discharge to determine medication needs. b. Operational Tasks 1. Coordinates the drug distribution activities at the CLC to ensure that standard operating procedures are aligned with automation capabilities for maximum efficiency. 2. Maintains offline inventory of unit dose medications packaged through automation, adds new and deletes obsolete medications from databases as needed. 3. Maintains a routine to run, review, and maintain automation reports. 4. Independently resolves complaints and problems regarding CLC pharmacy automation, troubleshoots problems with the automated dispensing cabinets and alerts the appropriate personnel if maintenance or repair is required. 5. Ensures that all equipment is cleaned and maintained to prevent downtime and problems. 6. Trains and orients Pharmacy staff and other CLC staff involved in operating the automated dispensing machines. 7. Works in conjunction with the Inpatient and Outpatient Automation Technicians to ensure standardization and coordination as needed. 8. Maintains appropriate stock levels and accountability of all medications, including investigational drugs and high cost medications. 9. Reviews PRN medications by patient population and maintains adequate stock in automated dispensing machines for patient use. 10. Maintains a reliable inventory system to ensure that stock is managed without shortages or excess. 11. Refills automated dispensing cabinets with controlled substances and PRN medications as needed. 12. Assists personnel in resolving situations of drug shortages and discrepancies. 13. Prepares and fills inpatient orders for controlled substances using the VistA controlled substances software following all VA guidelines and procedures. 14. Ensures that automated dispensing cabinets are efficiently utilized for dispensing medications, controlled and non-controlled. c. Prevention and Management of Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events 1. Efficiently and accurately prepacks medications when needed, using the correct lot numbers and expiration dates. 2. Removes expired medications from stock and follows facility policy and procedure for disposal. 3. Stocks medication in automated dispensing machines by rotating stock and stocking items in appropriate locations. 4. Performs assigned ward stock in accordance with facility policy and procedure. 5. Demonstrates appropriate use of VISTA, CPRS and BCMA computer systems for basic pharmacy functions. 6. Communicates any medication errors, adverse events, allergies and any other medication related problems for clarification to the pharmacist and/or supervisor as necessary. d. Other Duties 1. Performs all duties of a Pharmacy Technician at the same or lower grade as required and assigned. Work Schedule:
Monday through Friday, 7:
00am to 3:
30pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required. 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. 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). Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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:
In addition to the basic requirements listed above, applicants must also meet the grade level requirements detailed below. Grade Level Requirements, GS-7 Pharmacy Technician. Experience. One year experience at the next lower level, GS-6, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level:
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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk ( ):
1. Ability to evaluate, analyze workflow, and coordinate work activities. 2. Ability to independently gather, evaluate, and analyze data to generate reports and/or for other projects/statistical purposes. 3. Knowledge of pharmacy policies and procedures sufficient to train and orient new employees and other staff. 4. Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and care of specialized pharmaceutical equipment. 5. Comprehensive knowledge of the procurement and formulary process. 6. Comprehensive knowledge of investigational drug policies and procedures. 7. Comprehensive knowledge of controlled substance policies and procedures, and the ability to identify and investigate discrepancies in these policies and procedures. 8. Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to, analyze data in VA information systems. References:
VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements:
Work will require mostly standing, walking, lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, and pulling.
- Department:
0661 Pharmacy Technician - Salary Range:
$44,966 to $58,452 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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