Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Responsibilities Reads & interprets prescriptions from the veterans integrated software technology architecture (VistA), ScriptPro, computerized patient record keeping system (CPRS) or in written format. Reviews prescription orders for technical accuracy. Prepares medications & ensures the orderable item matches the item being dispensed with regard to drug, strength, quantity or appropriate supply item. Uses ScriptPro & ScriptTalk to batch & label medications. Maintains highly sophisticated pharmacy equipment. Assists with automated or manual inventory processes that include but are not limited to inventory counts, medication ordering, stocking, checking for outdates, pulling outdates, pulling recalled medication, med room inspections, or any other activity related to the supply of VA medications. Dispenses medications using ScriptPro automation. Interprets CPRS patient medication profiles. Is able to confirm prescription information in the VISTA or VISTA Imaging packages. Able to execute refills or other technician duties within VISTA. Enters or updates patient information in ScriptPro, CPRS or VISTA. Enters notes into CPRS using pharmacy templates or blank forms. Comprehends & participates in procurement activities, inventory management, narcotic dispensing, mental health programs, secure messaging, overnight mail, partial fills, window dispensing, administrative reports, prescription review, incident reports. Standing, walking, lifting & other procedures necessary to procure or delivery medications & supplies. Prioritizes workload to complete assignments on time. Works in an organized & clean fashion. Maintains adaptability & flexibility for various emerging roles & responsibilities in the education distribution system. Uses the Siemens phone system, CPRS, VISTA, & ScriptPro. Maintains appropriate phone etiquette & professionalism. Works independently in phone center locations. Collects & clarifies patient information. Synthesizes patient information to identify basic therapeutic, distributive, or medication elated problems. Underst&s when to alerts pharmacists for problems. Communicates information accurately in CPRS or another format. Completes calls & as needed follow up in a timely manner. Seeks opportunity to support pharmacy operations when phone volume low. Fills medication "to be mailed" in accordance with description provided in the medication distribution section. Ensures prescription label matches mailing label & maintains accuracy in other software or paper systems. Transports mail containers to pick up destinations, restock supplies, lift mail bags or containers. Assists with other medication distribution activities as directed by pharmacist, supervisor, or as delineated as part of the shift responsibility. Fills "CS medication" in accordance with description provided in the medication distribution section. Maintains a rolling inventory in Pyxis & performs a complete inventory every 72 hours er VA guidelines. Runs ScriptPro reports such as "Monthly CII Script Processing Detail Reports" or other reports as needed. Verifies inventory with VA Logistics Officer & accurately stocks Pyxis with new inventory. Ensures access to CS vault are limited to the appropriate staff. Matches hardcopy prescriptions to prescription labels according to current federal & state requirements in a timely fashion. Monitors prescription orders for dispensing accuracy & communicates potential problems to supervisor. Performs Pyxis & ScriptPro equipment maintenance as directed. Able to clean the CS area or other areas as directed. Assists the pharmacist with problem solving, patient care, or medication issues. Assists in quality improvement projects as an individual or on assigned teams to improve pharmacy service. Assists to complete required pharmacy reporting obligations as directed. Maintains pharmacy security. This includes the physical security of the pharmacy & the security of electronic records. Maintains accountability for tour of duty. Uses written communication skills for job related activity such as secure messaging, email, or other form of pharmacy communication. Cleans the pharmacy as needed or as directed. Understands pharmacy SOPs & policy for general operations & inspections. Understands waste streams for returned medications & medications to be destroyed. Attends staff meetings as directed. Completes required training in a timely manner. Reads written communication from administration in a timely manner. Work Schedule: 8am-4:30pm, rotating evening, weekends, holidays. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54713-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [ Email address blocked ] - Click here to apply to Pharmacy Technician-Outpatient, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements 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 *** This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 1, 2023. The initial cutoff date for referral of eligible applications will be December 21, 2022. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as needed basis until positions are filled. *** 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. English Language Proficiency Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations: GS-6 Experience One year experience at the next lower level and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level (GS-5). 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 (*): 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. 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. Assignments Pharmacy technicians may be assigned to any area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive function assignments; for example, assignment as team leaders for specific process improvement teams involving technical areas or performing more highly complex duties including preparation of oncology agents for clinical pharmacy specialists. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 Physical Requirements: The work involves long periods of moving, standing and pushing carts about the work unit. The work requires regular and recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, lifting. The incumbent must be a mature, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, demonstrating cheerfulness, compassion, courtesy and concern for staff and patients. Must possesses math skills to convert medications to the correct dosing. 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: [ Link removed ] - Click here to apply to Pharmacy Technician-Outpatient 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: [ Link removed ] - Click here to apply to Pharmacy Technician-Outpatient 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. 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.