GS-6 Pharmacy Technician The incumbent functions as a General Pharmacy Technician primarily in the inpatient and outpatient work areas of the Pharmacy Service within the VA Central Iowa Health Care System (VHACIHS). The Pharmacy Technician must be certified by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). All requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. 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 in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Grade Determinations: GS-6, Pharmacy Technician Experience: One year experience equivalent to the next lower level, GS-5, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level: 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. AND Certification: PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 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. Preferred Experience: 1-year or more experience working as a Pharmacy Technician in a hospital pharmacy practice setting. Previous experience with pharmacy automated medication dispensing equipment, unit-dose medication packaging equipment, outpatient pharmacy automated medication dispensing equipment, non-sterile compounding in compliance with USP 795, and sterile compounding in compliance with USP 797. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15, PART II, APPENDIX G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Duties include, but are not limited to: Pharmacy Technicians at this grade level are assigned to work in the inpatient and outpatient pharmacy dispensing work areas, performing duties related to: Preparing unit-dose and bulk medication for delivery and distribution to patient care areas located throughout the main campus and CBOC locations. Preparing outpatient medication and supply prescriptions for dispensing through the outpatient Pharmacy window and mail delivery systems, including preparing packages to be mailed (regular, overnight, signature required, delivery confirmation, etc.) and receipt of returned mailed packages. Operation of Pharmacy service automation including unit-dose packaging, automated medication dispensing, outpatient medication dispensing, non-sterile and non-hazardous sterile compounding. Operation of the Pharmacy service phone system, including operation of phones in the local Pharmacy Phone Triage Center. Customer service, problem solving, and phone communication skills are necessary. Preparation of non-sterile compounding in accordance with USP. Handling of hazardous medication in accordance with USP . Demonstration of inventory management procedures and practice through the performance of medication and supply re-ordering, ward audits, cycle counts, expirations, and medication/supply recall notifications. Pharmacy Technicians may be assigned duties as a ward audit coordinator who coordinates and reports the completion of all Pharmacy medication/supply storage locations. Compliance with laws, rules, and all regulations governing controlled substance medication accountability, security, distribution, dispensing, and inventory. Pharmacy Technicians may be scheduled to work in the controlled substance medication vault. Operation of computer applications related to Pharmacy Service functions, including documentation in the patient's electronic health record when required. Compliance with pharmaceutical waste regulations. Participates in Pharmacy Service quality assurance/quality improvement initiatives, documentation, tracking, and reporting. May be assigned special projects and other duties by their supervisor or other member of the Pharmacy leadership team related to the Pharmacy Service and the provision of safe and effective pharmaceutical care. Training/Education duties: Assists with the orientation and training of new and existing Pharmacy Service staff as assigned by their supervisor or other member of the Pharmacy leadership team. Participates in meetings, conferences, and programs that provide exposure and insight into the specialized practice area within the Pharmacy Service. Obtains required continuing education and maintains clinical job knowledge and skills. Work Schedule: Full-time; Monday-Friday, 0700-1530, 0730-1600, 0800-1630, 0830-1700, and rotating weekend/holidays 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"]

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