Pharmacy Technician

II. FUNCTIONS OR SCOPES OF PRACTICE.

Pharmacy Activities:
1. Prescription Assembly
a. Assembles prescriptions properly with the correct drug strength
quantity auxiliary labels and prescription labels. for window dispensing
and mail delivery
b. Assures that the correct medication is filled by using bar code scanning
on stock bottles.
c. Supports automation by manually completing prescriptions not
processed through the automation dispensing machine.
d. Assures the timely completion of all prescriptions.

2. Window Pick-Up
a. Verifies the patients identification following the Medical Centers
policies (i.e. double patient identifiers)
b. Verifies that the patient receives the correct prescriptions by using VA
software (i.e. VISTA and barcode scanning)
c. Verifies that the patient has received all prescriptions (i.e. refrigerated
controlled substances bulk medications etc.)

3. Inventory Stock Control
a. Notifies the procurement section of inventory needs and shortages
using published procedures (i.e. SOP PSPM).
b. Assures that stock is properly rotated upon storing and that no more
than one (1) multi-use container is opened at any given time.
c. Checks for outdated medications and supplies in the current inventory
that expires within ninety (90) days.

4. Mail Packaging
a. Utilizes and comprehends the mail shipping programs used by the
facility (i.e. USPS FedEx UPS etc.) for overnight delivery of noncontrolled
and controlled prescriptions.
b. Performs searches updates patient information and generates
shipping reports as requested by the supervisor.
c. Calls patients to arrange delivery of refrigerated prescriptions and
verifies patients address.
d. Packages prescriptions appropriately as to assure that packages are
not damaged within transit (i.e. bubble wrap ice blocks insulated
containers etc.)
e. Utilizes VA software programs to check narratives and problem solve
deliveries for patients with no physical address.

5. Customer Service
a. Assists patients with refill request problems with prescriptions and
other queries.
b. Takes detailed messages for the pharmacists when a problem needs
professional attention.
c. Processes returned-to-sender mail by calling patients to verify and
correct addresses for non-controlled medications. For controlled
medications directs the returned-to-sender package to the Controlled
Substance Vault.
d. Utilizes VA software programs to process mail refill request return
misdirected mail and contact patient to inquire about returned
prescriptions (i.e. credit remail destruction etc.)

6. Automation
a. Knows the basic procedures to run the automated prescription filling
machines (i.e. ability to start-up and shut down machinery)
b. Uses handheld scanner and/or scale to load and re-stock canister with
correct medication using NDC and barcodes.
c. Uses equipment specialized programs (i.e. Exceptions Manager
Inventory Reports etc.) to assure proper utilization and resolve
operational issues.
d. Provides equipment maintenance (i.e. cleaning archiving data etc.).
e. Works closely with the Pharmacy ADPAC to assure continuous
operations and to troubleshoot operational issues.

7. Controlled Substances
a. Complies with all laws regulations directives policies and procedures
applying to the dispensing storage transfer inventory and
accountability of controlled substances.
b. Assists all inspectors with the inventory and accountability inspections.

8. Sterile Product Compounding
a. Follow USP 797/800 Guidelines for the compounding of all sterile preparations including ophthalmic cardioplegic TPN hazardous large & small volume IV solutions PCAs etc. Manufactures uncomplicated and/or complicated parenteral admixtures to be delivered in the form of large volume small volume infusion syringe or other as required.
b. Correctly interprets physician orders selects and measures appropriate ingredients mixes ingredients in a safe and effective manner inspects the final product for accuracy suitability and elegance labels the product maintains records of the manufacturing process and supplies the product for pharmacist verification and delivery.
c. Uses standard protocols to determine an accurate expiration date for each batch prepared.
d. Consistently displays competence with good manufacturing practices and sterile technique through demonstration and/or actual work performance.



Work Schedule: Typically Monday-Friday occasional rotating nights and weekends as determined by the service.
Functional Statement #: 71157F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives Not Authorized

• 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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

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.

English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).

Education or Experience.

• None required.
• For all grade levels and positions that accept both education and experience to qualify equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 100% are qualifying. The combined percentage is determined by adding total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level to the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level.

• Experience. Candidates must possess one full year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-6) level which are:
  • Knowledge of federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice.
  • Knowledge of preparation storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation.
  • Ability to use pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment.
  • Knowledge of basic inventory procedures.
  • Ability to communicate with patients and staff and direct questions to appropriate personnel.
• Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles practices concepts and theories providing for sound independent work.
  • Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent.
  • Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team Veterans and external customers.
  • Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students.
  • Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution.
  • Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases.

• The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). or
• The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).