This position is located in the Pharmacy Service at the Boise VA Medical Center, Boise, ID. The Inpatient Pharmacy Clinical Technician performs the full range of program coordination in the inpatient pharmacy service.
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. None required English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English Grade Determinations: Pharmacy Technician GS-9 Experience. One year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the lower grade level. Certification. For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: PTCB as a CPhT. or NHA as a ExCPT. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs and meet any additional KSAs for the assignment, if indicated: Expert knowledge serving as a key resource advising others in their particular specialty area or section of the pharmacy (such as procurement, sterile compounding (USP compounding standards), controlled substances DEA, automation, clinical pharmacy, lead tech, contact center, etc.). Skill in analyzing data for self-driven (independent) performance improvement projects, workload analysis and statistical reports. Skill in solving problems and implementing corrective actions to maximize outcomes in their program area. Ability to maintain special accreditations and prepare for national reviews/inspections (e.g., The Joint Commission, Inspector General, American Society of Health System Pharmacists®, controlled substance inspections). Ability to develop training programs and material for orientation, competency development and educational needs for regulatory requirements within the specialized pharmacy program area. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Works with the inpatient CS pharmacy technician and pharmacy leadership to develop and implement process improvement projects to ensure compliance with CS policies and procedures. Assists the controlled substance inspectors in reconciling pharmacy reports and conducts further investigation as needed to address documented vulnerabilities. Supports the Compounding Program Manager and inpatient CSP pharmacy technician to develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with USP 795 and USP 797. Meets with supply procurement staff to communicate usage and ensures pharmacy has the necessary items to preform daily duties. Works with Automation & Informatics Pharmacist and Automation Technician to ensure that inpatient pharmacy equipment is in working condition and maintained appropriately. Works closely with the OPAT Program Manager and OPAT Pharmacy Technician to develop and implement OPAT-related processes. Utilizes automation dispensing equipment available to the pharmacy staff following all safety and QA procedures. Assists in training and orientation of new staff technicians, interns, and students. Performs duties of all lower grade technicians as needed. Participates in performance improvement initiatives for pharmacy. 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. Performs review of medications prepared by another pharmacy employee to be dispensed to hospital areas. Assures that each area that is inspected meets established standards for appropriate drug storage conditions including drug security for inspection and accreditation. Follows established policies and procedures, schedules, inventory levels, and usage rate reports to determine appropriate stock levels for specific areas of use. Work Schedule: Flexible Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized