This position is located within the Jesse Brown VAMC, Chicago, IL. The Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient) provides support to all pharmacy operations in a variety of settings. This includes patient care activities in the main outpatient dispensing pharmacy, phone center, outpatient clinic, administration area, or other area as assigned by the supervisor.
BASIC REQUIREMENT: 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 by38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Certification: For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: (a) PTCB as a CPhT. OR, (b) NHA as a ExCPT. 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 meeting the Basic Requirements listed above, you must meet the following: GS-07 Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient) Experience: Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA): In addition, the candidate must demonstrate 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. Preferred Experience: Must have 1 year of Outpatient Pharmacy experience. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: Capable of sustained standing, walking, lifting and other procedures necessary to procure or delivery medications and supplies. The work involves long periods of moving, standing and pushing carts about the work unit. The requires regular and recurring bending lifting, stooping, stretching, and lifting.
Medication Distribution System: Reads and interprets prescriptions from the veteran electronic health record systems (EHRS) or in written format. Reviews prescription orders for technical accuracy. Prepares medications and ensures the orderable item matches the item being dispensed with regard to drug, strength, quantity, or appropriate supply item. Dispenses medications following all regulations, policies, and procedures for safe medication distribution. Uses Automatic Dispensing machines (ADM) to batch and label medications. Ensure ScriptTalk labels are batched if needed. Understands when to use other prescription labels with computer outages. 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 medications, inspections or any other activity related to the supply of VA medications. Accurately enters notes into the electronic health record using pharmacy templates or blank forms. Comprehends and participates in procurement activities, inventory management, narcotic dispensing, secure messaging, overnight mail, partial fills, window dispensing, administrative reports, prescription review, and incident reports as delegated by supervisor. Pharmacy Phone System: Maintains appropriate phone etiquette and professionalism. Able to work independently in phone center locations. Accurately collects and clarifies patient information. Capable of synthesizing patient information to identify basic therapeutic, distributive, or medication related problems. Understands when to alert pharmacists for problems. Communicates information accurately in the electronic health record or other formats. Pharmacy Mail System: Fills medication "to be mailed" in accordance with description provided in the medication distribution section. Ensures prescription label matches mailing label and maintains accuracy in other software or paper systems. Assists with other medication distribution activities as directed by pharmacist, supervisor or as delineated as part of the shift responsibility. Medication Management System: 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 and the security of electronic records. Maintains accountability for tour of duty. This includes being ready for their tour of duty at the start of their shift, and being on time as they return from lunch, breaks, or other assigned meetings and activities. Controlled Substances (CS) - if assigned Fills "CS medication" in accordance with description provided in the medication distribution section. Accurately maintains a rolling inventory in automation and performs a complete inventory every 72 hours per VA guidelines. Able to run reports such as "Monthly CII Script Processing Detail Reports" or other reports as needed. Verify inventory with VA Logistics Officer and accurately stocks ADM with new inventory. Ensures access to CS vault are limited to the appropriate staff. Matches hardcopy prescriptions to prescription labels according to current federal and state requirements in a timely fashion. Perform other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 6:00pm - Saturday - Sunday - 8:00am to 4:30pm and Holidays: 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00536F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized