The Telephone Care/Community Care pharmacy technician is a certified pharmacy technician with the ability to support the Pharmacy Contact Center clinical programs at Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS). The incumbent is a highly specialized, efficient, motivated, and customer-friendly representative, who, under the authority of the Chief, Pharmacy Service, is responsible and will provide administrative, clerical, and clinical support which serves the TVHS Telephone Care Center.
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. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Education or Experience. (1) None required. (2) 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. Certification. Must hold an active national certification through either: (1) Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), OR (2) National Health career Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (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 for the GS-08: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-08 you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07). And demonstrate the KSA's listed below. (A) Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology and policies in a specialized area or section of pharmacy (such as sterile compounding, controlled substances, automation, clinical pharmacy, contact center, etc) Note: See Specialized Area.in the Definitions Section. (B) Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures. (C) Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: : The work involves regular and recurring physical exertion including walking, bending, prolonged standing, stooping, lifting and carrying packages weighing up to 40 pounds. Dexterity is required for the operation of Pharmacy equipment.
The Pharmacy Technician (Telephone/Community Care) Duties include: Receives faxed, mailed, electronically prescribed, or delivered prescriptions written by non-VA providers. Reviews Community Care authorization of Non-VA/Community Care. Communicates with patients concerning prescriptions received from unauthorized provider visits and handles prescriptions appropriately, whether forwarding to primary care provider or returning patient. Reviews authorized prescriptions for appropriateness using pharmacy technician knowledge, as well as knowledge concerning the nations drug formulary and local VA formulary requirements. Initiates non-formulary/prior authorization process with Non-VA/Community provider and records needed documentations. Routinely reviews computer medication profiles for therapeutic duplication, prescription non-compliance and allergies/drug reactions. Transfers identified patients to a pharmacist supervisor, for further evaluation, if needed. Communicates with Non-VA/Community Care physicians and nurses to request clarification of prescriptions or medication changes due to VA formulary and forwards all changes and clarifications to a licensed pharmacist to receive frim the Non-VA/Community Care representative. Routinely reviews computer medication profiles for therapeutic duplication, prescription non-compliance and allergies/drug reactions. Transfers identified patients to a pharmacist or supervisor, for further evaluation, if needed. Processes and submits patient requests for new prescription orders and renewals (including controlled substances) into the computer accurately, thoroughly and in a timely manner. Uses approved Pharmacy Service protocols and standards of practice when appropriate to satisfy patient medication requests. Consistently documents patient contact and call resolution in the electronic healthcare record as applicable, to include but is not limited to what was requested, what action was taken and any other information which may be pertinent during future research, Assists in the documentation of medication variances. Seeks assistance from designated pharmacist or supervisor when responding to unusual questions or when reasonable attempts to satisfy a caller have been unsuccessful. Interviews patients, family members and/or caregivers, to develop an accurate list of medications, drug strengths, dosages, routes, and instructions the patient has been taking. Compares the compiled list with the active medication profile in the computerized medical record of the patient. Updates and clarifies allergy information in the patient's records in an electronic health record (EHR). Participates in quality assurance, process improvement activities, and performance monitors. Compiles, categorizes, records and analyzes workload data for various reports in order to establish a comprehensive record of work performed. Contacts and collaborates with other healthcare providers in the facility as deemed appropriate. Maintain competence by participating in staff development programs. Work Schedule: Full-time, Based on the needs of the service Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Ad-Hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 70379-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized