The Pharmacy Technician is responsible for assisting in providing and coordinating complete pharmaceutical care activities in the Outpatient Pharmacy and provides coverage as needed in the Inpatient Pharmacy and other medication-related areas in agreement with the mission, vision, and goals of the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System (VASNHCS).
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. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required. 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. 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: GS-08 (1) Experience. Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below. (2) 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. (3) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs for all GS-08 assignments and meet any additional KSAs for the assignment, if indicated: (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. Preferred Experience: Previous experience with controlled substances and inventory management in the outpatient and/or inpatient setting. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G28 Physical Requirements: Employees are typically expected to work varying work schedules. This may include nights, weekends and/or holidays as assigned. Principle duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., preparing IV admixtures, use of a computer keyboard, etc.). May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 44lbs.), including boxes, equipment, unit dose-cassettes, and IV solutions; stooping or kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, remove and replace items on lower shelves, sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours). Normal ranges of hearing and vision are required to perform work and communicate effectively; must have the visual ability to distinguish between basic colors and shades of color. An ability to perform tasks requiring rapid mental and muscular coordination functions simultaneously is necessary. Must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used for the job.
Controlled Substances Inventory Management: (1) All controlled substances in the section are secured and controlled according to applicable laws, rules and regulations and department policy. Access to the controlled substance storage areas/cabinets are monitored to ensure limited access requirements are met. Accurate physical count, documentation, and administrative requirements (per VHA Directive 1108.01(2), Controlled Substances Management) are consistently and thoroughly maintained. (2) All physical inventories, including the biennial, biweekly (every 72-hours), and other required counts, of all controlled substances are performed accurately, timely. (3) Inventory management duties include maintenance of adequate stock levels by communicating needs to the procurement technician and removing outdated medications from stock. (4) Unusable controlled substances are processed for destruction in accordance with policies and procedures and prepared for reverse distribution when appropriate. Controlled Substance Procurement: (1) Orders are placed with the VASNHCS Procurement Team in an accurate and timely manner. (2) Excess drugs and inaccurately ordered items are returned in a timely manner for credit. Par levels are monitored and adjusted routinely. Controlled substances awaiting return are secured and maintained in the vault to reduce the possibility of fraud in accordance with VHA Directive 2008-021, Patient Transportation Program. (3) Recall notification for controlled substances are acted upon immediately and communicated to appropriate personnel, and all documentation is completed per policies and procedures. Controlled Substance Medication Order/Prescription Preparation: (1) Controlled substances are filled accurately in accordance with current state and federal laws/regulations and checked and initialed by a pharmacist before dispensing to the ward/clinic. (2) Medications are accurately repackaged to prepare unit dose medications that are consistent with policy and procedures. All necessary information (e.g., manufacturer, lot number, expiration date, etc.) is entered in the automation database or on the generated paperwork. Bulk liquid medications are accurately repackaged into specified unit dose volumes and quantities using various containers, typically oral syringes, or cups. Opened bulk liquid-controlled substances are transferred into containers with a measuring scale. (3) When assigned, prescriptions prepared for mailing are wrapped and packaged properly and all necessary forms are completed for the shipper. Controlled Substance Medication Stock and Storage: (1) Adequate stock of pharmaceuticals and supplies for the vault area is maintained by communicating with the procurement personnel for items that are below par levels or out of stock. Par levels of controlled substances in areas assigned and in automation devices are monitored and adjusted appropriately. In addition, out of stock medications are communicated to the pharmacist at the time of discovery so that pharmacists can follow up with the prescribing provider in a timely manner. (2) All controlled substances delivered to automated dispensing cabinets are checked for accuracy and completeness by a pharmacist prior to replenishing. Automated dispensing cabinets are replenished in the presence of a licensed nurse or authorized Narcotic Area of Use (NAOU) manager, who serves as a witness. Nursing staff is assisted with the resolution of controlled substance discrepancies at automated dispensing cabinets. (3) Automated dispensing cabinets are routinely optimized (e.g., medications are restocked or removed as warranted, par levels are adjusted, etc.) in a timely manner to ensure appropriate availability of medications. All pharmacy automation reports are reviewed to ensure no stock-outs occur. (4) All controlled substances delivered to nursing units/clinics have signed documentation of the chain of custody. (5) All controlled substance prescriptions prepared for mail via USPS in the outpatient narcotic vault anteroom are picked up by a USPS postal worker during normal hours of operation. Vault staff will remain with the USPS postal worker in the anteroom of the vault during the scanning process. Signed documentation of the chain of custody is maintained and filed in accordance with policy and procedure. Training and Education: (1) Assists with the training, orientation, and re-training of employees to Outpatient Pharmacy Service policies and procedures. (2) Assists supervisor with competencies within applicable areas of assignment on an annual basis for outpatient pharmacy. Work Schedule: Various Schedules, may include some holidays and weekends. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized