The duties of this position are performed in the sterile product preparation suite and accompanying storage areas of the Department of Pharmacy service at the FxHCC. The incumbent is a highly specialized technician, who under the authority of the Compound Sterile Preparation Program Manager or designee, will be responsible for the preparation of sterile products handled by pharmacy.
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. 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: For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). 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: Pharmacy Technician, GS-09 1. Experience. One year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the lower grade level 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 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: (a) 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.). (b) Skill in analyzing data for self-driven (independent) performance improvement projects, workload analysis and statistical reports. (c) Skill in solving problems and implementing corrective actions to maximize outcomes in their program area. (d) 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). (e) 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/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook
VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws The CSP pharmacy technician will perform sterile compounding functions to ensure timely and accurate patient care is provided. In addition, will comply with all regulations and guiding all other CSP technicians. This will include assigning daily work duties, monitoring individual performance, and providing regular training to enhance skills and knowledge. The CPS pharmacy technician will also ensure that all assigned tasks are completed on time and at a high standard under the supervision of the CSP Program Manager. Most duties will be performed in the intravenous (IV) cleanroom suite and will involve preparation of sterile products for dispensing IV solutions, injections and sterile medications. Duties will include providing detailed documentation of all compounding activities including batch records and quality control checks, appropriate record entries, reviewing IV administration records, and assisting inspectors, review teams, and other staff during routine inquires and inspections. Incumbent will be expected to maintain a high degree of accurate productivity and performance while being extremely sensitive to specific contribution to total patient care. Requirements will also include being knowledgeable with VA policy and regulatory requirements for handling and checking in shipments of drugs and supplies, as well as verifying accuracy of shipments, rotating stock and assures the proper storage of all items. In this role, it will be imperative to monitor physical inventory of stocked items, notify procurement of quantities on hand and advise as to ordering trends, shortages, outdated medications etc. Must be fully competent in all sterile compounding technician duties including processing, preparing, and filling of unit dose, sterile parental medications and solutions, maintenance of IV cleanroom and pharmacy satellites, operation of automated medication dispensing systems and general workflow of the pharmacy. The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 50 lb., and bending/stooping. Work is typically performed in a clinical setting that exposes incumbent to communicable diseases, biohazards, hazardous chemicals, and hazardous medications common in a health care environment. Such exposure will be mitigated in accordance with local policies and operating procedures as per USP 800 standards, OSHA guidance and local risk assessment practices. Standard safety precautions and PPE are required and specified per local policies. Some work is performed in a setting away from the pharmacy where the environment cannot be controlled. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:30am-4:00pm but may change depending on the needs of the service. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized