The incumbent will assist the pharmacist in providing optimal care and timely service in accordance with the mission, vision, and goals of the Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System and Pharmacy. The duties of this position are performed in the sterile product preparation suite and accompanying storage areas of the inpatient pharmacy section at the Ann Arbor Department of 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. A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grade GS-6 and above. English Language. Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English accordance with VA Handbook 5005, 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 Experience: One (1) year of experience at the next lower grade (GS-07) and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) GS-07 - KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Evaluate, analyze workflow, and coordinate work activities. Independently gather, evaluate, and analyze data to generate reports and/or for other projects/statistical purposes. Knowledge of pharmacy policies and procedures sufficient to train and orient new employees and other staff Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and care of specialized pharmaceutical equipment. Comprehensive knowledge of the procurement and formulary process. Comprehensive knowledge of investigational drug policies and procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of controlled substance policies and procedures, and the ability to identify and investigate discrepancies in these policies and procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to, analyze data in VA information systems. GS-08 - KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of human resource management policies and procedures, and the ability to supervise various levels of pharmacy technicians and other technical personnel (for supervisory assignments). Apply management and leadership principles. Communicate orally and in writing. Extensive working knowledge of the pharmacy operation. Assess staff needs and provide appropriate training Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The work involves long periods of moving about the work unit. The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving, standing, and walking for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 50 lb., typing, bending, and stooping. The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction. The incumbent must be a mature, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, demonstrating cheerfulness, compassion, courtesy, and concern. Must be quick and dependable in taking emergency action in using initiative to prevent accidents.
VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws List of duties include but not limited: General: Accurately interpret, fills, and prepares prescriptions with appropriate medications and or medical supplies for pharmacist verification. Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition by assuring that all stock and equipment are in assigned places and all shelves and counters are free of dust and debris in order to create optimal work areas. Assures drugs and supplies are appropriately stored and secured according to USP and VA guidelines, including the storage of high-risk, look a-like sound a-like, hazardous, controlled substances, corrosive chemical, flammable liquids, and refrigerated items. Receives, checks, rotates, and places in stock all items received from pharmacy procurement section and identifies and reconciles any discrepancies to assure correct items have been received. Utilizes automation dispensing equipment available to the pharmacy staff following all safety and QA procedures. Reports automation malfunctions timely the supervisor as appropriate. Records expiration dates in the inventory system (ie. Central Pharmacy Manager) upon receipt. Performs monthly inspections of assigned areas to ensure proper storage of medications and soon to be expired drugs are removed. Completes inspection reports in compliance with regulatory requirements. Performs daily refrigerator and or freezer temperature checks and/or monthly inspections for outdates according to local policy and standard operating procedures. Demonstrates the ability to work under a variety of circumstances to maximize group productivity and quality. Participate in performance improvement initiatives for pharmacy. Assists in quality improvement activities by participating in assessment and action teams that will improve service as assigned. Assists higher level technicians as needed. Completes all National, VISN, local, and Pharmacy mandatory trainings in a timely manner. Maintains national certification with PTCB or ExCPT. Controlled Substances Activities: Accurately interpret, fills, and readies prescriptions with appropriate medications for pharmacist verification. Appropriately restocks controlled substances items in automated secured cabinets (i.e., Omnicell) in pharmacy or throughout medical center, as assigned. Documents all controlled substance related transactions as indicated by VA and DEA guidelines. Assures that inventory counts are correct at the time of restocking. Ensures that proper handoff occurs when receiving or delivering controlled substances, always assuring that these medications are never left unsecured. Reports unresolvable discrepancies to immediate area supervisor for resolution. Assist in investigating, witnessing, and resolving discrepancies. Complies with all laws, regulations, directives, policies, and procedures applying to the dispensing, storage, transfer, inventory, and accountability of controlled substances. Sterile Product Compounding: Using aseptic technique, compounds both complicated and uncomplicated parenteral admixtures in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringe or another modality as required. Prepares sterile ophthalmic preparations and other complex sterile pharmaceuticals such as total parenteral nutrition and cardioplegia solutions. Correctly interprets orders, selects, and measures appropriate ingredients, mixes ingredients in an aseptic 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 delivery. Understands specific handling considerations for storage, distribution, and disposal of medications in accordance with local GEMS coordinators. Receives hazardous IV chemotherapy inventory stock according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guidelines placing in proper storage areas, rotating stock on shelves, and removing/replacing outdated items. Unit Dose Medication Management: Performs review of medications prepared by another pharmacy employee to be dispensed to hospital areas. Inventories and replenishes emergency trays, bags, and kits. Operates and maintains automated dispensing unit dose systems (i.e. overwrap system, syringe labeler, Yuyama packager). Inspects packaged items for accuracy and suitability before submitting for final check, prior to distribution to hospital areas. Assures repackaged dosage forms are labeled according Outpatient Pharmacy Activities: Prescription Assembly Window Pick-Up Mail Packaging Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 94225-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized