Outpatient Pharmacy Technician

SummaryThe VA Palo Alto Health Care System has immediate openings for a full-time Outpatient Pharmacy Technician position for the Palo Alto campus. The technician will rotate through various assignments, such as window coverage, prescription filing, robot filling, controlled substance filling, mail processing and telephone care program.ResponsibilitiesThe Outpatient Pharmacy Technician duties include but not limited to: Window coverage involves serving as the first line of communication between the outpatient pharmacy and patient, nurse, and/or other medical staff to address patient needs at the window or over the phone. This includes providing basic information regarding availability of drugs and dosage forms stocked in the pharmacy, location and status of previously requested refills, handing completed prescriptions to patients/caregivers and informing patients on the procedures to obtain prescriptions. Prescription filling involves selecting medications from the shelf, counting the correct number of medications or medical supplies, prepackaging, reconstituting and labeling as indicated to prepare prescriptions for dispensing. Robot filling involves restocking the Parata MAX robot, completing prescriptions filled by the robot and performing required cleaning and maintenance. Controlled substance filling involves selecting controlled substance medications, counting the correct number of drugs, and labeling as indicated to prepare prescriptions for dispensing. This also includes conducting scheduled inventories and maintaining perpetual inventories of all controlled substances. Mail processing includes preparing and coordinating prescriptions to be mailed to patients via US Postal Service or UPS and ensuring appropriate paperwork and chain of custody are maintained. Telephone care program involves answering incoming calls, independently resolving patient issues and requesting prescriptions from providers. Must possess current, active PTCB Certification. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; various shifts including weekend rotations and holidaysFinancial Disclosure Report: Not requiredRequirementsConditions of EmploymentQualifications This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file until September 30, 2020. 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: National Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be re-appointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: Applicants appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Chapter 2, Section D, paragraph 5a. 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). Preferred Experience: Experience working in a complex, multidisciplinary health care organization. Grade Determinations:GS-6 (a) Experience: One year experience at the next lower level, 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 (): (b) Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standards Appendix G28, dated March 17, 2006. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (3 hours); Standing (4 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted).EducationIMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Additional InformationThis job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.