Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy TechnicianDepartment of Veterans AffairsVeterans Affairs, Veterans Health AdministrationConsolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP)Overview

##### Open & closing dates

08/29/2019 to 09/03/2019

##### Service

Excepted

##### Pay scale & grade

GS 6

##### Salary

$37,843 to $49,200 per year

##### Appointment type

Permanent

##### Work schedule

Full-TimeLocation5 vacancies in the following location:-North Charleston, SCRelocation expenses reimbursedNoTelework eligibleNo- DutiesSummaryThe Pharmacy Technician serves in the Consolidated Mail Outpatient

Pharmacy (CMOP) and participates in the technical product dispensing

and pharmacy operational support functions.Learn more about this agencyResponsibilitiesMajor duties include, but are not limited to:a. As required and/or assigned, the incumbent is expected to cover

duties of the GS 5 pharmacy technician.

b. Performs substantially in repacking bulk pharmaceuticals.

Repackages tablets, capsules, etc., into specified quantities and

various sized containers. These operations consist of taking

pharmaceuticals from bulk stock containers, filling smaller

containers, and making up applying appropriate labels. This work

requires skill in operation of pharmacy tablet and capsule counting

and labeling machines with attention to checking the information on

the labels to ascertain that all pertinent information is correct.

Performs quality checks and appropriate mathematical calculations as

outlined in the standard operating procedures.

c. Replenishes pharmacy stock in automated pharmacy equipment,

utilizing the computer inventory system. Rotates stock using FIFO

(First-In, First-Out) and checks unusual conditions, such as

discoloration referring such information to a supervisor/lead.

d. Receives supplies, checks for shortages, tampering, breakage,

deterioration, or expiration.

e. Accurately interprets and correctly fills prescription in all

areas ofCMOP.

f. Monitors and suggests changes for the improvement ofworkflow,

work methods and priorities.

g. Responsible for automatic replenishment of selected

pharmaceutical items needed on a regular basis in specialty zones

and control substance areas.

h. Interacts with logistics personnel lo maintain efficient

inventory flow of pharmaceutical needs.

i. Gathers workload data to supervisor/lead in a timely manner.

j. Gathers CMOP operations data as needed for supervisory/lead

and/or Quality Assurance.

k. Assists with gathering and monitoring workload data for

projecting staffing needs.

I. Witnesses and records the preparation of drugs for destruction by

a third party company.

m. May represent an area as requested at Technical Advisory Group

Meetings, technician educational programs, conference calls, task

force groups, etc.

n. Participates in and supports the use of automated dispensing

systems which improve productivity, increases efficiency and assists

efforts in ensuring timeliness of processing. This includes the

restocking of automation, the monitoring of the automation,

correcting or indexing out-of-sequence errors, troubleshooting

process, and minor maintenance (i.e., daily cleaning, reset,

updating, etc.).

o. Documents and notifies supervisory/lead of downtime problems,

actions and resolutions for all interruptions in production that

exceed 10 minutes.

p. Assists with basic and complex inventorying activities and checks

for outdated or unsuitable quality of pharmaceuticals.

q. Performs cycle counts to ensure proper inventory is on-hand.

r. Participates in regularly scheduled inventories as assigned.

s. Provides training for technicians, pharmacists, inspectors,

students, etc.

t. Performs final review of products (medications) stocked for the

TCA (Table Capsule Automation) and UUA (Unit of Use Automation).

u. Follows written instructions with aseptic techniques for

hazardous material handling such as oncology agents.

v. Complies with Safety, Occupational and Health Standards and

Policies.

w. Performs all duties of the GS-5 Pharmacy Technician.

x. Performs other duties as assigned.Work Schedule:

First Shift: Monday through Friday - 6:00 am to 2:30 pm

Second Shift: Monday through Thursday - 3:00 pm to 1:30 am

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position

Position Description Title/FS#: Pharmacy Technician - FS

#00004A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not available

Financial Disclosure Report: Not RequiredTravel RequiredNot requiredSupervisory statusNoPromotion PotentialNone

#### Job family (Series)

0661 Pharmacy TechnicianSimilar jobs

Pharmacy Technicians

Technicians, Pharmacy

- RequirementsConditions of Employment

United States Citizenship Required; non-citizens may only be

appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens

in accordance with VA Policy.

Designated and/or random drug testing required

Selective Service Registration is required for males born after

12/31/1959

Must be proficient in written and spoken English

You may be required to serve a probationary period

Subject to a background/security investigation

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online

onboarding process

Must pass pre-employment physical examination

QualificationsTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements

by the closing date of this announcement, 09/03/2019.Basic Requirements for Pharmacy Technician: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 grades GS-6 and above.Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to

obtain licensure/certification/registration within the required time

frame, or who fails to maintain the required

licensure/certification/ registration must be removed from the

occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.For occupations which require an active credential

(licensure/certification/registration) at all grade levels, at the

discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned

to another occupation for which he/she qualifies if a placement

opportunity exists. For occupations which require an active

credential (licensure/certification/registration) in assignments

above the full-performance level only, at the discretion of the

appointing official, an employee may remain at an appropriate lower

grade level in the occupation when both of the following apply: the

credential is not a requirement and a placement opportunity

exists."Grandfathering Provision: The following is the standard

grandfathering policy for all Title 38 hybrid qualification

standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this

occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to

determine the specific education and/or licensure / certification /

registration requirements that apply to this occupation.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.-Such employees in an occupation that requires a

licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels

must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement

before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.-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 reappointed, 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: Pharmacy technicians appointed to

direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and

written English in accordance with VA Policy.GS 06 Pharmacy Technician Requirements(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

1. Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g.,

troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate

action.

2. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment.

3. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for

compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such

as oncology agents.

4. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic

technique for routine sterile products.

5. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in

specialized areas such as emergency carts.

6. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated

by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders.(d) Assignments: Pharmacy technicians may be assigned to any

area of the pharmacy including expanded distributive function

assignments; for example assignment as team leaders for specific

process improvement teams involving technical areas or performing

more highly complex duties including preparation of oncology agents

for clinical pharmacy specialists. For all assignments above the

full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of

significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety,

and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a highly mechanized

warehouse setting around production machinery. Moderate noise and

traffic requires attention to safety. Some work areas involve a

moderate risk requiring exercise of safety precautions when

operating or working around the automated equipment (i.e.,

accumulators, moving belts, etc.). Wearing gloves is mandatory when

handling specific medications. The work requires regular and

recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged

periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies

weighing up to 50 lbs and bending/stooping/reaching.Selected applicants will be required to complete an online

on-boarding process.References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15, PART II, APPENDIX G28.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06.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 informationAreas of consideration are: U.S. Citizens and other current

permanent Federal employees of other agencies. Veterans Preference

applies to applicants who are not permanent Federal employees of

other agencies.This 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.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the

qualifications above.IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE

MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your

application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be

verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or

omissions may affect consideration for employment.NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your

salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this

vacancy.Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer

work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps,

AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional;

philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and

skills and can provide valuable training and experience that

translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for

all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Background checks and security clearanceSecurity clearanceOtherDrug test requiredYesPosition sensitivity and riskNon-sensitive (NS)/Low RiskTrust determination processSuitability/Fitness- Required DocumentsTo apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application

Package which includes:

VAF 10-2850c: Application for Associated Health Occupations

National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

Certificate

Resume

NOTE: THIS FORM MUST BE PROVIDED AT THE TIME OF

APPLICATION.

VA Form 10-2850 can be found at:

http://www.va.gov/vaforms/searchaction.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search.The following documents are accepted, and may be required if

applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this

position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all

documents required for your application, such as a copy of your

transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former

Federal employees), etc.

Cover Letter

DD-214/ Statement of Service

Disability Letter (VA)

OF-306

VAF 10-2850c: Application for Associated Health Occupations

National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

Certificate

Performance Appraisal

Resume

SF-15

SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible

Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or

for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must

provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and

character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are

currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or

discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to

your active duty service which reflects the dates of service,

character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of

impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others

eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of

eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10

Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.

Documentation is required to award preference. For more information

on Veterans' Preference, please visit

http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution

recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be

credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the

attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting

institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this

vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may

affect the overall rating.- BenefitsA career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a

comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your

family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to

make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal

benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold

and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.

Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific

benefits offered.- How to ApplyAll applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this

position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the

documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The

complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on

09/03/2019 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire

click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10591657.

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log

in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your

USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete

the occupational questionnaire.

Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and

appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS

account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the

Application Status link and then select the more information link

for this position. The Details page will display the status of your

application, the documentation received and processed, and any

correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your

uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan

process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA

JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy

announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents

from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a

condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of

Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals

who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where

patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as

part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to,

VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers

(CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary

units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA

licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and

unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee

basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers,

and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to

receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a

face mask throughout the influenza season.Agency contact informationMichelle SmullPhone785-350-1951EmailMichelle.Smull@va.govAddressCharleston VA CMOP

3725 RIVERS AVE

North Charleston, SC 29405

USLearn more about this agencyNext stepsOnce your online application is submitted you will receive a

confirmation notification by email. After we receive application

packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy

announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure

qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review

is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will

be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be

notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office

for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final

notification once a selection decision has been made.You may check the status of your application at any time by logging

into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information

regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help

Center.- Fair & TransparentThe Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent.

Please read the following guidance.Equal Employment Opportunity PolicyThe United States Government does not discriminate in employment on

the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and

gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual

orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age,

membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental

status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job

applicants

Reasonable Accommodation PolicyFederal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants

with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable

accommodation for any part of the application process should follow

the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part

of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the

hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable

accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work

environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an

individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties

or receive equal access to job benefits.Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide

reasonable accommodations when:

An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an

equal opportunity to apply for a job.

An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform

the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.

An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive

equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and

office-sponsored events.

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the

application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are

considered on a case-by-case basis.Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations

or how to contact an agency.Legal and regulatory guidance

Financial suitability

Social security number request

Privacy Act

Signature and false statements

Selective Service

New employee probationary period

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to

apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/544183600. Only resumes

submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed

at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.