Job Description

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Responsibilities Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Pharmacy Technician: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Pharmacy-Technician-Career-Flyer.pdf Pharmacy technicians in this assignment specialize in areas such as sterile compounding, oncology, controlled substances, medication history review, clinical specialist (anticoagulation, pain, infectious diseases), clinical informatics, automation, immunizations and any other specialized area in the advancement of the profession at the VHASLC. The pharmacy technician will serve as a subject matter expert and key resource in the day-to-day technician duties of the specialized area. Trains and orients new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures. Evaluates, analyzes and coordinates workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy. In addition to work with the Pharmacy Tip Phone Line Portal/Teams group and MyHealthyVet, Must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities to process and fill prescriptions, operate and use Pharmacy and VA information systems: Technical knowledge of drug and medication brand names, generic names/chemical names, general and special storage requirements, expiration date requirements, manufacturer/distributor sources, dosage forms. Working knowledge of VA Medical Center computer systems, specifically the applicable VistA and CPRS processing options (e.g., unit dose, IV admixture). Knowledge of the laws, regulations and official policy concerning drug procurement and security to conform to legal and professional requirements of pharmacy practice. Knowledge of the quality improvement process and the skill to participate in the process to improve services. Applies evidence-based, cost-effective principles to promote optimal patient care within budget appropriation. Assures medications refill and clinical requests are addressed for patients in a timely fashion consistent with Joint Commission standards, VA requirement, and Federal and State laws impacting pharmacy service. Establishes points of contact (internal and external) and serves as the primary point of contact for the VISN Pharmacy Phone Tip Line. Expert knowledge of the CITC/Non-VA Purchased Care operation as the pharmacy phone tip line expert dealing with the dispensing of prescriptions authorized under nonVA prescription plans. Assists in the overall efficiency of the service by resolving customer service issues, participation in support of therapeutic interchange initiatives, and other technician duties as assigned. Works with the Pharmacy Leadership to promote optimal patient care within budget appropriation and performance standards. Performs the functions of the position independently and resolves all problems involving Pharmacy Phone Tip Line and MyHealthyVet programs. Coordinates the maintenance of VA National Formulary in accordance with VHA and VISN policies and regulations for CITC/Non-VA Purchased Care. Ensures compliance with all VHA and VISN directives and guidelines concerning the Formulary. Works closely with the CITC pharmacy technician and cross-covers in this area. Respond to customer concerns through PATS-R as well as face-to-face. Works independently as a service-level patient advocate and will involve pharmacy leadership when needed. Shares information needed for the annual budget request, systematic internal reviews, and other administrative report information requested by the Medical Center Monitors quality assurance and reports deficiencies to their Pharmacy Supervisor and other leadership within the Pharmacy Service as instructed. Assists the Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor in collecting data for workload reports and process improvement projects.. Actively participates in the writing, updating, training, and implementation of facility policy and procedure pertaining to the Pharmacy Phone Tip Line, MyHealthyVet and PATS-R programs. Provides specialized technical support to pharmacy staff and other medical center personnel regarding the Pharmacy Phone Tip Line including the Audio Care automated phone answering service, and secure messaging platforms. Coordinates the technical aspect of Outpatient Pharmacy process activities to ensure standard operating procedures are in alignment with automation capabilities so that efficiencies are maximized. Maintains Medical Center Memoranda pertaining to Pharmacy Service and Pharmacy Service Standard Operating Procedures. Performs timekeeping duties for assigned primary and secondary T&L groups. Work Schedule: M-F 8-4:30pm Rotating Nights, Weekends, and Holidays. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact , the EDRP slcedrp@va.gov Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 59929-O Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. 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 background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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. English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education or Experience. (1) None required. (2) 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: (1) Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). OR (2) National Health career Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). Grade Determinations: GS-08 Experience. Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below. 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 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 Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service Education IMPORTANT: 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: 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: Additional Information During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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