What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pharmacy Technician position at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration?
Summary The Compounded Sterile Preparations (CSPs) Technician reports to the CSP Program Manager and shall serve as the primary sterile compounding technician for hazardous and non-hazardous CSPs. The incumbent will perform all duties in accordance with applicable regulatory standards, VHA regulations, medical center policies, pharmacy service policies, and pharmacy service standard operating procedures. Responsibilities This position is temporarily located in Cleveland, Ohio, however, it is expected to change to Kent, Ohio Infusion Center when it opens.
- Tour of Duty and site subject to change as needed
- VA Careers - Pharmacy : The incumbent must assists in training and orientation of new staff to ensure consistency in the training process. The incumbent must have ability to correctly interprets orders, measuring and mixing of ingredients, in an aseptic and effective manner. The Compounded Sterile Preparations (CSPs) Technician reports to the CSP Program Manager and shall serve as the primary sterile compounding technician for hazardous and non-hazardous CSPs. The incumbent will perform all duties in accordance with applicable regulatory standards, VHA regulations, medical center policies, pharmacy service policies, and pharmacy service standard operating procedures. The incumbent must have ability to understands specific handling considerations for storage, distribution, and disposals of medications. Performs inspections for outdates according to local policy and stand operating procedures. The incumbent must be able to interprets orders, selects, and measures appropriate ingredients, mixes ingredients in an aseptic manner. Work Schedule : Monday-Friday; 6 : 00am-2 : 30pm, 7 : 00am-3 : 30pm, 10 : 30am-7 : 00pm, 2 : 30pm-11 : 00pm, with rotating weekends and holidays. Telework : Not Available Virtual : This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement # : 93161-A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not Authorized 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). Qualifications 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. 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 : 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 : 1. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). OR, 2. National Health career Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). Grade Determinations : Pharmacy Technician, GS-8 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. 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.). (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. References : VA HANDBOOK 5005 / 15PART IIAPPENDIX G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements : The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting / carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 50lbs, and bending / stooping. Grandfathering Provision. Pharmacy technicians employed in VHA 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. 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 "VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being." Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave : Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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.