Pharmacy Technician – Clinical Inpatient

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. Certification: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). 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) 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: Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06). Examples Below Knowledge of Federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice. Knowledge of preparation, storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation. Use of pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. Communication with patients and staff and direct questions to appropriate personnel. -AND- In addition to meeting the experience for the GS-07 level, you must possess the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities? Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent. Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers. Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students. Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution. Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases. Preferred Experience: Prefer candidates with 5 or more years of experience working with VHA electronic medical records, VHA patient medication history interviewing, and documenting within CPRS Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: You may be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
The clinical pharmacy technician function is to provide administrative, clerical, clinical and technical support for the activities of a clinical inpatient pharmacist. This position assumes responsibility for clinical activities that do not require a pharmacist license or specialized expertise. This includes interacting with patients and health care team members to collect data about medication use, and to assist in the logistical aspects of the inpatient pharmacy team needs.