Location: Harlingen,TX, USA
Summary
Pharmacy Technicians at the GS-7 level are nationally certified by PTCB as a CPhT or NHA as a ExCPT and can work autonomously, using independent judgment to perform a full range of duties. Pharmacy technicians at this level level can mentor and train lower grade technicians in the practice setting. The employee will assist the pharmacist in providing optimal care and timely service in accordance with the mission, vision, and goals of the VCB VA Healthcare System and Pharmacy.
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Overview
* Accepting applications
* Open & closing dates
12/06/2024 to 12/16/2024
* Salary
$51,324 - $66,723 per year
* Pay scale & grade
GS 7
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Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
* Harlingen, TX 1 vacancy
* Remote job
No
* Telework eligible
Yes-Ad/Hoc Telework may be authorized.
* Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
* Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
* Appointment type
Permanent
* Work schedule
Full-time
* Service
Excepted
* Promotion potential
None
* Job family (Series)
* 0661 Pharmacy Technician
* Supervisory status
No
* Security clearance
Other
* Drug test
Yes
* Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
* Trust determination process
* Credentialing
* Suitability/Fitness
* Financial disclosure
No
* Bargaining unit status
Yes
* Announcement number
CAZM-12634285-25-JRH
* Control number
822670700
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This job is open to
* The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
* Federal employees - Competitive service
Current or former competitive service federal employees.
* Federal employees - Excepted service
Current excepted service federal employees.
* Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of this agency.
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to (Current & Permanent) Federal Employees and United States Citizens. 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans preference to external applicants for appointments made from this announcement.
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Duties
VA Careers - Pharmacy:
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
The Pharmacy Technician is expected to accomplish all duties related to stocking, delivering, inventory, inspections, assembling automated dispensing orders, prescription assembly, controlled substances distribution, unit-dose drug packaging, dispensing, distribution, and any other function related to pharmaceutical practices. The Pharmacy Technician performs all duties under the supervision and is expected to acquire and maintain a high degree of accurate productivity and performance.
The pharmacy technician:
* Accurately interpret, keys, fills, and prepares prescriptions with appropriate medications and or medical supplies for pharmacist verification.
* Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition by assuring that all stock and equipment are in assigned places and all shelves and counters etc. are free of dust (high and low) and debris to create optional work areas.
* Assures drugs and supplies are appropriately stored and secured according to USP and VA guidelines, including the storage of high-risk, look a-like sound a- like, hazardous, controlled substances, corrosive chemical, flammable liquids, and refrigerated items.
* Receives, checks, rotates, and places in stock all items received from pharmacy procurement section and identifies and reconciles any discrepancies to assure correct items have been received.
* Utilizes automation dispensing equipment available to the pharmacy staff following all safety and QA procedures. Reports automation malfunctions timely to the supervisor as appropriate
* Records expiration dates in the automatic prescription dispensing system upon receipt.
* Perform monthly inspections to assigned areas to ensure proper storage of medications and soon to expired drugs are removed. Completes inspection reports in compliance with regulatory requirements.
* Reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile). This includes calculating and converting to proper weights and measures the amount of drug or solution to be used for final pharmacist verification.
* Answers questions from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution. Identifies basic therapeutic problems, such as duplicate therapy with drugs in the same class and alerts the pharmacist to the possible need for clinical intervention.
* Assists in training and orientation of new staff technicians, interns, and students. Assumes an active role in the overall pharmacy-training program consisting of students, externs, interns, residents, and professional and non-professional staff members.
* Demonstrates the ability to work under a variety of circumstances to maximize group productivity and quality.
* Performs duties of all lower grade technicians as needed.
* Participate in performance improvement initiatives for pharmacy.
* Assists in quality improvement activities by participating in assessment and action teams that will improve service as assigned.
* Assists higher level technicians as needed.
Duties are continued in the Education Section of this announcement.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM and 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM rotating. This tour of duty will be a rotating schedule through Outpatient Pharmacies, as determined by the respective section supervisor.
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Ad/Hoc Telework may be authorized.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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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.
* Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
* Valid Driver's License Required
* 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
To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following:
* Citizenship - You must be a citizen of the United States
* English Language Proficiency - You must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d)
* 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 (GS-07 and above): For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either:
* Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
* National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).
Grandfather Provision. A Pharmacy Technician employed in VHA on the effective date of the qualification standard (11/7/2023) 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 in this standard but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
* Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level or changed to lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
* 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 who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.
* 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.
Grade Determinations:
Pharmacy Technician, GS-07
* In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-07 you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06).
* Certification: For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either:
* Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
* National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).
* Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:
* 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:
* Must have experience to receive, read, sort and interpret prescriptions and determine
kind, strength and dosage of drugs to be dispensed. Can correlate instructions on the
prescription with Pharmacy Policy. Experience to generate labels and processes
prescriptions by obtaining correct stock, counting or measuring correct amount of
medication
* Must have comprehensive knowledge of pharmacy automation and computer systems
and ability to successfully operate and maintain pharmacy equipment. - normal to the
operation (general office equipment, packaging and mail processing equipment,
pharmaceutical: electronic counters, scales, repackaging machines, and maintain work in
a clean, neat orderly manner
* Has the ability to communicate orally and in writing to offer non-clinical
information to clinical staff and patients in a friendly and courteous
manner
* Possess clerical skills required for automatic data processing (ADP) prescription
information entry, collating prescriptions or refill documents with ADP labels generated,
record storage and retrieval
* Must demonstrate ability to adjust to change or work pressure in a pleasant manner;
handle differences of opinion in a businesslike fashion; follow instructions
conscientiously; and function as a team member, helping the group effort where possible
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07
Physical Requirements:
Individuals, including wage-grade drivers, title 5, title 38, and hybrid title 38 employees or volunteers who are required to operate a government owned or leased vehicle to successfully carry out their assigned duties must be medically cleared prior to appointment (positions that require a CDL are covered under a separate OF-178).
Assessment must be made for any acute or chronic medical/physical condition or medication use which interferes with the ability operate the appropriate Government-owned or -leased vehicle safely and without undue risk to themselves or others. The following requirements must be met:
* distant vision 20/40 in one eye with or without correction,
* field of vision 70 degrees,
* ability to distinguish red, green and amber,
* whispered voice at five feet,
* average hearing loss of not greater than 40 dbs. at 500, 1000 and 2,000 Hz.
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:
NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
NOTE: If your school was accredited by a body recognized by the US Department of Education at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the US Department of Education website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.
Duties Continued:
* Completes all National, VISN, local, and Pharmacy mandatory trainings in a timely manner.
* Maintains national certification with PTCB and CPhT or NHA as a ExCPT.
* Complies with all VHA, Medical Center, and Pharmacy regulations, directives, policies, and procedures.
* May be assigned to work in other areas/clinics of pharmacy service as deemed necessary by the Chief, Pharmacy Service or Supervisor.
* Receives orders into VistA computer system on arrival
* Accurately interpret, fills, and readies prescriptions with appropriate medications for pharmacist verification
* Appropriately restocks controlled substances items in automated secured cabinets (i.e., Pyxis) in pharmacy or throughout medical center, as assigned.
* Documents all controlled substance related transactions as indicated by VA and DEA guidelines.
* Assures that inventory counts are correct at the time of restocking.
* Ensures that proper handoff occurs when receiving or delivering controlled substances, always assuring that these medications are never left unsecured.
* Reports unresolvable discrepancies to immediate area supervisor for resolution. Assist in investigating, witnessing, and resolving discrepancies.
* Complies with all laws, regulations, directives, policies, and procedures applying to the dispensing, storage, transfer, inventory, and accountability of controlled substances.
* Assists inspectors with the inventory and accountability inspections.
* Inventories and replenishes emergency trays.
* Operates and maintains automated dispensing unit dose systems.
* Inspects packaged items for accuracy and suitability before submitting for final check, prior to distribution to hospital areas.
* Assures repackaged dosage forms are labeled according to USP and VA standards and attains a final review by a pharmacist.
* Maintains repackaging records that assures all regulatory and review standards are met.
* Trouble-shoots minor mechanical problems of all automated systems as they occur and coordinates resolution of more involved mechanical or software problems with Supervisor, vendor help desk, ADPAC, etc. as appropriate.
* Correctly inventories, assesses, and determines the need for ADC stock.
* Follows established policies and procedures, schedules, inventory levels, and usage rate reports to determine appropriate stock levels for specific areas of use.
* Accurately fills prescription items for wards using Automatic Replenishment reports.
* Performs and documents an inspection of assigned clinic areas for medication storage. Removes all expired and deteriorated drugs from the automated dispensing stations, stocks shelves, and the unit dose automated dispensing systems.
* Assures that each area that is inspected meets established standards for appropriate drug storage conditions including drug security for inspection and accreditation.
* Assembles prescriptions properly with the correct drug, strength, quantity, auxiliary labels, and prescription labels. for window dispensing and mail delivery
* Assures that the correct medication is filled by using bar code scanning on stock bottles and prescription labels.
* Supports automation by manually completing prescriptions not processed through the automation dispensing machine.
* Assures the timely completion of all prescriptions.
* Verifies the patient's identification following the Medical Center's policies (i.e., two patient identifiers)
* Verifies that the patient receives the correct prescriptions by using VA software (i.e., VISTA and Automation Robot barcode scanning)
* Verifies that the patient has received all prescriptions (i.e., refrigerated, controlled substances, bulk medications, etc.)
* Utilizes and comprehends the mail shipping programs used by the facility (i.e., USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.) for overnight delivery of non- controlled and controlled prescriptions.
* Performs searches, updates patient information, and generates shipping reports as requested by the supervisor.
* Calls patients to arrange delivery of refrigerated prescriptions and verifies patients address.
* Packages prescriptions appropriately, as to assure that packages are not damaged within transit (i.e., bubble wrap, ice blocks, insulated containers, etc.)
* Utilizes VA software programs to check narratives and problem solve deliveries for patients with no physical address.
Additional information
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.
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* Benefits
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A 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility 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 You Will Be Evaluated
You 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, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
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.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
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.
* Benefits
Help
A 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility 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.
* Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
* Resume
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 (Schedule A)
* Disability Letter (VA)
* License
* Other (1)
* PCS Orders
* Performance Appraisal
* Professional Certification
* Resume
* Separation Notice (RIF)
* SF-15
* SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
* Transcript
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.
* How to Apply
All 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 12/16/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click
* 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, 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.
Agency contact information
VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
Email ...@va.gov
Address VA TX Valley Coastal Bend HCS
2601 Veterans Drive
Harlingen, TX 78550
US
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Next steps
Once 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.
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). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP 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 medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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