Pharmacy Technician-COVID-19
This position requires significant independent decision making with minimal supervision. The work is complex not only in execution as it relates to providing service to the patient and staff; but also in problem-solving and in providing timely, accurate budget projections based on the incumbent's experience, interpretation of available data, and judgment. Functions of the position are covered under three primary areas:
Procurement Functions Maintain accountability of daily purchases and coordinate receipt, control budget ledger, assure consistent delivery schedules are employed and handled in a manner mutually beneficial to Supply Chain and Pharmacy Service, and appropriately disperse stock into designated storage areas. Process pharmacy procurement orders utilizing the government issued credit card, following all applicable rules and regulations. Keep current on contracts, product availability, and prices to identify appropriate sources and ensure the most cost-effective products are purchased through the various national contracts. Utilize knowledge of available contract information and patent right limitations to switch to alternate generic products when available and have working knowledge of drug products. Once notified by the FDA or drug manufacturer, assist and coordinate indicated sequence of Pharmacy Service actions needed to retrieve and process drugs recalled by the manufacturer. Maintain ongoing record of credit card purchases. Ensure all VA regulations and organizational guidelines are followed regarding the use of government credit card. Design/develop floor plans for stock location changes to maximize drug storage space. Function as resource person to all members of the pharmacy staff regarding inventory status and control. Provide orientation and training, as required, for staff members, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy aids, and pharmacists. Assist patients with medical supplies (e.g. ostomy products, catheters) by finding replacements for discontinued items. Outpatient Automation Functions Provide specialized technical support to pharmacy staff and other medical center personnel regarding the use of automated medication distribution systems. Set up, adjust, and maintain the operation of automated medication dispensing devices that support the treatment of VAMC patients. Set up, adjust, and maintain accessories and supplies for automated medication dispensing devices. Maintain control records, collecting data on any deviation in equipment accuracy, operation, or suitability and recognizes and notify the Supervisor of such deviations. Perform or schedule basic and routine maintenance to automated dispensing devices at times least disruptive to patient care. Serve as technical advisor and trainer to other pharmacy staff in the operation, calibration and maintenance of automated pharmacy equipment and devices. Inpatient Automation Functions Coordinate the technical aspect of Inpatient Pharmacy drug distribution activities to ensure standard operating procedures are in alignment with automation capabilities so that efficiencies are maximized. Recommend changes for the improvement of the workflow, work methods, and priorities involved within the drug distribution system. Work closely with procurement staff to maintain adequate stock of medication. Add new and delete obsolete medication to maintain current inventory. Perform canister maintenance of the equipment; demonstrate knowledge and ability to build canisters for new medications, and re-calibrate existing canisters for current medications when manufacturer change occurs. Schedule and/or perform basic support and routine maintenance to automated dispensing devices. Maintain a User Data Base for Omnicell users within the Medical Center. Record and report compliance audits of all designated automation functions; results are reported in the monthly Inpatient Automation QA Report and submitted for PT&N Committee review and tracking. Maintain dispensing alerts on Hazardous, Look-Alike-Sound-Alike and High Alert medications that are available in pharmacy automation devices. Maintain and update pharmacy information packets that are posted at all Omnicell cabinets. Oversee Temp Trak refrigerator monitors for all pharmacy refrigerators; results are reported in the monthly Inpatient Automation QA Report and submitted for PT&N Committee review and tracking. Coordinate the installation or expansion of automated dispensing systems and/or repackaging systems. Monitor medication expiration dates in assigned Omnicell cabinets and repackaging systems. Work Schedule:
Primarily Mon-Fri, 8:
00 - 4:
30 with occasional nights and weekends Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Basic Requirements:
1. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 2. Education or Experience. A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience. 3. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. 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:
GS-7. 1. 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 ( ):
2. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
(a) Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. (b) Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. (c) Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. (d) Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. (e) Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. (f) Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. References:
VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements:
Extended periods of standing, stretching and reaching. Procurement activities also involve bending, stooping to stock shelves; some work is sedentary at computer workstation. Will involve lifting of moderately heavy items (up to 40 pounds) and delivery of loaded carts between pharmacy and patient care areas. Involves routine exposure to chemotherapy materials. Due to the hazards related to chemotherapy exposure, incumbent may not be pregnant and work in this assignment. Requires average agility and dexterity. Endurance of very stressful periods may be required due to uncontrollable workload demands. Professional appearance, attitude and demeanor are required. Work is performed in the pharmacy as well as patient care areas where there is potential for exposure to communicable disease. This position operates in a work environment that is subject to frequent, abrupt, and unexpected changes in work assignments due to shifting demands, priorities, and deadlines, which require the employee to constantly adjust operations under the pressure of continuously changed and unpredictable conditions. Incumbent works with drugs/chemicals and must exercise normal precaution to avoid accidental contact. Rotates tours of duty and areas of responsibility.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Procurement Functions Maintain accountability of daily purchases and coordinate receipt, control budget ledger, assure consistent delivery schedules are employed and handled in a manner mutually beneficial to Supply Chain and Pharmacy Service, and appropriately disperse stock into designated storage areas. Process pharmacy procurement orders utilizing the government issued credit card, following all applicable rules and regulations. Keep current on contracts, product availability, and prices to identify appropriate sources and ensure the most cost-effective products are purchased through the various national contracts. Utilize knowledge of available contract information and patent right limitations to switch to alternate generic products when available and have working knowledge of drug products. Once notified by the FDA or drug manufacturer, assist and coordinate indicated sequence of Pharmacy Service actions needed to retrieve and process drugs recalled by the manufacturer. Maintain ongoing record of credit card purchases. Ensure all VA regulations and organizational guidelines are followed regarding the use of government credit card. Design/develop floor plans for stock location changes to maximize drug storage space. Function as resource person to all members of the pharmacy staff regarding inventory status and control. Provide orientation and training, as required, for staff members, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy aids, and pharmacists. Assist patients with medical supplies (e.g. ostomy products, catheters) by finding replacements for discontinued items. Outpatient Automation Functions Provide specialized technical support to pharmacy staff and other medical center personnel regarding the use of automated medication distribution systems. Set up, adjust, and maintain the operation of automated medication dispensing devices that support the treatment of VAMC patients. Set up, adjust, and maintain accessories and supplies for automated medication dispensing devices. Maintain control records, collecting data on any deviation in equipment accuracy, operation, or suitability and recognizes and notify the Supervisor of such deviations. Perform or schedule basic and routine maintenance to automated dispensing devices at times least disruptive to patient care. Serve as technical advisor and trainer to other pharmacy staff in the operation, calibration and maintenance of automated pharmacy equipment and devices. Inpatient Automation Functions Coordinate the technical aspect of Inpatient Pharmacy drug distribution activities to ensure standard operating procedures are in alignment with automation capabilities so that efficiencies are maximized. Recommend changes for the improvement of the workflow, work methods, and priorities involved within the drug distribution system. Work closely with procurement staff to maintain adequate stock of medication. Add new and delete obsolete medication to maintain current inventory. Perform canister maintenance of the equipment; demonstrate knowledge and ability to build canisters for new medications, and re-calibrate existing canisters for current medications when manufacturer change occurs. Schedule and/or perform basic support and routine maintenance to automated dispensing devices. Maintain a User Data Base for Omnicell users within the Medical Center. Record and report compliance audits of all designated automation functions; results are reported in the monthly Inpatient Automation QA Report and submitted for PT&N Committee review and tracking. Maintain dispensing alerts on Hazardous, Look-Alike-Sound-Alike and High Alert medications that are available in pharmacy automation devices. Maintain and update pharmacy information packets that are posted at all Omnicell cabinets. Oversee Temp Trak refrigerator monitors for all pharmacy refrigerators; results are reported in the monthly Inpatient Automation QA Report and submitted for PT&N Committee review and tracking. Coordinate the installation or expansion of automated dispensing systems and/or repackaging systems. Monitor medication expiration dates in assigned Omnicell cabinets and repackaging systems. Work Schedule:
Primarily Mon-Fri, 8:
00 - 4:
30 with occasional nights and weekends Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Basic Requirements:
1. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 2. Education or Experience. A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience. 3. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. 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:
GS-7. 1. 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 ( ):
2. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
(a) Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. (b) Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. (c) Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. (d) Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. (e) Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. (f) Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. References:
VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements:
Extended periods of standing, stretching and reaching. Procurement activities also involve bending, stooping to stock shelves; some work is sedentary at computer workstation. Will involve lifting of moderately heavy items (up to 40 pounds) and delivery of loaded carts between pharmacy and patient care areas. Involves routine exposure to chemotherapy materials. Due to the hazards related to chemotherapy exposure, incumbent may not be pregnant and work in this assignment. Requires average agility and dexterity. Endurance of very stressful periods may be required due to uncontrollable workload demands. Professional appearance, attitude and demeanor are required. Work is performed in the pharmacy as well as patient care areas where there is potential for exposure to communicable disease. This position operates in a work environment that is subject to frequent, abrupt, and unexpected changes in work assignments due to shifting demands, priorities, and deadlines, which require the employee to constantly adjust operations under the pressure of continuously changed and unpredictable conditions. Incumbent works with drugs/chemicals and must exercise normal precaution to avoid accidental contact. Rotates tours of duty and areas of responsibility.
- Department:
0661 Pharmacy Technician - Salary Range:
$43,251 to $56,222 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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