The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is seeking a highly qualified and motivated candidate for a Inpatient Pharmacy Technician position in Wichita Kansas. Work Schedule: 8-hour shifts 0700 - 1830 M-F, occasional coverage between 1330 - 2200, every 3rd to 4th weekend, & some holidays Bargaining Unit Status: Covered Fair Labor Standards Act: Non-Exempt 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. Education or Experience. A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience. English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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 6 Experience. One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) 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 (*): GS 5 KSA's: 1. Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment. 2. Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique. 3. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. 4. Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. GS 6 KSA's: 1. Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. 2. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. 3. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. 4. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. 5. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. 6. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. **You must address the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities in your resume for us to qualify you** References: VA handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G28 Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standards. The full performance level of this vacancy is GSS-06. Physical Requirements: Physical movements involve completion of routine pharmacy functions which include but are not limited to significant computer work/typing, prescription order entry and processing, contact of patients (both face to face and via phone). Certain tasks are repetitive in nature and require multiple steps performed in succession for success. The incumbent should be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds without significant difficulty. Incumbent must be able to stand or sit in one place for considerable time during completion of complex tasks. Complexity of mental processes involved is extensive, demanding, and challenging. ["Medication Management System: 1) Repackages liquids, tablets, capsules, etc., into specified quantities and various size containers. 2) Ensures the correct use of tablet and capsule counting and packaging machines, labeling machine to repackage a wide variety of pharmaceuticals from bulk stock containers into smaller containers or unit dose forms, and to make and apply appropriate labels. 3) Determines quality based on discoloration, expiration dates, etc., and decides if product is acceptable for use. 4) Ensures that information such as generic name of drug, manufacturer's name, lot number, control number, shipment number, etc., are properly recorded on inventory records and on labels. 5) Assembles and packages drugs and supplies for distribution. 6) Receive verification from pharmacist prior to dispensing to inpatient floors or patients 7) Delivers medications to wards, out-patient departments, procedural areas, etc. 8) Correctly packages, for shipment by mail, or truck, drugs being sent to patients or to VA clinics. 9) Effectively uses knowledge of special packing techniques for various medications e.g., liquids, flammables, hazardous materials, and narcotics. 10) Ensure adherence to the postal regulations governing shipment. 11) Receives supplies, checks for shortage, tampering, breakage, deterioration, or expiration. 12) Selects proper storage area for medications. 13) Communicates medication ordering needs to responsible inventory managers to help maintain inventory levels established to smoothly manage medication needs throughout the medical center. 14) Keeps storage and work areas clean 15) Follows standardized formulas and procedures in weighing, measuring and mixing bulk quantities of routinely used solutions, ointments, or powders. 16) Completes manufacturing steps without certification by another employee. 17) Interprets the medication orders; selects and measures appropriate ingredients using a wide variety of formulae and recipes not otherwise available from manufacturers. 18) Manufactures all products requiring compounding. Compounds products involving variations from standard formulae. 19) Mixes ingredients in a safe and effective manner; inspects the final product for accuracy, suitability and elegance; labels the product correctly; maintains records of the manufacturing process; and supplies the product for delivery. 20) Uses either standard protocols or judgment to determine an accurate expiration date for each batch prepared 21) When assigned to IV admixture duty area will apply rigid aseptic techniques in preparing sterile solutions (utilizing USP 797/800 compounding standards) 22) Uses proper sterile technique to ensure the solution is not contaminated and potentially harmful to the patient. 23) Prioritizes drug orders according to established pharmacy procedures. 24) Reads medication orders, retrieves repackaged, labeled container, or bulk stock container and measures proper amounts into a dispensing container for Pharmacist to perform a final check of the work 25)Reads individual orders and determines kind, strength, and dosage of drug to be dispensed 26) Assists in Pharmacy Phone Triage Help Desk insuring timely and accurate information 27) Operates and maintains complicated Pharmacy equipment 28) Identifies basic therapeutic issues such as duplication of therapy, known incompatibilities, stability concerns and brings to attention of Pharmacist 29) Conducts periodic inspections of medications for assigned storage areas 30) Performs all other duties as assigned Management System Functions Coordinates receipt and appropriately disperses stock into designated storage areas 2) Ensures bar-coding or other electronic tracking is completed in all aspects of inventory control. Includes scan ability on receipt, on individual packaging to the clinic/ward, and in automated equipment 3) Assists in inventory management including, but not limited to, removal of medications inappropriate for use, recalled medication removal, monitoring unusual or excessive demand. Assists in inventory control in assigned areas for point of care automation such as Pyxis, Pharmacy Emergency Cache, and narcotics vaults"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
