Summary Pharmacy Technician serves as a direct assistant to the pharmacist, requiring performance of duties with an understanding of the workflow, the pharmacy routine, and the responsibilities of the pharmacy programs. Responsibilities Duties include but not limited to the following: Pharmacy technician has become a central component of the medication distribution process for VA and the need for reliably functioning equipment is critical to its mission. The areas of responsibility have a major effect on the ability of Pharmacy Service to provide timely and efficient prescription filling capacity as well as the availability of needed medication in patient care areas. This position functions primarily in the Inpatient care areas of Pharmacy Service but has significant responsibilities in the Outpatient Pharmacy arena. The incumbent has responsibility for the operation, maintenance, basic troubleshooting/repair and oversight of all Pharmacy automated equipment, which includes automated dispensing cabinets, unit dose prepackaging equipment, and robots utilized for prescription order processing. The incumbent ensures automation capabilities are maximized and takes a major role in training of staff on proper use of the automation. The incumbent will be knowledgeable in Pharmacy Law & DEA regulations as they relate to practice at the Richmond VA Medical Center, and its organizational elements. He/she will have had at least one year experience at the GS-6 level and will fully meet the KSAs at the GS-6 level. He/she will have an active PTCB certification that will be maintained via appropriate continuing education credits and maintains the renewal as required. He/she will have technical knowledge of drug and medication brand names, generic names/chemical names, general and special storage requirements, expiration date requirements, manufacturer/distributor sources, dosage forms, applicable systems of weights and measures, and medical terminology in order to interpret physician's orders and verify that correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose is prepared and dispensed. Working knowledge of VA Medical Center computer systems, specifically the applicable VistA and CPRS processing options (e.g., unit dose, IV admixture). Knowledge of the laws, regulations and official policy is required concerning drug procurement and security to conform to legal and professional requirements of pharmacy practice. Performs or schedules basic and routine maintenance to automated dispensing devices at times least disruptive to patient care. Also performs daily maintenance / inventory procedures on equipment as required and/or assigned. Ensures that equipment is cleaned and maintained to minimize downtime. Works directly with automation companies' technical and clinical support to troubleshoot and resolve automation issues and maximize utilization of the automation equipment. Resolves problems and complaints regarding Pharmacy automation. Troubleshoots problems with the automated dispensing cabinets, unit dose prepackaging machines and robots when production is compromised and alerts appropriate personnel. Inventories and replenishes automated equipment without the need to be checked by a pharmacist or another technician. Works directly with other health care services locally as well as VISN and VHA employees and services to maximize utilization of the automation equipment. Manages, fills, and prepares for delivery, orders and all requests pertinent to the automated medication dispensing system(s). Sets up, adjusts and maintains accessories and supplies for automated medication dispensing devices. The incumbent coordinates the collection and reporting of data analysis and summarizing reports for review by Pharmacy Management. Ensures that adequate off-line inventory levels of unit dose medication packaged through automation are maintained. Adds new and deletes obsolete medications to maintain current inventory. Runs, reviews, and maintains automation reports on assigned routine Maintains or assists to maintain automated equipment user files. Maintains control records, collecting data on any deviation in equipment accuracy, operation or suitability. Recognizes and notifies the Director of Pharmacy Service, or designee of such deviations. This includes collecting technical data necessary for the purchase of new equipment, collecting and reporting quality improvement data in a format useful for pharmacy management and providing suggestions or other information that may be useful for improving the efficiency of the pharmacy's automated dispensing systems. Monitors quality assurance and reports deficiencies to their Pharmacy Supervisor and other leadership within the Pharmacy Service as instructed. VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts Functional Statement #: 00000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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. 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 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 proficiency PTCB certification or NHA certification Grade Determinations: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G28. Physical Requirements: The work requires repetitive motion, standing, walking, reaching, stooping, lifting heavy objects up to 50 pounds, pushing heavy or bulky carts and at times may be physically demanding, sometimes for extended periods of time. Must be able to adjust to changing environments. Must demonstrate the ability to stay on task, to multi-task, and to adapt to the speed of the workflow as required to provide the best customer service possible to the veterans and staff. 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. 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. 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. 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.