If you are a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply under CBST-12062352-23-KMS. This position functions in the Outpatient Sections of Pharmacy Service within the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. The incumbent is a rotating generalized pharmacy technician, who, under the authority of the Chief, Pharmacy Service, is directly involved in all aspects of the preparation and dispensing of drug orders and prescription items. 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. 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: Pharmacy Technician, GS-2 Experience. None beyond the basic requirement. Pharmacy Technician, GS-3 Education or Experience. Completion of 1 year of post-high school coursework related to medicine (e.g. chemistry, biology, college mathematics, etc.), or successful completion of a 1 year accredited pharmacy technician training program, or 6 months of general experience, that may have included experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, laboratory technology, etc.) In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities): 1. Ability to maintain appropriate files. 2. Ability to prepare sterile compounds under supervision. 3. Ability to communicate with patients and other health professions. Pharmacy Technician, GS-4 Education or Experience. Successful completion of 2 years above high school with courses related to pharmacy or pharmacy technology, or 1 year of general experience that may have included experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, laboratory technology, etc.) Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program conducted by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision is creditable on a month-for-month basis for general experience. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities): 1. Ability to process and fill prescriptions under supervision. 2. Ability to operate and maintain dispensing equipment. 3. Ability to operate pharmacy information systems. 4. Ability to maintain appropriate files. 5. Ability to prepare sterile compounds under supervision. Pharmacy Technician, GS-5 Education or Experience. Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included at least 24 semester hours of courses related to pharmacy or pharmacy technology; successful completion of pertinent specialized training courses in pharmaceutical and pharmacy services while serving in the Armed Forces is creditable on a month-for-month basis up to the 1 year of experience required for the GS-5 level; or at least 1 year of experience at the next lower level that demonstrates the core competencies (KSAs) described at the GS-4 level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities): 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 Preferred Experience: None. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II Appendix G28, Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-2 to GS-5. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), straight pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending, specific visual requirement (ability to read prescription), hearing (aid may be permitted). (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services). ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 29, 2023 or until all positions are filled. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be August 10, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates of every two weeks until all positions are filled. VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws The duties of the Pharmacy Technician include but not limited to: - Performs as a general, all-around assistant to the pharmacist, performing the full range of technical duties required in the assigned section. This includes, but not limited to, interpretation of new physician orders, checking eligibility status of patient, and entering the prescriptions and/or refills into VISTA. Screens new physician orders for completeness, drug approvals, DEA numbers, accuracy of medication dose, eligibility of 90-day fills, non-formulary or restricted determination, appropriate quantity ordered, and allergic interactions. Also records statistical or other sensitive information into the VISTA system, patient files or other records. - Prepares and fills prescriptions for routine and special therapies, including investigational drugs, restricted drugs, dietary supplements, controlled substances, and medical and surgical supplies. - Selects drug form and proper dosage to fill prescriptions. Labels medication, including special warning labels associated with specific drugs. - Assures timely processing of prescriptions including, but not limited to, receiving requests, entry into VISTA, collating and packaging of prescriptions. - Assists in the total quality improvement activities by participating in medical center and service process assessments and action teams and continually seeks to improve services. - Communicates with patients or caregivers at the time prescriptions are picked up at pharmacy. Responsible for assuring that information concerning reordering is communicated and that any specific drug questions are referred to a pharmacist. Assures that proper patient identification is supplied in order that proper medication is given to patient. - Performs daily maintenance/minor repairs as well as manual/ replenishment and bulk functions of automated dispensing systems. - Assures quality assurance measures involving automated dispensing systems. - Operates all equipment normal to the area operation and processes the special handling necessary to mail narcotic medications. - Maintains work area in a clean, neat and orderly manner. - Maintains stock levels by periodic inventories, submissions of requests for needed items, receiving, storing and/or transporting incoming orders, removing outdated or deteriorated items and preparing them for proper disposal. Ensures accuracy and accountability of all receiving reports. - Assures that an ample supply of drugs, appliances, labels, containers, supplies and related necessities are readily available in the work area. - Prepares records (prescription files) for storage disposition including boxing, wrapping, labeling and initiating proper paperwork. - Performs all other duties and functions performed by technicians of an equal or lower grade common to the work area. - Works irregular tours of duty, including holidays and weekends, when required. - Prepares bulk compounding activities to include ophthalmics, oral and topical preparations. Maintains required records for extemporaneous compounding and reports atypical occurrences regarding change in color, consistency, etc. - Receives new stock and returns stock to inventory, ensuring accuracy of controlled drug records. - Prepares and fills prescriptions for investigational drugs, maintaining all mandatory records and coordinating with pharmacists and study coordinators issues related to dispensing investigational drugs. - Monitors inventory levels, ordering schedules and special orders in coordination with budget/inventory management staff. Responsible for communicating with pharmacists and supervisors when problems arise with supplies of medication. - Conducts daily inventories and interacts with controlled substances inspection officials. - Monitors and analyzes orders and distribution patterns of controlled substances to identify questionable circumstances or unusual trends. Communicates potential problems to supervisor. - Projects, as a representative of Pharmacy Service, a pleasing personality and maintains a positive attitude towards duties and responsibilities at all times. Work Schedule: Every other weekend Sat-/Sun, Some weekdays 4:30pm - 7pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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