Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient)

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

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 Language Proficiency: Pharmacy Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

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 Pharmacy Technician

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).

OR

• National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).

Experience: Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

(a) Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work.
(b) Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent.
(c) Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers.
(d) Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students.
(e) Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution.
(f) Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases.


Preferred Experience: One year of outpatient pharmacy experience and experience with managing controlled substances.

References: VHA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G28, Qualifications for Pharmacy Technicians

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, standing (6 hrs), repeated bending (2 hrs), near vision correctable, ability to distinguish basic colors, mental and emotional stability.

Environmental Factors: Constant noise, extensive keyboard/mouse use, working closely with others, working alone.