Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

Pharmacy technicians function in various areas of the pharmacy, e.g. inpatient pharmacy, outpatient pharmacy and other patient care areas, under the supervision of the Outpatient or Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor or a registered pharmacist in the absence of a pharmacy supervisor.

Overview

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates
Opening and closing dates 05/16/2022 to 12/30/2022
Salary
$31,305 - $46,953 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 5
Location
Many vacancies in the following location:
- Tampa, FL
  
  Tampa, FL
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
0661 Pharmacy Technician
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness
Announcement number
CBTC-11497806-22-KM
Control number
654559900

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file until December 31, 2022.

Pharmacy technicians typically carry out the full range of technical support functions including filling outpatient prescriptions and filling inpatient unit dose medication orders, but are not limited to:

A. Outpatient Pharmacy

Performs duties involved in all facets of outpatient medication distribution which includes use and care of automation (i.e. Script Pro) for prescription filling.
Interprets physician orders or prescriptions to determine the kind of medication, strength and dosage to be dispensed. Obtains the correct medication, counts, pours or dispenses by automation, the correct amount and places it into the appropriate container. Labels and prepares the contents for a final check by a pharmacist.
Packages medication for delivery to the patient in accordance with United Postal and/or shipping company (i.e. FEDEX) regulations. Uses company software to generate shipping labels.
Upon request by a patient, provides procedural information pertaining to obtaining medications from this healthcare system (i.e. how to request a refill). All patient interactions will be performed in a courteous, helpful and friendly manner.

B. Inpatient Pharmacy

Follows USP 797 Guidelines for the compounding of all sterile preparations, including ophthalmic, cardioplegic, TPN, hazardous, large & small volume IV solutions, PCAs, etc. Manufactures uncomplicated and/or complicated parenteral admixtures to be delivered in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringe or other as require
Demonstrates knowledge of aseptic technique and basic calculations.
Dispenses unit dose medication to Pyxis Automated Dispensing Cabinet (ADC) or other patient medication storage system(s) used within the medical center.
Uses pharmacy automation such as Talyst, Euclid, and Pyxis to support unit dose medication dispensing.
Demonstrates knowledge of aseptic technique and basic calculations.

C. Material Management/ Inventory

Returns stock medication and supplies to their appropriate areas by the end of each tour of duty.
Maintains a clean, orderly workplace and supports prescribed safety practices.
Rotates stock, checks for and removes outdated medication.
Provides assistance to procurement technicians during times of heavy workload.

D. Other functions

Maintains the ability to drive a government vehicle for transportation of medications, supplies, and other pharmacy-related materials, as deemed necessary.
May be asked to support other areas of Pharmacy Service, as deemed necessary by Chief of Service.

Work Schedule: The tour of duty for this position will be a rotating schedule (including weekends and holidays when necessary) as established by the Chief, Pharmacy Service. Assigned work areas are not restricted to the inpatient or outpatient pharmacies. The incumbent may be assigned to expanded pharmacy service areas as deemed by the chief of pharmacy.

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
You may be required to serve a probationary period
Subject to a background/security investigation
Must be proficient in written and spoken English
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Participation in the seasonal influenza and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination programs are requirements for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

Qualifications

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:

U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
English language proficiency. Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English.
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (proof of graduation or equivalent required) or at least 3 months of experience. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with the scope of pharmacy technician practice. Part-time experience as a pharmacy technician is credited according to its relationship the full-time work week. For example, a pharmacy technician would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work. Preferred Experience: Experience in a hospital pharmacy setting is preferred, but not required. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Must have a valid drivers license to be able to drive a government vehicle
Grade Determinations:
GS-2: (Entry Level)
Experience: None beyond the basic requirement.

GS-3:
Education or Experience: Completion of 1 year of post-high school course work 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:

1.Ability to maintain appropriate files
2.Ability to prepare sterile compounds under supervision
3.Ability to communicate with patients and other health profession

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:

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

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:

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

References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28, PHARMACY TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATION STANDARD, dated March 2006. Reference is available in the local Human Resources Office.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5.

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).

Preferred Experience: Pharmacy Technician Board Certification

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: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time, typing, walking distances within the medical center, lifting/carrying (up to 50 pounds) of pharmaceutical supplies, and bending/stooping/stretching.

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

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.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or onboarding with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), if after November 22. VA will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation is needed and how you can request a legally required exception from this requirement. Please contact the Human Resources Point of Contact listed.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

RESUME REMINDER- Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:
Job title Duties: be as detailed as possible
Month & year start/end dates: (e.g. June 2017 to April 2021)
Full-time or part-time status: (include hours worked per week)
Series and Grade: for all Federal positions you have held.Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.

Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy.
***We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.***

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Benefits

Review our benefits

Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

Resume

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (VA)
Other (1)
Professional Certification
Resume
Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/30/2022 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11497806.

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information Karen McKee Karen McKee

karen.mckee@va.gov

Address

James A Haley Veterans Hospital
13000 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33612
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. How applicants will be referred:
- This is an open continuous announcement until December 31, 2022. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.
- Applicant Expiration: Applicants will remain active for 6 months after their initial application is received and/or updated. After that time, you must update your application through your USAJobs account if you would like to be made active again for possible consideration during the open period.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the U SAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.