Summary
This Pharmacy Technician vacancy is for the Pharmacy Service at VA Boston Healthcare System with a duty station of the West Roxbury, MA Campus. Coverage and travel to other VA Boston Campuses will be required as needed for patient care.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
If you are a current, permanent employee of VA please apply to CBTD-12545153-24-MC.
Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. ยง 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement.
Duties
The Pharmacy Technician will perform routine pharmacy functions under the supervision of a pharmacist. All pharmacy distributive functions are performed in according to Veterans Health Administration (VHA), VA Boston Healthcare System and Pharmacy Service policies and procedures to provide comprehensive pharmaceutical services in a timely fashion to meet the needs of our patients and medical center staff.
Duties include but not limited to:
- Reviews medications and supplies returned from units and clinics for restock or destruction in a timely manner.
- Prepares and dispenses all controlled substance orders using VISTA and follows VA policies and DEA rules and regulations.
- Prioritizes daily tasks based on importance, urgency (e.g., stroke protocol), and pharmacist requests in a timely manner to assure quality patient care.
- Prepares inpatient prescriptions for a variety of sources (e.g., units, clinic, ER, discharge) for dispensing.
- Answer the telephones and answer questions from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution.
- Identify basic therapeutic problems and alert the pharmacist to the possible need for clinical intervention.
- Perform any duties and special projects deemed necessary by the Chief, Pharmacy Service, Pharmacy Supervisors, or the pharmacist-in-charge for the proper operation of the Pharmacy Service.
- Operates, maintains, and cleans complicated pharmacy equipment.
- Prepares hazardous and non-hazardous compounds.
- Other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Full time varied days and tours with weekend and holiday rotation
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 523-F02989
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
NOTIFICATIONS:
- This position is a NAGE Bargaining Unit position.
- This position is covered by a special salary rate.
- Selectee may be required to work at any VA Boston Healthcare System campus, as needed.
- Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.
- Veterans' preference does not apply for other current permanent Federal agency employees.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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
Applicants need to be fully qualified by 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.
- Education or Experience. (1) None required (2) For all grade levels and positions that accept both education and experience to quality, equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 400% are qualifying. The combined percentage is determined by adding total qualifying experience as s percentage of the experience required for grade level to the education as a percentage of education required for the grade level.
- Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT) is required above the full performance level (GS-7 and above).
- 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.
Grade Determinations:
Education and Experience at the GS-3:
One year of post-secondary education
OR
Six months of general experience
OR
Student Technician
Education and Experience at the GS-4:
Completion of two years of post-secondary coursework related to pharmacy.
OR
Completion of one of the following:
Six months of experience that demonstrated knowledge of medication or medical field practice.
Or
Successful completion of a military or nationally recognized pharmacy technician education/training program.
OR
One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Additionally, applicants must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Ability to follow policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain appropriate files.
Ability to communicate with patients and other health professionals.
Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions.
Ability to operate office software/equipment to include computers, software applications and printers.
Education and Experience at the GS-5:
Successful completion of four years of post-secondary education with courses related to pharmacy or a bachelor's degree.
OR
An associate degree in pharmacy technician or technology
OR
One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Additionally, applicants must be able to demonstrate the following KSAs:
Knowledge of basic pharmacy operations.
Knowledge of pharmaceuticals to perform duties in functional areas.
Knowledge of pharmaceutical nomenclature (including generic, chemical and proprietary names of drug).
Ability to fill prescriptions.
Ability to use pharmacy information systems or basic pharmacy dispensing equipment with oversight.
Education and Experience at the GS-6 or full performance level (FPL):
One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Additionally, the applicant must be able to demonstrate the following KSAs:
Knowledge of federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice.
Knowledge of preparation, storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation.
Ability to use pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment.
Knowledge of basic inventory procedures.
Ability to communicate with patients and staff and direct questions to appropriate personnel.
Preferred Experience: Inpatient or acute care pharmacy experience is preferred.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6.
Physical Requirements: Principal duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., preparing prescriptions, use of a computer keyboard, etc.). May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 44lbs.), including boxes, equipment, medical supplies, stock boxes etc.; stooping or kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, remove and replace items on lower shelves, and to file documents in lower file drawers, etc.); sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours). Ability to operate automation. Normal ranges of hearing and vision are required to perform work and communicate effectively. An ability to perform tasks requiring rapid mental and muscular coordination functions simultaneously is necessary. Must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used for the job.
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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
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, resume, 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.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
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.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- 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.
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
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 09/27/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12545154.
- 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.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
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 USAJobs 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.
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