Pharmacy Technician Job in Columbia, MO

Vacancy No. CBSS-12750773-25-JG Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $42,523.00 to $77,387.00 Grade 3 to 6
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Part-time
Open Date 6/16/2025 Close Date 6/24/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Columbia, MO


Summary

This position is open to the public. This is an INTERMITTENT position, not full time as a Pharmacy Technician at Truman Veterans Hospital, Columbia, MO.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to the public. Please note: Veterans' Preference has been waived for this vacancy in accordance with the provisions of 38 USC 7412 in conjunction with the provisions of P.L. 115-46. The position in this vacancy has been identified as a VHA Shortage Occupation as determined by the VA Office of the Inspector General for fiscal year 2025 (October 1, 2024-September 30, 2026). Veterans are encouraged to apply, and qualified Veterans will receive full consideration.

Duties

VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Duties include but are not limited to:

  • Conducts patient consults
  • Understands specific handling considerations, storage, distribution and disposal of medications. Routinely inspects storage environments such as refrigerators and freezers.
  • Reads and interprets orders, and pulls non-controlled medications and independently fills orders without supervision for dispensing pharmacist review.
  • Reconstitutes simple oral medications with secondary review by the dispensing pharmacist
  • Provides patient education on pharmacy topic such as the refill process, relaying clinical questions to a pharmacist.
  • Serves as stock technician by accurately shelving non-controlled medications, packaging ward stock, etc.
  • Pulls outdates and properly disposes outdated medications and can assist in inventory counts with the exception of the narcotics vault.
  • Has technical knowledge of equipment and supplies used to pack and mail completed orders.
  • Hands off mail to UPS and USPS representatives picking up Pharmacy mail.
  • Uses VistA, CPRS, ScriptPro, Robot, Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADC) and portals. Can enter and access clinical patient information.
  • Cleans and restocks the ScriptPro and the Robot. Can restock the ADCs.
  • Conducts point of care and ward stock inspections for WWVA clinics that stock medications.
  • Cleans counting trays and wipes down non-controlled dispensing counters at the end of each day.
  • Provides telephone support for patients, providers, and nursing staff. Answers inquiries related to general, non-clinical/non-medical issues or procedures, and refers clinical/medical questions to a pharmacist.
  • Dispenses completed/verified medication orders to patients under the supervision of a pharmacist.
  • Delivers medication and supplies to non-Pharmacy clinical areas.
  • Completes daily reports as directed.
  • Opens mail and scans prescription orders before delivering the orders to the triage technician.
  • Performs pharmacy administrative duties such as filing filled orders and ward stock requests, copying medication guides, and verifying medications that fall under Safety Data Sheets are documented. Delivers and discusses restock orders to the Purchasing Agent. Notifies the GEMS Coordinator when the Hazardous Materials container needs to be emptied.
  • Consistently displays competence with best practice standards for the Pharmacy.
  • Complies with Medical Center Memorandums, including hand hygiene, appropriate personnel attire, and so forth.
  • Keeps up with TMS training requirements.
Work Schedule: Various shifts
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
Benefits: Pro rated to actual time worked.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000
References: Please provide "References" with application. At a minimum two current or former supervisors or from individuals who were in a position of a professional nature. Indicated if the Hiring Manager may contact.

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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • 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).

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:
  • 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:
    • None required.
    • For all grade levels that accept both education and experience to qualify, equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 100% are qualifying.
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). All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.
Grade Determinations:
GS-3 Pharmacy Technician
Experience and Education.
  • One year of post-secondary education. OR,
  • Six months of general experience. OR,
  • Student Technician. A student enrolled in an approved nationally accredited pharmacy technician program for an occupation identified in 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(A) or (B) may be appointed on a temporary full-time, part-time or intermittent basis under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(D) for a period not to exceed two years or the duration of the individual's program.
GS-4 Pharmacy Technician
Experience and Education.
  • Completion of two years of post-secondary coursework related to pharmacy (e.g., 12 semester hours of science and mathematics courses). 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. American Society of Health System Pharmacists® (ASHP), American Pharmacist Association (APHA), Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), PTCB or NHA are examples of acceptable professional organizations recognizing such training programs. NOTE: Training courses recognized by PTCB and NHA are not actual certifications. OR,
    • One year of experience equivalent to next lower grade level.
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • 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.
GS-5 Pharmacy Technician
Experience and Education.
  • Successful completion of four years post-secondary education with courses related to pharmacy (e.g., 48 semester hours of science, mathematics, pharmacy) or a bachelor's degree. OR,
  • An associate's degree in pharmacy technician or technology (48 semester hours of concentrated pharmacy technician training). OR,
  • One year of experience equivalent to next lower grade level.
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of basic pharmacy operations.
  • Knowledge of pharmaceuticals to perform duties in pharmacy 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.
GS-6 Pharmacy Technician
Experience. One year of experience equivalent to next lower grade level.
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • 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:
Two to five years of Pharmacy Technician experience.
Three years experience with automated systems.
Three years experience with VA software.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is 6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of to 3-6.
Physical Requirements: Principle duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers. May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 44 lbs.), including boxes, equipment, unit dose-cassettes, and IV solutions; stooping or kneeling; sitting, walking or standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours). Normal ranges of hearing and vision are required to perform work and communicate effectively; must have the visual ability to distinguish between basic colors and shades of color. 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

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/.

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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

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.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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:

  • Resume


Please be specific on your resume with the number of hours worked per week and start and ending dates of jobs worked.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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

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 06/24/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12750773.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Agency contact information

Joan Gerke
Address
Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital
800 Hospital Drive
Columbia, MO 65201
US

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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