Clarification from the agency

This job opportunity announcement is open to current and permanent Federal employees of the Central Western Massachusetts facilities ONLY. If you are not a current and permanent employee of the CWM facilities you will not qualify for the position. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. *Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.*

VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws

Pharmacy Technician GS-0661-09

General Description:

Pharmacy Service oversees all pharmacy operations at the campus of the VA Medical Center. This position will provide a full range of administrative and program support to Pharmacy Services at the CW Massachusetts Veterans Medical Center.

Under the supervision of a pharmacist, or Supervisory Pharmacy Technician, the Pharmacy Technician performs routine pharmacy functions including receiving prescriptions from patients in writing or electronically from physicians. Pharmacy Technicians prepare prescriptions by counting, pouring, weighing, measuring, and mixing the medication if necessary. Pharmacy Technicians maintain patient profiles, prepare insurance claim forms, stock, and take inventory of medications. Pharmacy Technician prepare medications for inpatients in various settings, including sterile product preparation. The incumbent's duties will entail oversight of administrative aspects of service programs to include data gathering, analysis, tracking, trending, and reporting, budget preparation and other fiscal duties including fund control point and other expenditure tracking, interactions with Veterans, their families and representatives, writing reports and controlled correspondence, and other duties as assigned. Duties will require travel to all respective service sites.

The role of the GS-09 Pharmacy Technician requires a high degree of analytical capability and specialized knowledge essential to providing effective support to the service. Administrative assistance provided by the incumbent will enable the Chief of the supported service to devote attention to issues involving direct patient care and the management of professional activities.

This position reports to the Chief of Pharmacy.

Assignment:

For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Pharmacy technician coordinators perform the full range of program coordination in their specialized area of pharmacy. These positions require independent technical judgement and expertise in complex areas of pharmacy practice that have specific laws, significant regulatory requirements and quality/safety standards. They organize, coordinate and manage single or multiple programs under the delegation of pharmacy supervisors or Associate Chiefs. Pharmacy technicians at this level must have an expert understanding of regulatory and quality standards for the complex program area and manage all aspects of compliance with these standards with limited input from pharmacy supervisor(s). Pharmacy technicians at this grade level may be assigned as a coordinator in areas requiring detailed regulatory oversight and record keeping including, but not limited, to Controlled Substance Program, Research/Investigational Drug Program, Procurement, Automation & Informatics program, Quality/Patient Safety, Clinical or Call Center.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: F08423
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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.
• 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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

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-0661-09

Experience: One year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the lower grade level.

Certification: For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either:

• (a) PTCB as a CPhT.

OR

• (b) NHA as a ExCPT.

Scope of Assigned Duties (85%)

• Serves as Pharmacy Service's liaison and primary contact for the service line. Communicates and acts on behalf of Pharmacy with all service lines within the health care system, outside agencies, VISN, CMOP, regional Clinical Resource Hub, Consortium, and National level where required.
• Serves as subject matter expert for program area personnel and provides statistical data, report metrics, and oversight of pharmacy specialized programs to pharmacy leadership.
• Operates independently in accomplishing assigned functions within established timelines and accepted organizational practices.
• Able to manage or supervise program area personnel as needed and required.
• Performs duties with significant scope and responsibility to provide system support for pharmacy programs. These programs may have a high degree of visibility and impact on VHA Health Care delivery and may affect multiple VA Health Care Systems within the VISN, Clinical Resource HUBs, Consortiums, or national programs.
• The Pharmacy Technician advises top level agency managers on new developments and advances related to the program area. Create reports, proposals, and budgetary analysis for senior management to assist in effective long-range forecasting of pharmacy operations.
• Serves as a resource person in planning, reviewing, or revising policies and procedures that impact Pharmacy Service operations and other service lines. Resource in data collection and analysis and participates in the development of strategies for implementation of projects and policy changes.
• This position requires independent technical judgement and expertise in complex areas of pharmacy practice that have specific laws, significant regulatory requirements, and quality/safety standards. Incumbent must organize, coordinate, and manage single or multiple programs under the delegation of pharmacy supervisors or Associate Chiefs.
• The Pharmacy Technician is assigned as Record Management Liaison and must coordinate in areas requiring detailed regulatory oversight and record keeping, including, but not limited to, Controlled Substance Program, Research/Investigation Drug Program, Procurement, Automation and Informatics Program, Quality/Patient Safety, Clinical or Call Center. Abides by all standards for record keeping management and disposition.
• Provides for the budgeting and financial management for the organization, including budget formulation, justification and execution, financial management and financial reporting. Inputs department projected budgets and financial needs into 4Cast system for leadership review. Responds to all questions related to the budget package and directs execution of the approved budget.
• Reviews office needs, plans, and goals to develop budget data and justification for review and approval.
• Monitors balances and status of projects and recommends reprogramming of funds as needed. Justifies requests for reprogramming as necessary. Reviews financial reports and resolves discrepancies with accounting office. Assures that all expenditures are properly authorized and documented.
• Certifies invoices in IPPS were appropriate. Submits budget increases/decreases as necessary. Prepares, submits, and signs contract de-obligations as needed and monitors overtime expenditures.
• Implements administrative policies and procedures for service-wide areas of responsibility. Proposes improvements to administrative directives and policies. Provides advice and guidance on the interpretation and application of administrative directives and instructions.
• Resolves issues with the purchase and receipt of medical and administrative supplies and equipment when necessary to intervene on behalf of the Chief of Pharmacy.
• Serves as Contracting Officer Representative for the service line. Incumbent will maintain a level 1 COR certification; aspirational level 2 COR certification. Generates 2237 requests for pharmacy equipment and service purchases and works with Logistics personnel and utilizes a proficiency in FORCE to monitor requests and ensures purchase approvals to avoid non-authorized commitments. Performs budget execution functions to ensure expenditures are consistent with budget formulation plans as the fiscal year progresses.
• Other duties as assigned.

Collateral Duties (15%)

• Analyzes management plans to determine the impact on administrative processes. Advises management officials, supervisors, and employees on the interpretation and application of a variety of human resources policies, practices, and procedures including staffing, classification, employee relations, benefits, and related areas.
• Exercises human resources responsibility by initiating requests for recruitment, interviewing, and selecting employees, complying with EEO objectives; planning and assigning work, and maintaining accurate and current position descriptions and functional statements.
• Communicates with applicants to include scheduling and participating in interviews. Proficient in resume review. Presents position requests to the resource executive council. Uploads hiring packages to HR software systems. Initiates HR actions, such as SF-52's, to HR software systems.
• Ensures performance ratings are submitted in a timely manner in accordance with regulatory guidelines
• Serves as an administrative resource and clearing point for personnel management activities. Drafts functional statements. Prepares position/function/organizational charts to ensure they reflect the evolving program changes.
• Anticipates vacancies and prepares proposals for request to hiring authority. Proposals include workload, patient service needs, and any anticipated program changes. Monitors and maintains personnel files and submits yearly reviews to Human Resources.

Preferred Experience:

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
• Preferred candidates will have experience with pharmacy supply chain management and inventory control, leadership skills, financial oversight, and knowledge of regulatory compliance.
• Candidates should possess strong communication and analytical abilities.
• Prior management experience is also preferred.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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.

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

• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

*Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.*


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
• Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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