Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System is seeking experienced Pharmacy Technicians for the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center, Bay Pines, Florida. Pharmacy technicians function in various areas of the pharmacy, e.g. inpatient pharmacy, outpatient pharmacy and other patient care areas. Pharmacy technicians provide various technical support services within the pharmacy. This is an open and continuous announcement which includes duties for the various areas of pharmacy. Referrals on a biweekly basis.

Overview

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates
01/10/2023 to 12/29/2023
Salary
$42,022 - $54,625 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 6
Location
5 vacancies in the following location:
- Bay Pines, FL
Remote job
No
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
Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness
Announcement number
CBTC-11792568-23-JLC
Control number
698986500

This job is open to

The public

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

Clarification from the agency

This vacancy announcement is opened to US Citizens. Federal employees may apply to the internal vacancy announcement # CBTC-11792569-23-JLC. There is NO need to apply to both announcements.

Duties

Recruitment incentive authorized for highly qualified eligible applicants

This is an open continuous announcement. This announcement will close when all positions have been filled.

Pharmacy technicians' function in various areas of the pharmacy, e.g., inpatient pharmacy, outpatient pharmacy and other patient care areas. Pharmacy technicians provide various technical support services within the pharmacy department.

Duties and responsibilities of Pharmacy Technicians include but are not limited to the below:

Outpatient Pharmacy:

Performs duties involved in all facets of outpatient distribution which include use of automation for prescription filling and mailing either by the US Mail or contracted courier (i.e. FedEx or UPS).
Uses technology such as bar code technology to document dispensing of medications (including controlled substances) following procedures designed to ensure maximum patient safety.
Handles medications in an appropriate and clean manner.
Assists veterans with processing of medication requests, address changes, and tracking of medications shipped via the United States Postal Service (USPS) or another contracted courier.
Upon a request by a patient, provides procedural information (i.e., medication pick up process, how to request refills, how to use the automated phone system for refills, renewals and medication tracking).
Assists with documentation of patients' previously dispensed medications upon admission and assists with dispensing at time of discharge.
Works with clinical pharmacists to achieve Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) goals.
Uses technology to determine the status of medications being processed and the location of completed medications.
Assists with troubleshooting of automated pharmacy equipment.
Resolves problems with automated equipment via direct communication with the automated device manufacture or by collaborating with our BioMed Department at Bay Pines VAHCS, when deemed appropriate.

Inpatient Pharmacy:

Prepares IV admixtures when assigned, to include large volume parenterals, "piggybacks", total parenteral nutrition and anti-neoplastics.
Considers information available such as compatibility data, concentration limits and toxicities when preparing IV admixtures.
Performs basic calculations if necessary to prepare IV admixtures.
Uses Pharmacy computer software IV admixture package when necessary.
Screens medication orders to assure procedural compliance is met.
Uses pharmacy computer system (i.e., VISTA) unit dose software package to generate pick lists which are used to fill patient cassettes.
Uses pharmacy automation such as Automed Fast Pack, Euclid and Pyxis to support unit dose medication dispensing activities.
Uses aseptic techniques to ensure the solution or product is not contaminated.
Inspects the final product for accuracy, suitability and elegance. Completed sterile preparations will be checked by a pharmacist prior to dispensing.

Inventory Management /Procurement

Communicates with the procurement and with the Pharmacy Benefits Management (PBM) sections of pharmacy concerning inventory needed and possible medication shortages.
Returns stock medication and supplies to their appropriate areas by the end of each tour of duty, maintaining a clean, orderly workplace.
Provides assistance and coverage during times of heavy workload and in the absence of the procurement technicians and/or soft pharmacy supply technician.
Checks pharmacy stock for outdates.

Controlled Substance

Provides assistance and coverage during periods of heavy workload and during the absence of the controlled substances technicians.
Prepares, fills all outpatient orders and/or ward stock requests for controlled substances.
Receives new stock and returned stock into inventory. Conducts regularly scheduled inventories.
Follows all requirements, VACO directives, DEA requirements, and other state and local requirements when handling or dispensing controlled substance medications.
Monitors and analyzes orders and distribution patterns to identify questionable circumstances or unusual trends and communicates potential problems to a pharmacist in charge or supervisor.

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 for the needs of the Pharmacy Service and patient care. Assigned work areas are not restricted to the inpatient or outpatient pharmacies. The technician may be assigned to expanded Pharmacy Service areas as deemed by the Chief, Pharmacy Service.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 20250F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:Authorized for highly qualified eligible applicants
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized
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.
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 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: A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience.

Certification: Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above.

Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain licensure/certification/ registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

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.

Pharmacy Technician, GS-6, Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:

Experience: One year experience at the next lower level (GS-05), and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. KSAs of a GS-05 Pharmacy Technician are:

Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment.
Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique.
Knowledge of basic inventory procedures.
Knowledge of pharmacy information systems.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action.
Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment.
Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents.
Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products.
Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts.
Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders.

Preferred Experience: One year experience compounding routine sterile products using aseptic technique.

References: VA Handbook 5005/55 Part II, Appendix G28, Pharmacy Technician

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), Light lifting (under 15 pounds), Heavy carrying (45 pounds and over), Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), Light carrying (under 15 pounds), Straight pulling (2 hours), Pushing, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking (up to 4 hours), Standing (prolonged), Repeated bending, Climbing, use of legs and arms (infrequent), Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle, Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, Specific visual requirement (specify)*, Depth perception, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Hearing (aid permitted), Clear Speech, Emotional Stability, *Ability to read fine print on labels, Good Dexterity Working Conditions: Outside and inside, Dry atmospheric conditions, Constant noise, Fumes, smoke, or gases, Electrical energy, Slippery or uneven walking surfaces, Working around machinery with moving parts, Unusual fatigue factors (specify) (CRT-eye strain), Working closely with others.

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 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 to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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.

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.

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:

VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations
Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Resume

VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs. Required at time of application.

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 (VA)
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations
Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Resume
SF-15
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 12/29/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11792568.

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 Jayme Cooper

Phone

717-222-1893

JAYME.COOPER@VA.GOV

Address

CW Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
10000 Bay Pines Boulevard
Bay Pines, FL 33744
US

Learn more about this agency

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 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 set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.