Pharmacy Technician

Department of Veterans Affairs

This position is responsible for procurement and inventory activities at the Lubbock, Texas HCC. Pharmacy technicians may be assigned expanded distributive function assignments (i.e. filling of controlled substances). Functions include: dispensing of medications, stocking, and restocking of automated dispensing cabinets and other ward stock areas, maintaining quality control practices, and assigned quality control inspections, training of fellow staff, and other duties as assigned.

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties of the Pharmacy Technician at the full performance level (GS-06) include: Reads and interprets prescriptions, obtains proper medication or material in the proper strength and dosage form; determines proper amount and counts, pours, or measures the medications; affixes proper label; and records required data on Pharmacy's copy of prescription/order or documents required data in the automated dispensing machine/robot. Provides customer service concerning patient eligibility, prescription status, medication availability, co-payment charges and mailing status. Processes refill requests and verified prescriptions for mailing. Enters new and refill prescription data which may include correct drug, strength, dosage form, and quantity into the patient's medication profile (VistA or otherwise). Answers all questions within their level of expertise from Pharmacy and non-Pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution (e.g. drugs in stock, new drugs on order, formulary drugs, dosage forms available, etc.). Identifies basic therapeutic problems such as duplicate therapy, patient allergy interactions/contraindications, formulary adherence, quantity errors and alerts the pharmacist to the possible need for clinical intervention. Monitors inventory needs in Pharmacy areas, relays this information to the Procurement Pharmacist/Technician. Conducts monthly ward inspection of assigned patient care/Pharmacy storage areas assuring proper storage (including temperature and humidity), stock, cleanliness and drug expiration. Operates, maintains, fills/refills, and troubleshoots complicated, specialized or automated Pharmacy equipment. Assist in drug accountability through the proper use of the Pharmacy inventory management system. Repackages bulk items such as tablets, capsules, liquids, ointments, etc. into specified quantities and various size containers. Opens and separates mail, which contains cash, checks and refill requests. Fills prescriptions, drug packages and supplies for distribution to wards, clinics and affiliated services which are checked by a pharmacist. Prepares prescriptions (controlled substances and non-controlled substances) for mailing through contract carriers, USPS, and finalizes processing through the latest mail label tracking software. Collects drug use evaluation data for quality improvement purposes. Assists in total quality improvement activities by participating in Medical Center and Pharmacy Service process assessment and action teams, and continually seeks to improve services by following local policies and procedures that assures compliance with all VA/VHA, FDA, DEA, TJC, OIG, or other governing body's recommendations and regulations. Assists with training of technicians, student technicians, and pharmacy students. Prepares, handles and has knowledge of investigational drugs and their policies and procedures. Performs all the duties of lower graded technicians and other duties as assigned, if required. When handling Hazardous Drugs, will follow facility policies and procedures to maintain compliance with USP 800. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Pharmacy Technician Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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