Qualifications

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: Pharmacy Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by38 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: (a) PTCB as a CPhT
• OR, (b) NHA as a 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: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements listed above, you must meet the following: GS-07 Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient) Experience: Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06)
• AND, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA): In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1
• Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work
• 2
• Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent
• 3
• Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers
• 4
• Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students
• 5
• Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution
• 6
• Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases
• Assignments: Pharmacy technicians at this level are nationally certified and can work autonomously using independent judgement to perform a full range of duties
• These pharmacy technicians mentor and train lower graded pharmacy technicians in the practice setting
• They assist advanced/ specialized pharmacy technicians and participate in performance improvement initiatives
• At this level, pharmacy technicians use independent judgement to perform the full range of duties in the pharmacy
• They also function as staff pharmacy technicians in various locations of the pharmacy, including pharmacy contact centers and other non-traditional pharmacy locations, with minimal oversight
• Preferred Experience: Must have 1 or more year(s) of Pharmacy Technician experience
• 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-07
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07
• Physical Requirements: Capable of sustained standing, walking, lifting and other procedures necessary to procure or delivery medications and supplies
• The work involves long periods of moving, standing and pushing carts about the work unit
• The requires regular and recurring bending lifting, stooping, stretching, and lifting.