The Columbia VA Health Care System (VAHCS) opened in 1932 at its current location. The facility has 204 skilled nursing beds, which includes acute medical, surgical, psychiatric, and long-term care. The hospital provides primary, secondary, and some tertiary care. The facility is a complex teaching hospital, providing a full range of patient care services, with state-of-the-art technology, education, and research. 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. 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. 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. 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: GS-6:Experience. One year experience at the next lower level (GS-5), and must fully meet the KSAs at the GS-5 level. At the GS-5 grade level, employees serve as staff pharmacy technicians receiving little guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patients and procedures, and require minimal supervision and demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to operate and care for automated dispensing devices and equipment. 2. Knowledge of, and ability to perform, aseptic technique. 3. Knowledge of basic inventory procedures. 4. Knowledge of pharmacy information systems. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 1. Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. 2. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. 3. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. 4. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. 5. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. 6. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. PTCB certification is required at this grade level. Preferred Experience: Preferred Experience: One year of experience working as a certified pharmacy technician in an Inpatient or Outpatient Pharmacy setting. Experience working with pharmacy automation equipment and preparing intravenous admixtures. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-6 . Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting 15-44 pounds, Light Lifting Under 15 pounds, Moderate carrying 15-44 pounds, Light carrying, under 15 pounds, pushing 2 hours, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking 6 hours, Standing 6 hours, Repeated bending 4 hours, Both legs required, 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, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Ability to distinguish shades of colors, Hearing (aid may be permitted) Mental and Emotional Stability, Operation of Computers, Sitting(>4 hours), Repetitive fine hand motor, Phone calls (>4 hours), Constant noise, Working closely with others, Working alone, Rotating 1st, 2nd, 3rd shifts, May require working with hazardous medications and a respirator mask. ["This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file until August 3, 2023. First consideration will be given to all who apply by February 2, 2023. The Columbia VA Health Care System is currently recruiting for the position of a Rotational Pharmacy Technician. The technician will assist in both outpatient and inpatient Pharmacy areas. Inpatient functions include packaging unit dose medications utilizing unit dose packaging machine, replenishing stock in automated dispensing machines, conducting routine ward inspections, preparing intravenous admixtures, and delivering medications to inpatient and outpatient clinics. Outpatient functions include filling and labeling medications for verification by a pharmacist, assisting patients at the pharmacy pick-up window, cleaning and refilling the outpatient automated dispensing machines, and preparing outpatient-controlled substances in accordance with facility policy for pharmacist verification. The incumbent will also perform other duties as assigned by management. The incumbent is expected to be a multifunctional technician and will perform at the full performance level in the Pharmacy. Work Schedule: Rotating Day Shifts (0700-1530, 0800-1630, 0830-1700, 0930-1800, 1230-2100, 1400-2230). Will be required to work at least one weekend per month (weekend tours include 0730-1600, 0800-1630, 1230-2100, 1400-2230). Will be required to work some holidays and provide coverage for odd tours and nights (1230-2100, 1530-midnight, 8pm-8am, midnight-8am). May be required to work extra weekends and holidays during periods of staffing shortages. Tour of duty is subject to change based on agency's needs. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD00294A and PD50603A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
