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This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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 technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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. Grade Determinations: GS-07 Experience. One year experience at the next lower level GS-06 and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. lower level. 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 evaluate, analyze workflow, and coordinate work activities. Ability to independently gather, evaluate, and analyze data to generate reports and/or for other projects/statistical purposes. Knowledge of pharmacy policies and procedures sufficient to train and orient new employees and other staff Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and care of specialized pharmaceutical equipment. Comprehensive knowledge of the procurement and formulary process. Comprehensive knowledge of investigational drug policies and procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of controlled substance policies and procedures, and the ability to identify and investigate discrepancies in these policies and procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to, analyze data in VA information systems. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Pharmacy technicians at this grade level may be assigned as a supervisor; lead technician in a particular area of the pharmacy; a controlled substance technician; an investigational drug technician; a procurement/inventory management technician; a clinical pharmacy technician; or similar assignment with this level of complexity. The GS-7 level is for select, complex pharmacy technician positions, as established by each health care facility. To be advanced, employees must meet all of the following standards, provided the standard is part of their assignment. Determinations concerning placement of positions at this grade level shall take into consideration the skill mix and the availability of supervision in the work unit. Although these positions are under the supervision of a pharmacist, employees in such settings successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment (without the need for readily available supervision) as well as comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of the most complex or difficult practices and procedures. Such individuals may also serve as leaders or co-leaders in a Pharmacy Service or for a specific unit or section. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of Gs-06 to GS-07. Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction. This position involves regular and recurring physical exertion, involving, standing and walking for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 40 lb., typing, and bending/stooping. ["VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Technical knowledge of drug and medication brand names, generic names/chemical names, general and special storage requirements, expiration date requirements, manufacturer/distributor sources, dosage forms, applicable systems of weights and measures, and medical terminology in order to interpret physician's orders and verify that correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose is prepared and dispensed. Knowledge of VA Medical Center computer systems, specifically the applicable VistA and CPRS processing options. Knowledge of the laws, regulations and official policy concerning drug procurement and security to conform to legal and professional requirements of pharmacy practice. Applies evidence-based, cost effective principles to promote optimal patient care within budget appropriation for Community Care programs. Assures medications are dispensed to patients in a timely fashion consistent with Joint Commission standards, VA requirement, and Federal and State laws impacting pharmacy service. Assists in the development and maintenance of drug distribution processes specific to Community Care prescriptions for the CBOC's that meet the needs of patients and follow the \"same level of care\" as the Salt Lake City, VA Medical Center. Establishes points of contact and retains programmatic oversight of prescriptions written by Community Care prescribers. Trains and educates pharmacy staff and external providers with regard to Community Care process and procedures to support compliance to guidance provided nationally from PBM, VHA and program management related to the care in the community. Monitors closely the Non-VA Purchased Care operation dealing with the dispensing of prescriptions authorized under non-VA prescription plans. Works with the Pharmacy Leadership to promote optimal patient care within budget appropriation. Performs the functions of the position independently and resolves all problems involving Community Care related pharmacy programs. Supports nursing home prescription requests through administration and communication to pharmacy stakeholders. Coordinates the maintenance of VA National Formulary in accordance with VHA and VISN policies and regulations for Non-VA Purchased Care. Ensures compliance with all VHA and VISN directives and guidelines concerning the Formulary. Considered the Pharmacy Service Technician subject matter expert on all matters involving Non-VA purchased Care and Community Care. Ensures that the section is compliant with all guidance provided nationally from the PBM and VHA related to Community Care. Shares information needed for the annual budget request, systematic internal reviews, and other administrative report information requested by the Medical Center. Independently monitors quality assurance and reports deficiencies to their Pharmacy Supervisor. Assists the Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor in collecting data for workload reports and process improvement projects. Independently trains and orients Pharmacy Staff, and other Medical Center staff involved with Community Care prescriptions. Actively participates in the writing, updating, training, and implementation of facility policy and procedure pertaining to Community Care programs. Independently provides specialized technical support to pharmacy staff and other medical center personnel regarding the pharmacy Community Care operating procedures. Independently serves as technical advisor and trainer to other pharmacy technical staff for the Community Care prescriptive processes. Provides training to new or existing staff so that these competencies are maintained. Demonstrates critical systems thinking in Community Care improvement initiatives. Coordinates the technical aspect of Outpatient Pharmacy process activities to ensure standard operating procedures are in alignment with automation capabilities so that efficiencies are maximized. Incumbent is instrumental in recommending and implementing changes for the improvement of the workflow, work methods and priorities involved within the drug distribution system. Evaluates, analyzes workflow and coordinates work activities to accomplish needed tasks each day. Maintains Medical Center Memoranda Functions as a pharmacy technician with duties assigned by the pharmacy supervisor or designee as needed or as assigned by another member of Pharmacy management staff. Performs timekeeping duties for assigned primary and secondary T&L groups. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm Rotating nights, holidays and weekends Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: GS-07 52721-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Mykia.Hopkins@va.gov , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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