Summary

The incumbent will assist the pharmacist in providing optimal care and timely service in accordance with the mission - vision - and goals of the Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System and Pharmacy. The duties of this position are performed in the sterile product preparation suite and accompanying storage areas of the inpatient pharmacy section at the Ann Arbor Department of Pharmacy service.

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 grade GS-6 and above
• English Language
• Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - this part
• 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-08 Experience: One (1) year of experience at the next lower grade (GS-07) and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) GS-07 - KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities Evaluate - analyze workflow - and coordinate work activities
• 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
• GS-08 - KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities Knowledge of human resource management policies and procedures - and the ability to supervise various levels of pharmacy technicians and other technical personnel (for supervisory assignments)
• Apply management and leadership principles
• Communicate orally and in writing
• Extensive working knowledge of the pharmacy operation
• Assess staff needs and provide appropriate training Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: The work involves long periods of moving about the work unit
• The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion - involving - standing - and walking for prolonged periods of time - lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 50 lb. - typing - bending - and stooping
• The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction
• The incumbent must be a mature - sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations - demonstrating cheerfulness - compassion - courtesy - and concern
• Must be quick and dependable in taking emergency action in using initiative to prevent accidents.

Duties

• VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws List of duties include but not limited: Community Care Prescription Support: Receives faxed - mailed - electronically prescribed - or delivered prescriptions (including from CBOC locations) written by Community Care providers and documents all received prescriptions in Electronic Health Record (EHR)
• Reviews EHR to determine authorization to receive Community Care
• Communicates with patients concerning prescriptions received from unauthorized provider visits and handles prescriptions appropriately - forwarding to primary care provider or returning to the patient
• Reviews authorized prescriptions for appropriateness using pharmacy technician knowledge - as well as knowledge concerning the national drug formulary and local VA formulary requirements
• Communicates with Community Care physicians and nurses to request clarification of prescriptions or medication changes due to VA formulary and forwards allAnn Arbor VAMC - FS# 94255-Achanges and clarifications to a licensed pharmacist to receive from the Community Care representative
• Initiates the non-formulary/prior authorization process with the Community Care provider and records needed documentation in EMR and workflow file
• Follows-up via phone and/or fax with Community Care Provider regarding initiated communications concerning non-formulary/prior authorization medications - clarifications - or medication change requests
• Inputs authorized prescriptions or prepares electronically prescribed medications in EHR for the review and verification by the Community Care Clinical Care Pharmacist or representative
• Contacts patients with updates on Community Care prescriptions and documents in EHR
• Assists in the tracking and shipping of Community Care prescribed controlled substances - as well as all Community Care prescribed medications mailed to patients
• Reviews and processed electronic cancelations of Community Care prescribed medications
• Communicates with CBOC representatives when authorization of Community Care prescription is requested or when prescription from courier has not been received
• Communicates with Procurement Pharmacist or Procurement Technician when specialty medications need to be ordered
• Works with procurement team to notify community care providers and patients when medications and/or supplies ordered are unavailable to develop plan for alternative care options
• Answers the Community Care Pharmacy line (when applicable) and handles all phone calls not requiring a pharmacist
• Utilizes pharmacy information systems to answer patient or provider questions related to status of their prescriptions) - completion date - package tracking - etc
• General: Accurately interpret - fills - and prepares prescriptions with appropriate medications and or medical supplies for pharmacist verification
• Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition by assuring that all stock and equipment are in assigned places and all shelves and counters are free of dust and debris in order to create optimal work areas
• Assures drugs and supplies are appropriately stored and secured according to USP and VA guidelines - including the storage of high-risk - look a-like sound a-like - hazardous - controlled substances - corrosive chemical - flammable liquids - and refrigerated items
• Receives - checks - rotates - and places in stock all items received from pharmacy procurement section and identifies and reconciles any discrepancies to assure correct items have been received
• Utilizes automation dispensing equipment available to the pharmacy staff following all safety and QA procedures
• Reports automation malfunctions timely the supervisor as appropriate
• Records expiration dates in the inventory system (ie
• Central Pharmacy Manager) upon receipt
• Performs monthly inspections of assigned areas to ensure proper storage of medications and soon to be expired drugs are removed
• Completes inspection reports in compliance with regulatory requirements
• Assists in quality improvement activities by participating in assessment and action teams that will improve service as assigned
• Assists higher level technicians as needed
• Completes all National - VISN - local - and Pharmacy mandatory trainings in a timely manner
• Maintains national certification with PTCB or ExCPT
• Controlled Substances Activities: Accurately interpret - fills - and readies prescriptions with appropriate medications for pharmacist verification
• Appropriately restocks controlled substances items in automated secured cabinets (i.e. - Omnicell) in pharmacy or throughout medical center - as assigned
• Documents all controlled substance related transactions as indicated by VA and DEA guidelines
• Work Schedule: Monday- Friday - 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 94225-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized