Pharmacy Technician - Inpatient
Palo Alto, CA
ABOUT THIS ROLE
<p>This position functions primarily in the Inpatient care areas and the Pharmacy Service within the VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS). This area serves adult and elderly Veterans needing care within VAPAHCS 24 hours a day 7 days a week, nights, weekends, and holidays. The technician rotates through selected sections and is assigned to a rotating tour of duty schedule in the Inpatient Pharmacy Section.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>VA Palo Alto Health Care System has an immediate opening for an Inpatient Pharmacy Technician at the Palo Alto Division. Technicians will work various shifts, including a rotation of weekends and holidays. Shift assignments typically fall into one of three categories: day, evening and overnight. This Pharmacy provides pharmaceutical care services to our 300-bed acute care hospital division (Intensive Care Units, OR/Recovery Room, Medicine, Surgery, Sub-Acute Medicine/Long Term Care, Hospice, Spinal Cord Injury, Polytrauma, Psychiatry, Emergency Department) with centralized operation for Unit Dose, Ward Stocking and Sterile Compounding medication preparation and dispensing. We have a fully integrated computer system including online provider order entry, documentation of medication administration using barcode technology, and automation of the unit dose distribution system. This technician will assist in providing distributive pharmacy services to patients at the Palo Alto Acute Care Division. Duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to: Unit Dose Responsibilities: filling and delivering new, STAT or missing medication orders; restocking point of care machines (Omnicell); utilizing cartless delivery system for patient medications; replenishing crash cart medications and kits; repackaging bulk items (oral solids and liquids); replenishing pharmacy automation (Omnicell XR2, Med Carousel, Yuyama, Omnicell and Anesthesia Works Stations); performing optimization of automation; and conducting monthly ward/clinic inspections. Sterile Compounding Responsibilities: preparing IV admixtures, piggybacks, syringes, TPN, and chemotherapy doses based on patient specific orders using sterile technique in the laminar flow hood in accordance with USP <797> and USP <800>; performing all necessary pharmaceutical calculations; and cleaning and restocking the IV room. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Variable, including weekends 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 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 #: 09936-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized</p><h3>Requirements</h3>You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.