Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient Pharmacy)

<p>This position is for a certified pharmacy technician above the full performance level at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center. Pharmacy technicians at this grade level are nationally certified by PTCB or ExCPT and can work autonomously, using independent judgement to perform a full range of duties. The employee will assist the pharmacist in providing optimal care and timely service in accordance with the mission, Vision, and goals of the Robley Rex VA Medical Center and Pharmacy Service.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>1. General Description of duties: Pharmacy technicians at this grade level are nationally certified PTCB or ExCPT and work independently, using their judgement to perform their duties. They mentor and train lower grade technicians, supports all outpatient pharmacy operations and distribute acute and chronic medications, supplies and other patient care services. 2. Functions a. Medication Distribution System 1) Reads and interprets prescriptions from the electronic health record systems (EHRS) or in written format. 2) Prepares medications and ensures the orderable item matches the item being dispensed with regard to drug, strength, quantity, or appropriate supply item. 3) Dispenses medications following all regulations, policies, and procedures for safe medication distribution. 4) Uses Automated Dispensing Machines (ADM) to batch and label medications. Ensures ScriptTalk labels are batched if needed 5) Understands when and how to use other prescription labels during computer outages. 6) Maintains and cleans advanced pharmacy equipment, including ADMs and counting machines, troubleshoots database issues. 7) Assists with inventory tasks, counting, ordering, and handling recalls and other medication supply needs. 8) Accurately reviews EHRM profiles, verifies prescriptions, and processes refills and other technician tasks. 9) Accurately updates patient information in the many pharmacy software packages such as ADM's and EHRM 10) Accurately enters notes into the electronic health record using pharmacy templates or blank forms. 11) Participates in procurement, inventory management, narcotic dispensing, secure messaging, mail processing, partial fills, window dispensing, reports, and prescription review. 12) Maintains a safe, orderly, and clean working environment. 13) Ensures proper storage of look alike, sound alike, high alert and refrigerated medications per manufacturer, USP 800, and NIOSH requirements. b. Pharmacy Contact Center 1) Maintains appropriate phone etiquette and professionalism. 2) Works independently in phone center location(s). 3) Accurately collects and clarifies patient information. 4) Synthesizes patient information to identify basic therapeutic, distributive, or medication issues. 5) Understands when to alert pharmacist for problems. 6) Communicates information accurately in the electronic health record or other formats. 7) Completes calls and as needed follow up in a timely manner. c. Pharmacy Mail System 1) Fills medication "to be mailed" in accordance with description provided in the medication distribution section. 2) Ensures prescription label matches mailing label and maintains accuracy in other software or paper systems. 3) Transports mail containers to pick up destinations, restocks supplies, lifts mail bags or containers. 4) Assists with other medication distribution activities as directed by pharmacist, supervisor, or as delineated as part of the shift responsibility. d. Medication Management System 1) Assists the pharmacist with problem solving patient care or medication issues. 2) Assists in quality improvement projects as an individual or on assigned teams to improve pharmacy service. 3) Assists to complete required pharmacy reporting obligations as directed. 4) Maintains pharmacy security. This includes the physical security of the pharmacy and the security of electronic records. 5) Efficiently uses written communication skills for job related activity such as secure messaging, email, or other forms of pharmacy communication. 7) Understands pharmacy SOPs and policy for general operations and inspections. 8) Understands waste streams for returned medications and medications to be destroyed. e. Controlled Substances (CS) 1) Fills controlled substance medications in accordance with description provided in the medication distribution section. 2) Accurately maintains a rolling inventory in automation and performs a complete inventory per VA guidelines. 3) Runs reports such as "Monthly CII Script Processing Detail Reports" or other reports as needed. 4) Verifies inventory with VA Accountable Officer and accurately stocks ADM with new inventory. 5) Matches hardcopy prescriptions to prescription labels according to current federal and state requirements. 6) Monitors prescription orders for dispensing accuracy. Work Schedule: Primarily Monday- Friday rotating weekends and holidays, Tour falls between 0700-1900. Position will work approximately 4 days per week. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): No Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Telework: No Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 40360-F</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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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.<h3>Education</h3>Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.