Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

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Pharmacy Technician - Rotational

Columbia, SC

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Security Clearance: None

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 August 24 2022.

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 PD057590
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
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.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
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).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
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.
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: 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.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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Benefits
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

- Resume - For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e., GS-0301-09. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. You will be rated ineligible if the resume is not received.
-VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf. This is a required form and must be submitted. Applicants who fail to submit a form will be rated ineligible for consideration. Additionally, applicants who fail to provide a complete and detailed explanation in response to any question (28-37) in which your answer is "Yes" will also be rated ineligible for consideration. This response should be provided on a separate sheet of paper as instructed on the form.
- Copy of latest (non-award) SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, to document status as a current, permanent VA employee. Applicants will be rated ineligible for consideration if not submitted.
- On-line responses to the questionnaire.
- Copy of current PTCB certification - applicants will be rated ineligible if not submitted.
- Any other documents required by the checklist below.

NOTES:
- Please do not mail or e-mail application material. Apply on-line or via the instructions contained in the "Additional Information" section of the announcement.
- If you require a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact the Senior Strategic Business Partner at 803-776-4000 ext. 56520.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

Cover Letter
VA Form 10-2850c, Application for Associated Health Occupation
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.