Qualifications

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 Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• Certification: The employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: (a) Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
• OR, (b) National Health career Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT)
• A COPY OF YOUR CERTIFICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION
• 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)
• In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements listed above, you must meet the following: GS-8 Pharmacy Technician Grade Determinations: Experience
• Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7)
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA): In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology and policies in a specialized area or section of pharmacy (such as sterile compounding, controlled substances, automation, clinical pharmacy, contact center, etc.) Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures
• Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy
• Basic knowledge of pharmacy procurement, distribution and storage requirements to maintain a safe working environment
• This includes not limited to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and DEA requirements and regulations
• Ability to assist in determining and modifying as necessary: ordering intervals, inventory levels and cost-effective ordering quantities from required sources based on current financial conditions in pharmacy, seasonal variations in drug usage, changing patterns in medical practice, delivery time requirements and urgency of medical need
• Preferred experience: - Previous pharmacy technician experience with a minimum of 2 years in a healthcare or retail pharmacy setting
• - Pharmacy inventory management and procurement
• - Managing large inventories, including handling expired medications, recalls, and proper disposal procedures
• - Analyzing usage patterns and adjust inventory levels to avoid shortages and overstock
• - Data analysis tools and techniques to optimize procurement processes.- Cerner/Oracle and McKesson Connect experience
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting or carrying of heavy pharmaceutical supplies or mail bags weighing up to 80 pounds, bending, and stopping.