Job Description

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Responsibilities Performs a variety of complex technical functions that include preparing IV admixtures, piggyback, pre­filled syringes and hyperalimentation solutions in the laminar flow hood in accordance with USP 797 requirements Utilizes specialized skills and knowledge of sterile compounding requirements and policies and procedures to provide sterile compounding technique training to all staff and certify annual staff competency. Receives the order, maintains appropriate records and documents, performs necessary pharmaceutical calculations, selects appropriate drug products and solutions, prepares labels (including administrative procedures such as initialing and dating IV labels with correct expiration date and affixing correct auxiliary labels), and compounds all solutions in such a manner that will provide safe and effective therapy while protecting the technician and other hospital personnel, patients, and their families. Gathers, evaluates, and analyzes IV room workload information and generates monthly and quarterly reports for management. In addition to work with sterile compounding, will be responsible for performing all other pharmacy technician duties as assigned; must be able to process and fill prescriptions, operate and use Pharmacy and VA information systems: a. technical understanding of drug and medication brand names, generic names/chemical names, general and special storage requirements, expiration date requirements, manufacturer/distributor sources, dosage forms, applicable systems of weights and measures, and medical terminology in order to interpret physician's orders and verify that correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose is prepared and dispensed. Ability to use VA Medical Center computer systems, specifically Vista and CPRS processing options (e.g., unit dose, IV admixture). Knowledge of laws, regulations and official policy concerning drug procurement and security to conform to legal and professional requirements of pharmacy practice. Works with Pharmacy for quality improvement process and participate in the process to improve Pharmacy services. Ensures full compliance with all regulatory requirements (VHA, Joint Commission, USP 797, EPA, OSHA, NIOSH, and FDA) and pharmacy policies and procedures relating to sterile product preparation. Utilizes specialized skills of sterile compounding requirements and policies and procedures to provide sterile compounding technique training to all staff and certify annual staff competency. This includes developing training tools, providing hands on training and mentorship, and observing and evaluating technique of all aspects of sterile compounding (large volume, piggybacks, syringes, pumps, total parenteral nutrition, and controlled substances). Maintains system to ensure sterile product inventory is managed without shortages and/or excess stock. Monitors utilization rates for all medications and supplies in the IV room and initiates indicated procedures to control use and/or initiates procurement cycle by communicating needs to the Procurement Technician. Isolates and processes expired medications for safe removal from the inventory in accordance with the Pharmaceutical Waste Management Program. Conducts and maintains appropriate inventory and stock of solutions, drugs, and supplies required to provide uninterrupted services of the IV admixture section. Delivers IV preparations to wards/clinics in a timely manner and ensures these products are stored appropriately (e.g. refrigeration). Operates as a pharmacy technician assigned to inpatient sections when the IV room management functions are completed or as need arises for patient care. Fills inpatient medication orders with prescribed doses under the unit dose drug distribution system in accordance with BCMA policies. Reads and interprets prescriptions, obtains proper medication or material in the proper strength and dosage form; determines proper amount and counts, pours, or measures the medications; affixes proper label: and records required data on Pharmacy's copy of prescription/order. After a final check by a pharmacist, dispenses medication in ambulatory care or discharge situations. Prepares inpatient drug orders including all medicinal dosage forms such as chemotherapy, intravenous admixtures, oral solids, according to established procedures and protocols. Work Schedule: 7:30am -1600pm Rotating 24/7/365 Compressed/Flexible: Not available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 59679-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Michael Campbell, Michael.Campbell6@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. 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. Certification. Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above Grade Determinations: Requirements for GS-08 Experience. One year experience at the GS 7 level. Pharmacy technicians at the GS7 level are nationally certified and can work autonomously using independent judgement to perform a full range of duties. These pharmacy technicians mentor and train lower graded pharmacy technicians in the practice setting. They assist advanced/ specialized pharmacy technicians and participate in performance improvement initiatives. At this level, pharmacy technicians use independent judgement to perform the full range of duties in the pharmacy. They also function as staff pharmacy technicians in various locations of the pharmacy, including pharmacy contact centers and other non-traditional pharmacy locations, with minimal oversight. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs for all GS-08 assignments (a) 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.) (b) Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures. (c) Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy. Preferred Experience: 1 year Performing a variety of complex technical functions that include preparing IV admixtures (large and small volume), piggyback, prefilled syringes and hyperalimentation solutions in the laminar flow hood in accordance with USP requirements. Knowledge of all processes related to IV and Chemo compounding. Also, specific knowledge related to USP 797/800 and sterile technique. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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: 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: Additional Information During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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 an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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