NHS Human Services, Inc.

Summary The Long Beach VA Health Care System is recruiting for (1) Inpatient Pharmacy Technician within the Pharmacy Service. Although the inpatient pharmacy technician is working under the supervision of a pharmacist, the incumbent must successfully demonstrate the ability to exercise independent technical judgment (without the need for readily available supervision) except when dealing with high complexity patients, processes, and procedures. Welcome to VA Long Beach Tibor Rubin - History Responsibilities The incumbent will be proficient in covering all shifts of an inpatient pharmacy operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with minimal oversight. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Sterile parenteral medications/solutions compounding Performs a variety of complex technical functions following USP 797 guidelines for the compounding of all sterile preparations, including uncomplicated and/or complicated parenteral admixtures to be delivered in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringe or other as requested, ophthalmic, cardioplegic, TPN, large & small volume IV solutions, and PCAs. Demonstrates competencies in compounding procedures and sterile technique through work performance and completes all required sterile compounding competencies and certifications about sterile compounding, appropriate gowning, and cleaning procedures. Delivers medications and sterile preparations to wards/clinics promptly and ensures those products are received and stored appropriately (e.g., refrigeration, Patient-Specific Bins (PSB), and medication room). Upon delivery, the technician must also remove discontinued or expired medications and sterile preparations from the wards/clinics, which are to be returned to the pharmacy for proper disposition (redistribution, returns, or disposal). Replenishes/dispenses/delivers medications utilizing the Automated Medication Storage and Distribution Devices (AMSDDs) and delivering medications to various medication room locations and patients throughout the healthcare system Accurately utilizes AMSDDs and participates in quality assurance audits (e.g., recalls, expiration dates, quantity corrections, and bin assignment/un-assignment). The process will include pulling medications from the main pharmacy area, maintaining accurate inventory, completing, and filing reports, loading medications into individual dispensing units in patient care areas and clinics, and troubleshooting automation problems. Fills medication orders accurately by selecting the appropriate drug product and assembling completed orders for pharmacist review and check. If the item is not immediately available in the requested amount or strength, take appropriate action to notify the pharmacist, procurement staff, pharmacy supervisors, and other necessary providers. Repackages medication if unit dose formulation is not available. Collaborates with both inpatient and outpatient pharmacists to promptly delivers discharge medications to the bedside or designated area (e.g., as part of the Meds-to-Beds program) according to departmental policies. Communicates clearly and timely with the discharging pharmacists to facilitate timely medication counseling (performed by the pharmacists) and discharge of patients. Assisting with medication inventory Ensures that all drug items, and chemicals are stored correctly, neatly, and are well organized. Ensures an appropriate storage area is always maintained for pharmacy stock. Follows Healthcare System / Service policy for storing and stocking pharmacy products and ensures cardboard boxes are not stored on floors or in aisles. Ensures all products are labeled accurately. Rotates stock to ensure that first-to-expire medications are used first (first-in, first-out principle). Conducts monthly ward inspections as assigned accurately, completely, and promptly according to the VA Directives and guidelines. Checks expiration dates, removes all outdated products from inventory and processes them for return/exchange. Takes initiative and action and provides recommendations to supervisor to ensure appropriate stock levels of medications for each area assigned. Records monthly ward inspection in respective documentation in a timely manner. Answering telephones/communication devices Regularly acts as the first-line communication between the pharmacy service, medical staff, and Veterans to serve patients' needs either in-person or over a communication device. Actively participates in the Daily Management System (DMS). Reports on performance improvement activities' progress, monitor metrics and participates in departmental meetings. Follows and encourages the intent of all performance improvement measures. Assists with developing and collecting performance improvement data (e.g., cost-effectiveness studies, drug utilization reviews, and other performance improvement programs). Demonstrates knowledge of hospital computer systems and specific programs for processing and tracking unit dose and IV compounds (e.g., Vista, CPRS, BCMA, automated compounding gravimetric system, automated medication dispensing devices, unit dose/repack equipment, and inventory management system). Work Schedule: Variable Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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. 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 dentification 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). 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: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). Education or Experience. (1) None required. (2) For all grade levels and positions that accept both education and experience to qualify, equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 100% are qualifying. The combined percentage is determined by adding total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level to the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level. Certification. For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: (1) Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). OR (2) National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). 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: Pharmacy Technician, GS-07. (1) Experience. Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (2) Certification. For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: (a) PTCB as a CPhT. OR (b) NHA as a ExCPT. (3) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. (b) Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent. (c) Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers. (d) Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students. (e) Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution. (f) Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases. (4) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Pharmacy technicians at this 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing/sitting for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 40 lbs., and bending/stooping. The work may entail repetitive wrist movement while using various size syringes, vial cap removal, and typing. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. 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.