Outpatient Supervisory Pharmacy Technician

Veterans Health Administration • Hampton, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This GS-9 supervisory pharmacy technician position is assigned to the outpatient pharmacy within the Pharmacy Service Line at the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, part of the VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6). The incumbent supervises pharmacy non-pharmacist technical staff and volunteers and may perform pharmacy technician duties when service needs require.

The supervisor schedules staff, manages leave and duty rotations, tracks and submits time, and directs workflow to meet workload demands. The role also coordinates pharmacy equipment and automation operations, supports performance standards and employee competency, and assists with hiring and employee recognition recommendations.

Technical and quality responsibilities include preparing management reports, identifying ways to streamline processes, conducting administrative audits and workflow analyses, and evaluating pharmacy activities. The incumbent helps prepare for accreditation and inspections, supports training and compliance activities, analyzes performance and workload data, and ensures drugs and supplies are properly stored and secured under USP and VA guidelines.

Outpatient work includes entering prescription and medication orders, interpreting and preparing prescriptions and supplies for pharmacist verification, completing prescriptions promptly, verifying patient identity and prescription accuracy using VA software, and using shipping programs for prescription delivery. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Sign-on and relocation incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for appointment when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• For positions above the full performance level, an active national pharmacy technician certification through PTCB as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) or NHA as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT), unless qualifying under the stated grandfathering provision.
• One year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the lower grade level for the GS-09 supervisory grade determination.
• Expert knowledge serving as a key resource in the assigned pharmacy specialty area or section.
• Skill in analyzing data for independent performance-improvement projects, workload analysis, and statistical reports.
• Skill in solving problems and implementing corrective actions to maximize program outcomes.
• Ability to maintain special accreditations and prepare for national reviews and inspections.
• Ability to develop training programs and materials for orientation, competency development, and regulatory education.
• Interpersonal skills for working with employees, team leaders, and managers.
• Ability to apply staffing methodology principles to determine staffing needs and coordinate pharmacy workflow and activities.
• Must pass applicable pre-employment screening and physical evaluation, complete onboarding requirements, and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period as described in the announcement.

Nice To Haves

• At least three years of pharmacy technician experience and supervisory experience.
• Willingness and ability to supervise staff while assisting with daily pharmacy technician functions.
• Strong customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop staff work schedules, plan and grant leave, rotate duties, and track and submit pharmacy technicians’ time biweekly.
• Manage technical staff and adjust assignments to optimize workflow and meet workload demands efficiently.
• Coordinate day-to-day maintenance and operation of pharmacy equipment and automation.
• Assist in developing performance standards and ensure employees meet standards and competencies; identify areas for improvement.
• Assist the Chief of Pharmacy with interviewing and selecting employees and candidates for promotion or reassignment, and recommend performance awards and recognition.
• Prepare management reports, including reports concerning high-cost drug inventory, ward stock, automation, competency, and controlled substances.
• Identify duplicated efforts and develop solutions to streamline processes, reduce waste, save costs, and improve patient care.
• Develop and conduct administrative audits, including wait-time audits and workflow analyses.
• Evaluate pharmacy activities to support short- and long-range management objectives.
• Operate assigned equipment and assist with troubleshooting automated dispensing equipment, other equipment, and technology platforms or databases.
• Assist with preparation for pharmacy accreditations, inspections, and reviews; update documentation, develop training, prepare staff, and support policy and procedure compliance.
• Analyze data for independent performance-improvement projects, workload analysis, and statistical reports.
• Ensure drugs and supplies are appropriately stored and secured according to USP and VA guidelines.
• Perform pharmacy technician duties as needed by the service.
• Enter prescription and medication orders in the electronic prescription platform or equivalent.
• Interpret, fill, and prepare prescriptions with appropriate medications or medical supplies for pharmacist verification.
• Ensure prescriptions are completed promptly.
• Verify patient identification according to medical center policy and confirm prescription accuracy using VA software.
• Use facility mail-shipping programs, including USPS, FedEx, or UPS, for delivery of controlled and non-controlled prescriptions.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits and eligibility depend on position status and are not detailed in the posting.
• Annual leave accrual based on federal service, with possible prior-service credit subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed