Pharmacy Technician - Automation

Veterans Health Administration • Sioux Falls, SD

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Pharmacy Technician position functions as the automation specialist in all the patient care areas of pharmacy service at the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System facility and associated CBOCs, with primary focus in both the inpatient and outpatient pharmacy service. This position is performed above the full performance level with higher-level duties.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• 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.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• Must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) OR National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).
• Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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).

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the technical aspects of pharmacy drug distribution activities to ensure standard operating procedures are in alignment with automation capabilities so that efficiencies are maximized.
• Recommending changes for the improvement of the workflow, work methods, and priorities involved within the drug distribution system.
• Evaluates and analyzes workflow and coordinates all work activities involved with Pharmacy automation throughout multiple facilities.
• Trouble shooting, regularly gathering data, analyzing, and interpreting VA data and formulating action plans.
• Recognizing different workflows for CBOC/offsite locations and their particular needs from pharmacy service.
• Ensures that automated dispensing data is archived within established guidelines for each type of equipment throughout the main facility and in offsite locations as well.
• Resolves problems and complaints regarding all pharmacy and automated dispensing automation, troubleshoots problems with all automated dispensing equipment when production is compromised and alerts appropriate personnel.
• Has oversight responsibility of the user files of all automated dispensing systems.
• Ensures that the organization's strategic plan, mission, vision, and values are communicated to the team and integrated into the team's strategies, goals, objectives, work plans, work products, and services.
• Ensures that all team members participate in planning for achievement of team goals and objectives.
• Applies a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to identify, assess, analyze, and improve team effectiveness, efficiency, and work products.
• Leads the team from multiple locations in assessing team strengths and weaknesses, in exploring alternatives, and in determining what improvements can be made.
• Trains or arranges for the training of team members in methods and techniques of team building, working in teams, and accomplishment of individual and team tasks.
• Coaches the team in problem solving methods and techniques; provides advice on work methods, practices, and procedures; and assists the team and/or individual members in identifying possible solutions.
• Discusses with the team assignments, projects and/or program issues under review, and deadlines and time frames for completion.
• Serves as facilitator in coordinating team initiatives and in consensus building activities among team members.
• Serves as back up to other pharmacy technicians.
• Inpatient services may include but not limited to such areas as aseptic admixture preparation including cytotoxic agents, automatic and on-demand ward stock replenishment, maintenance, and operation of automated prepackaging and dispensing equipment, assembly, and documentation of controlled substance requests, and properly packaging with documentation of single unit of use medications.
• Outpatient services may include but not limited to outpatient prescription filling, pharmacy phone triage, window prescription dispensing, narcotic vault assignments, maintenance, and operation of automated prescription dispensing equipment, and packaging of mail out prescriptions.
• Clinical services may include the involvement in anticoagulation clinic, medication management clinics, and population health activities.
• Seeks personal and professional development opportunities which enhance personal well-being, customer service skills, and technical expertise.
• Educates non-pharmacy personnel and patients regarding Pharmacy Service's procedures, policies, and processes.
• Serves as preceptor for pharmacy technician students.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

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