Pharmacy Technician

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA • Newport News, VA

21d • Onsite

About The Position

This Pharmacy Technician position is located at McDonald Army Health Clinic in Fort Eustis, Virginia, and is a Direct Hire Solicitation. The technician performs pharmacy dispensing services, receives and reviews prescriptions—including controlled drugs—to determine the kind, strength, and dosage of medications to dispense, and interprets orders for appropriateness in light of pharmacy policies and instructions. The technician provides prescribers with information and consultation about contraindications, interactions, and side effects; responds to routine inquiries from medical staff about medication availability and dosage forms; processes prescriptions through data entry and order verification; and prepares new and refill prescriptions for a pharmacist’s final check.

Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination based on a completed background investigation. The position is designated for pre-employment screening and random drug testing. Employees must consent to random drug urinalysis and seasonal influenza vaccination, or provide a recognized exemption. Immunization screening is required; Hepatitis B immunization is required for positions with direct patient contact, and other immunization proof may be required depending on the position. A pre-placement medical examination is required. The incumbent may work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or varying schedules; must obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support certification through the American Red Cross; may need to lift up to 40 pounds; and must wear and use employer-provided personal protective equipment as required.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet the experience, education, or combined qualification standard. Qualifying experience includes paid and unpaid work, including volunteer work. Applicants qualifying through education must provide transcripts. Foreign education used to meet qualification requirements must be evaluated as described in the posting. Additional conditions include proof of U.S. citizenship, Selective Service certification for applicable male applicants, a one-year probationary period, and direct deposit. Multiple positions may be filled. PCS costs are not authorized. Incentives and an advanced in-hire rate may be authorized for highly qualified candidates. Federal employees are offered a benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience filling prescriptions, verifying pharmaceutical label accuracy, and using pharmacy-based computer systems; the posting identifies this as experience typical of the next lower federal grade/level, GS-05.
• Alternatively, a half year (9 semester hours) of graduate-level education directly related to the work, such as Pharmacology, or a qualifying combination of education and experience totaling at least 100%.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Must obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross; advanced certification does not replace BLS.
• Must undergo a pre-placement medical examination and required immunization screening. Hepatitis B immunization is required for positions with direct patient contact; other immunizations may also be required.
• Must consent to pre-employment screening and random drug urinalysis testing.
• Must consent to seasonal influenza vaccination or provide a recognized exemption.
• Must wear and use personal protective equipment as required and provided by the employer.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
• May be required to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and varying schedules.
• Applicants qualifying through education must provide transcripts; foreign education must meet the stated evaluation requirements.
• Applicable male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Must complete a one-year probationary period and use direct deposit of pay.

Responsibilities

• Perform pharmacy dispensing services.
• Receive and review prescriptions, including controlled drugs, to determine the kind, strength, and dosage of drugs to dispense.
• Interpret prescription orders for appropriateness, considering pharmacy policy limitations and instructions.
• Provide prescribers with information and consultation about contraindications, interactions, and side effects.
• Answer routine medical staff inquiries about drug availability, new drugs on order, and available dosage forms.
• Process prescriptions through data entry and verify prescription orders.
• Prepare new and refill prescriptions for a pharmacist’s final check.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is described; eligibility depends on position type.
• Incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• An advanced in-hire rate may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.

What This Job Offers

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