Pharmacy Technician

Veterans Health Administration • Tallahassee, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Pharmacy Technician provides technical support within the pharmacy department at the Tallahassee VA Clinic. The role includes customer service for Veterans and providers regarding prescription needs; preparing prescriptions by counting, pouring, weighing, measuring, or mixing medications; dispensing and delivering medications; and using automated systems and electronic health records. Work is performed under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and/or a full-performance-level pharmacy technician. The position is at the GS-6 full-performance level. It is not virtual and has a schedule of 8-hour rotational shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Permanent Change of Station is not authorized.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Must meet applicable background/security investigation requirements and complete the online onboarding process.
• Selected applicants must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program and, if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position, submit to urinalysis for illegal drug use.
• Must meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• For the GS-6 grade, one year of experience equivalent to the next lower level is required.
• Knowledge of Federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice.
• Knowledge of preparation, storage, and distribution of medication products, including products requiring special handling and documentation.
• Ability to use pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment.
• Knowledge of basic inventory procedures.
• Ability to communicate with patients and staff and direct questions to appropriate personnel.
• Ability to perform regular physical exertion involving moderate lifting and carrying of 15–44 pounds and walking or standing for four hours.
• Ability to work with hands in water, work closely with others, coordinate mental and muscular activity rapidly and simultaneously, distinguish basic colors, hear (hearing aids may be permitted), and use fingers; both hands are required. Near vision must be correctable to 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other. Must be emotionally and mentally stable.
• Must serve a 1- or 2-year trial period, during which fitness and whether continued employment advances the public interest are evaluated.

Responsibilities

• Provide patients and/or caregivers with medications and supplies as ordered by the provider.
• Perform technical pharmacy support work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and/or a full-performance-level pharmacy technician.
• Fill prescriptions using automation.
• Package and/or dispense medications and supplies after a pharmacist's final check.
• Answer pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel questions regarding drug distribution.
• Inspect assigned areas monthly to ensure medications are properly stored and soon-to-expire or expired medications are removed.
• Receive, check, rotate, and stock items from the pharmacy procurement section, identifying and reconciling discrepancies.
• Monitor refrigerator, freezer, and/or room temperature and humidity in assigned areas, responding to alerts with appropriate correction or escalation.
• Provide technical customer service to Veterans regarding prescription needs.
• Deliver medications to floors or patients and fill medications for pharmacist review.
• Answer phones and direct calls appropriately.
• Prepare sterile products when applicable and assist with basic inventory management, including stocking and identifying medications that need to be ordered.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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