Pharmacy Technician- Oncology

Veterans Health Administration • Mather AFB, CA

5h • Onsite

About The Position

This is a specialized oncology pharmacy technician position focused on preparing hazardous and non-hazardous sterile medications and supporting safe, effective, and efficient medication therapy. The technician works with oncology pharmacists and, when needed, clinic nurses to support patient-centered care and reduce medication waste. The full performance level is GS-8, and the actual selection grade is GS-8.

The position requires expertise in sterile compounding, including independently preparing complex hazardous and other high-risk medications, selecting appropriate additives and diluents, and performing the required calculations. The technician also supports staff and student training, maintains the sterile compounding environment and equipment, monitors environmental conditions, and manages oncology pharmacy inventory.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The position is in the federal Excepted Service. A 1- or 2-year trial period is required. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, proficient in written and spoken English, and meet the stated certification and experience requirements. The role may involve stooping, standing, sitting, bending, walking, lifting, and occasionally climbing a ladder.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for appointment of non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under applicable law.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• For positions above the full performance level, active national certification through either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (CPhT) or the National Healthcareer Association (ExCPT).
• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level of GS-7, with qualifying active professional practice as a pharmacy technician.
• Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology, and policies in a specialized pharmacy area.
• 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 pharmacy area.
• Selected applicants must complete a pre-employment urinalysis, background/security investigation, onboarding requirements, and physical evaluation; participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
• A 1- or 2-year trial period is required.
• Applicants must meet the applicable education-recognition requirements when using education to qualify; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of oncology technician experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complex hazardous and other high-risk sterile medications independently, as well as non-hazardous sterile products.
• Communicate regularly with oncology pharmacists and, when needed, clinic nurses to reduce medication waste.
• Train pharmacy staff and students in aseptic technique and the dispensing of hazardous and non-hazardous sterile products.
• Orient new staff, students, and nurses to pharmacy compounding practices.
• Select the appropriate additive and diluent solution for ordered final products and calculate the correct medication volume.
• Ensure oncology pharmacy review of prepared sterile products before patient infusion for accuracy.
• Maintain current knowledge of USP 797/800 and comply with applicable VA policies, procedures, and Joint Commission requirements for sterile medication preparation.
• Maintain an active national technician license in good standing and complete continuing education required for renewal.
• Clean and maintain sterile-area equipment in good working order.
• Record refrigerator temperatures, humidity, air pressures, and temperature daily.
• Ensure required daily and monthly cleaning of sterile areas is completed according to VA policy and procedure.
• Maintain and rotate oncology pharmacy inventory monthly to reduce waste and support cost containment.
• Manage daily workload with initiative and resourcefulness, work efficiently and in an organized manner, and meet deadlines as priorities change.
• Identify and resolve problems and provide logistical recommendations to the oncology pharmacist.
• Assist with identifying, developing, and implementing programs and processes to improve patient care.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees with total family income below $144,000 may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, up to 25% of eligible childcare costs and a monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement.
• Eligible selected applicants may request credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal work or military service; approval is not guaranteed.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

What This Job Offers

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