Pharmacy Technician (Controlled Substances)

Veterans Health Administration•Charleston, SC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pharmacy Controlled Substance Technician is a certified, highly specialized technician responsible for first-line management of all controlled substances handled by the pharmacy at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina. The role manages controlled substances through receipt, storage, filling, dispensing, transfer, inventory, administration, waste, and destruction in accordance with Veterans Health Administration handbooks and directives, Office of Inspector General directives, and health system policy. The position also supports purchasing and inventory of prescription and non-prescription drugs and supplies, medication preparation and distribution, prescription review, inspections, and pharmacy quality improvement. The full performance level and actual selection grade are GS-08. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; the schedule may change based on agency needs. Telework and virtual work are not available.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen, subject to the stated exception under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
For GS-08, must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-07.
For positions above the full performance level, must pass a national certification exam and hold active certification as either a PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) or an NHA Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).
Must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology, and policies in a specialized pharmacy area.
Must demonstrate skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures.
Must demonstrate ability to evaluate, analyze, and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized pharmacy area.
May be subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use before appointment; refusing testing results in denial of employment.
Must meet background and security investigation requirements and complete online onboarding and required pre-employment identification requirements.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a Department of Veterans Affairs health care personnel employee.
Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment after the period.
Must complete all application requirements in the announcement's Required Documents section.

Nice To Haves

Controlled substance experience.

Responsibilities

Manage controlled substances through receipt, storage, filling, dispensing, transfer, inventory, administration, waste, and destruction in accordance with applicable VHA, OIG, and health system requirements.
Conduct controlled substance inventories twice per week or as needed, in accordance with regulations and policies.
Assist Controlled Substance Compliance Inspectors with monthly inspections.
Coordinate, manage, complete, and document purchasing of prescription and non-prescription drug products and supplies, maintaining knowledge of procurement and formulary processes.
Maintain, verify, stock, and replace outdated medications from stock, including inpatient wards, inpatient and outpatient storage cabinets, and vaults.
Read and interpret prescriptions from the veteran's electronic health record system or in written form.
Review prescription orders for technical accuracy.
Prepare medications and ensure the orderable item matches the item dispensed in drug, strength, quantity, and appropriate supply.
Dispense medications and sterile products in accordance with regulations, policies, and procedures for safe medication distribution.
Participate in quality improvement projects individually or on assigned teams to improve pharmacy service.
Complete monthly inspections of assigned internal and external pharmacy areas as delegated by the supervisor or as determined by pharmacy needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.