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Summary This certified Pharmacy Technician position is located at the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System. Pharmacy technicians at this grade level are nationally certified by PTCB or ExCPT and can work autonomously, using independent judgment to perform a full range of duties. This position functions primarily in the Outpatient Pharmacy, and more specifically is directly involved in Prosthetics/Wound care, Responsibilities This position is for a certified pharmacy technician above the full performance level GS-7 at the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System and functions primarily in the Outpatient Pharmacy, and more specifically is directly involved in Prosthetics/Wound care, Automation, Sterile and Non-sterile compounding, and Controlled Substances duties in the Outpatient Pharmacy both on a rotating and as-needed basis. Full-performance level pharmacy technicians can work autonomously, using independent judgment to perform a full range of duties; mentor and train lower-grade technicians in the practice setting. Functions of the Pharmacy Technician include, but are not limited to: A. Automation Performs the necessary checklist to power up and power down the machine. Can differentiate between those problems (mechanical or software) that require the company representative to come to West Palm Beach, and those problems which the operator can fix with the help of on-line Scriptpro (or other automation) personnel. Performs normal maintenance of the machine, including changing ribbons on the two types of printers, changing labels and paper for the two types of printers, daily cleaning of the printers and the machine itself. Runs the parking lot report daily to identify previous prescriptions that could not be filled due to out of stocks, manufacturer backorders, or other reasons. Works with the procurement technicians, and the supervisor, to ensure the timely filling of these prescriptions and if necessary, elevates these to the supervisor for alternatives if no stock of the product is available through the wholesaler. Performs all duties of lower graded technicians, if required. Other duties as assigned. B. Sterile Product Compounding Follows USP 797/800 Guidelines for the compounding of all sterile preparations, including ophthalmic, cardioplegic, hazardous, large & small volume IV solutions, PCAs, etc. Manufactures uncomplicated and/or complicated parenteral admixtures to be delivered in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringe or other as required. Correctly interprets physician orders, selects, and measures appropriate ingredients, mixes ingredients in a safe and effective manner, inspects the final product for accuracy, suitability, and elegance, labels the product, maintains records of the manufacturing process, and supplies the product for pharmacist verification and delivery. Uses standard protocols to determine an accurate expiration date for each batch prepared. Appropriately maintains all quality assurance records in accordance with regulatory requirements. C. Non-sterile compounding Performs bulk compounding, including oral and topical preparations. Correctly interprets physician orders, selects, and measures appropriate ingredients, mixes ingredients in a safe and effective manner, inspects the final product for accuracy, labels the product, maintains records of the manufacturing process, and attains a final check by a pharmacist. Proficiently operates equipment including but not limited to balances and mixing machines in the routing of manufacturing pharmaceutical products. D. Controlled Substances Activities These functions will be supported in the absence of the controlled substance technician (i.e., after hours, weekends, and leave). Appropriately restocks controlled substances items in automated secured cabinets (i.e., Pyxis) in pharmacy or throughout medical center, as assigned. Complies with all laws, regulations, directives, policies, and procedures applying to the dispensing, storage, transfer, inventory, and accountability of controlled substances. E. Prosthetics These functions will be supported in the absence of the prosthetics/procurement technician (i.e., after hours, weekends, and leave). Labels shelf with correct products. Works with patients to determine the prosthetic product needs as well as the adjustments of products as necessary which include measure, fit, and modify prosthetic devices. F. Stock Control For safety, security, and cost control reasons it is imperative that stock be appropriately received and placed into storage areas. All pharmacy personnel are responsible for putting stock away in its proper storage areas. Communicates stock shortages to the procurement technician or supervisory employees to help prevent shortages and minimize patient inconvenience. When directed, is responsible for receiving, and storing pharmaceuticals. Work Schedule: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 41221F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn\_ickNBEws Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Certification-Documentation Submitted. For positions above the full performance level of GS-06, the employee 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) Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. Pharmacy Technician, GS-07 Experience. Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-06. The knowledge, skills, and abilities at the GS-06 grade level are: Knowledge of Federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice. Knowledge of preparation, storage and distribution of medication products including those 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. While we no longer require essay-style responses to our Knowledge's Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs), you must be able to demonstrate that you possess the (below) competencies which are necessary to perform the work of the position. Please ensure your resume/CV/application contains sufficient information to support the level of experience/education/training; otherwise, we will not be able to award you credit for the experience/education/training you claim. These are the KSA's for this subject position: Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent. Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers. Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students. Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution. Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time, typing, walking distances within the medical center, lifting/carrying (up to 40 pounds) of pharmaceutical supplies, and bending/stooping/stretching. Education Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.