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Summary This is the full performance level for Pharmacy Technicians. Duties include filling and delivering medications using automated systems, assisting with inventory, preparing sterile products (when applicable), checking for expired medications, answering phones, and providing technical support to Veterans regarding prescriptions. Responsibilities Major duties include but not limited to: Fill and dispense medications using automated systems. Deliver medications to patient care areas and assist with inventory management. Prepare non-sterile compounded medications and reconstitute oral/external medications. Read and interpret prescriptions, ensuring proper strength, dosage, and labeling. Operate and maintain pharmacy equipment and automated dispensing machines. Conduct ward inspections and monitor medication storage areas for compliance. Answer inquiries from pharmacy and non-pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution. Identify basic therapeutic issues (e.g., duplicate therapy) and alert pharmacists. Assist in training lower-graded technicians and technician students. Work Schedule: Varies depending on needs of service Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:60326F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorize 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. 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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. Education or Experience: None required. Certification: None required. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Employees grandfathered under this provision may continue to hold their position or be reassigned within the occupation but cannot be promoted beyond the full performance level without meeting all basic requirements. Grade Determinations: To qualify at the GS-06 level, applicants must have one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) and demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs): - 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: In accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 5019, the position requires: Standing, walking, bending, and lifting moderately heavy items (e.g., boxes of medications). Manual dexterity to operate pharmacy equipment and handle medications. Visual acuity to read prescriptions and labels accurately. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond to urgent requests. 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 Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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.