Pharmacy Technician

Summary

The Outpatient Rotational Pharmacy Technician is a highly trained technician responsible for a variety of functions in the outpatient pharmacy. These include dispensing/distribution of medications/supplies/related products, operation of various technologies/automation, entering patient chart notes, and other technical functions under the supervision of a pharmacist.

Duties

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The incumbent is responsible for delivering excellent customer service and will use appropriate judgment and skills to complete technical functions. This role provides cross coverage in multiple areas. FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES: Primary duties of the Outpatient Rotational Pharmacy Technician include, but are not limited to: 1. Maintains competence in all operational aspects of outpatient pharmacy distribution services and assists with the dispensing and distribution functions of technician staff in the central outpatient pharmacy area and remains proficient in each role. Performs all GS-6 outpatient pharmacy technician roles in an accurate, efficient, and professional manner. Including: Fill Stations, Mail Packing, Automated Dispensing Equipment (ADE) maintenance, Window, Breaker, Triage, Community Care and Controlled Substance Dispensing. When not serving in these roles, the incumbent actively monitors workload and wait times to assist where needed. Accurately labels and dispenses medications. Ensures proper dispensing documentation is completed. Ensures outgoing mail is ready for daily pickup, including overnight and/or priority packages. Monitors prescription out-of-stocks to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment. Effectively utilizes Electronic Health Records (EHR) and computer systems as well as other automated pharmacy equipment and software systems. Follows proper procedures for safe handling of Hazardous Medications including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), hazardous waste disposal, and spill response, and references Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Effectively organizes workload, solves problems, and achieves established goals. Dispense controlled substances and monitors inventory according to current policies, procedures, and standards established by DEA, FDA, VA, and Joint Commission. Demonstrates knowledge of policies and procedures related to outpatient pharmacy medication dispensing. 2. Provides cross-coverage for the Lead Controlled Substance Technician. Fills controlled substance prescriptions, completes record keeping and maintains accuracy of inventory. Reports any unusual occurrence or confirmed prescription or discrepancy to a supervisor. 3. Assists with technical functions that support Outpatient Clinical Pharmacists Performs various report processing, handles CMOP rejects and other CMOP-related problems including but not limited to: Internet Refills Not Processed, Bad Address Rejects, Canceling/Stopping CMOP orders, and other duties as assigned. Demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot when automated equipment malfunctions. Requests service and assistance from the supporting vendor. Assists with restocking medications and conducts regular physical inventory of medications/supplies to ensure necessary stock levels are maintained. Communicates with procurement staff regarding any identified issues. Evaluates Community Care prescriptions for authorization and triages appropriately. Processes returned mail, triaging orders appropriately for destruction or re-mailing. Contact patients, updates address information, and documents in the Electronic Health Record where appropriate. Serves as a point of contact for triaging outpatient pharmacy questions for Minneapolis VA facility staff. Communicates to the assigned pharmacist all interactions dealing with medication problems. Interacts face-to-face and by telephone, email, or via other media with patients, caregivers, and other professionals. Serves as a liaison to physicians, nursing, or other facility staff concerning problems related to outpatient pharmacy. Acts as the pharmacy's patient representative to resolve outpatient dispensing concerns. Completes monthly inspections for outdates in assigned areas and any required mandatory training and education. 4. Works and communicates effectively with others while remaining courteous, tactful, and understanding when interacting with others, even in potentially difficult/volatile situations. 5. Assists the Outpatient Pharmacy Technician Supervisor in the implementation of all Pharmacy Service policies and procedures while assuring compliance with applicable standards (for example, Drug Enforcement Administration, Joint Commission, Office of the Inspector General, etc.) and VA handbooks and directives. 6. Assists the Outpatient Pharmacy Technician Supervisor with all necessary pharmacy technician orientation and training occurs associated with the central outpatient pharmacy area. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday through Friday, weekends and holidays Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Requirements

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 identification 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 and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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/.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/04/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13047345. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Required documents

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: License Resume Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field. Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License **Highly Recommended** Write to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) on a separate document - KSAs are found under qualification/grade requirements in the announcement. Resume/CV exceeding two-pages PCS Orders Proof of Marriage Status Resume SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: FY 2026 VHA SHORTAGE OCCUPATIONS APPROVED FOR WAIVER OF VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Pharmacy Technician, 0661

Additional information

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Receiving Service Credit for 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.