Pharmacy Technician

Summary

Selected candidate will assigned as an Outpatient Pharmacy Technician. At this grade Pharmacy Technicians must be certified by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Heath career Association (NHA) and work autonomously using independent judgement to perform a full range of duties in pharmacy and applies standards relating to all aspects of distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs.

Duties

VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEwsTotal Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include but are not limited to: Maintains workflow patterns that assure timely delivery of all pharmacy services and ensures accurate dispensing and record keeping documentation. Effectively organizes workload, solves problems, and troubleshoots problems. Triages appropriate issues from internal or external patient or staff contacts. Answers telephone calls and attempt to resolve problems at the lowest level possible and manages inquiries in a timely and courteous manner before directing questions to the appropriate member of the pharmacy staff. Performs general maintenance and housekeeping tasks for assigned work areas. Reports adverse drug events (ADE), near misses, and medication errors and participates in quality improvement initiatives to promote patient safety. Participates in the medical center medication utilization evaluation (MUE) program by assisting pharmacists with data required to conduct drug use reviews or other medication use monitors. Participates in quality improvement activities in all areas of the pharmacy. Participates in emergency preparedness activities. Serves as a role model to pharmacy students (pharmacists and technicians) and residents. Maintains his/her professional competency by keeping abreast of current literature and regulations and applies this knowledge in his/her daily duties. Assigned work areas are not fully restricted to outpatient; however, this will be the primary work assignment. Outpatient technicians will be required to retain competency and perform selected, non-specialized duties of the inpatient technician depending on the level of competency required such as cart fill and checking, cart and medication deliveries, and other routine functions common to technician duties. Will rotate through all tours according to the outpatient staffing plan including weekend and holiday tours. Accurate packaging and labeling of outpatient prescriptions. Ensures medications dispensed are completely and correctly labeled and packaged in full compliance with Federal rules and regulations. Replenish supplies/medications for the fill area. Conduct general maintenance and housekeeping tasks for the work area assigned. Dispense medications at the pharmacy window. Maintain familiarization with the regulations and safe handling requirements for medications and hazardous substances. Dispenses controlled substances with accuracy according to current policies and procedures for outpatients. Prepare and package medications for mail-out. Involved in all activities related to the automated dispensing machines, including ScriptPro, Omnicell, medication cart filling, mail processing equipment and Script Talk. Responsible for operation and general maintenance of all equipment and reports malfunctions promptly to supervisors. Will rotate through the telephone care unit and process refill requests and other veteran requests. Assures appropriate drug storage, including medications brought into the facility by patients. Maintains adequate stock and inspects drug storage areas, including checking for outdates, and assures the proper disposition of outdated, recalled or otherwise adulterated medications. Provides education to health care providers when appropriate. Maintains knowledge in the area of practice. Assumes an active role in the overall pharmacy-training program consisting of students, externs, interns, residents, professional and non-professional staff members. Conducts on-the-job training and provides guidance through designated programs. Keeps abreast of new developments in pharmacy practice and drug therapy by reading pharmacy and medical literature and participating in continuing education programs. Participation in research activities must be in accordance with FDA guidelines and regulations and VHA policy. May participate in research studies by collecting data or in special medication preparation or dispensing procedures. Actively participates in committees and projects as assigned. Work Schedule: Various Shifts between 7:30am to 6:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination. 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

Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: Current, permanent federal employees of other agencies All other applicants based on Veterans' Preference 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/.

Benefits

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

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 10/09/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13077646. 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

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Professional Certification 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) Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) *Highly Recommended* Write to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) on a separate document - See announcement under qualification/grade requirements. Performance Appraisal Professional Certification SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply to current permanent Federal agency employees.

Additional information

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.