Pharmacy Technician - Automation

About the role

This position requires in depth knowledge of all matters involving automation assessment, purchasing, implementation and maintenance. Serves as a beginning level data analyst and assists in data transfer, processing and mining, reporting, and interfaces with station, VISN, Regional and National Data Warehouse programs.

In this role you will interface and collaborate with other federal, local, regional and national sites to promote advancement of local, regional and national automation systems.

What you will do

• The automation technician uses their general and advanced knowledge of automated equipment to provide support to the Inpatient and Outpatient Pharmacy, CBOC areas, and other VHA pharmacies.
• Evaluates system stock levels for pharmacy automation by generating reports based on activity/formulary and loading/unloading items.
• In addition, manages new medications (to include investigational drugs) and adjusts inventory levels based on the increased or decreased usage due to formulary changes, clinical and/or patient specific needs, and seasonal vaccines or medications.
• Reviews activity reports for discrepancies, inventory verification, and medication delivery reports accordingly to resolve technical and workflow issues.
• Coordinates the evaluation process of new technology including all necessary stakeholders in the evaluation.
• In the event additional product information or workflow analysis is needed, the incumbent coordinates with the vendor and appropriate pharmacy personnel for further review Coordinates and manages training and education for pharmacy and other services related to automation, technology, and medication delivery systems.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot problems with pharmacy automated equipment.
• Independently works to gather, evaluate and analyze data with the understanding in the importance of maximizing production and efficiency.
• As an experienced pharmacy technician, works alongside other technicians coaching, mentoring, assisting and/or training them in the proper performance of their duties.
• May cover outpatient, inpatient and vault areas as needed to meet the needs of the pharmacy department.
• ADMINISTRATIVE / PROGRAM MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS: Responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the centralized pharmacy in accordance with established policies.
• Responsibility for assigned workload analysis and reports to pharmacy service management.
• Assist pharmacy supervisors with preparing and maintaining all equipment requests and contract needs.
• Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of pharmacy dispensing equipment including unit dose repackaging machines, point of care cabinets, outpatient dispensing units, and the domiciliary kiosk.
• The automation technician will supervise the general operation of pharmacy equipment.
• Ensure preventative maintenance/cleaning of machines per manufacturers recommendations are followed on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance schedule as appropriate.
• Coordinate and monitor cleaning schedules, software updates, maintenance schedules, and generate necessary reports.
• Maintains current pharmacy knowledge and answers questions of other employees on policies, procedures, directives, etc. Serves as a liaison between professional staff (pharmacists) and non-professional staff to improve communications and to resolve work-related problems.
• Replenishes and maintains emergency crash carts.
• Reviews inventory and ward stock medications for expired medications.
• Complete these reviews on time in accordance with department policy.
• SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The pharmacy automation technician will maintain current comprehensive knowledge of all pharmacy policies and procedures.
• A pharmacy supervisor is available for professional guidance when required.
• The automation technician informs supervisors of problems or unusual situations with recommendations for appropriate action according to policy.
• CUSTOMER SERVICE: Relationships with management, co-workers, patients, and the public are consistently courteous, respectful, and cooperative in nature.
• Employee will display a cooperative attitude and will effectively work together to implement the organization's mission and goals.
• Employee will ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the pharmacy for which he/she is responsible.
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday Day Tour, Off tours as needed by the department.
• Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 0000

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 (***).
• 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.

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: ***

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: ***

How you will be evaluated

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.

Documents you must provide

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) 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 (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

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.