Pharmacy Technician (Inpatient Oncology)

About the role

The Long Beach VA Health Care System is recruiting for (2) Pharmacy Technician (Inpatient Oncology) positions. The incumbent demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology, and policies of hazardous sterile compounding.

This position requires thorough knowledge and understanding of VA, United States Pharmacopeia (USP-800), Joint Commission, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations regarding hazardous medication handling.

What you will do

• Performs various complex technical functions following USP-800 guidelines for compounding hazardous sterile preparations.
• Maintains extensive working knowledge of oncology medications, safety rules and regulations, and monitoring parameters as required.
• Demonstrates competencies in handling hazardous medications, compounding procedures, and sterile technique through actual work performance and completes all required sterile compounding competencies and certifications about hazardous sterile compounding, appropriate gowning, and cleaning procedures.
• Handles hazardous waste appropriately, including using personal protective equipment if necessary, according to federal and state regulations and VA requirements as applicable.
• Receives delivered hazardous medications and other items for inpatient use.
• Stocks received hazardous pharmacy deliveries.
• Maintains appropriate records and documentation.
• Conducts and maintains appropriate inventory and stock of hazardous medications and supplies used for hazardous sterile compounding.
• Continually review hazardous medication usage patterns to assist in potential cost containment and savings.
• Routinely reviews the computer medication profile for prescription duplication, therapeutic duplication, noncompliance, poly-pharmacy problems, and allergies/adverse drug reactions.
• Reports identified problem patients to the assigned clinical pharmacy specialist for evaluation.
• Communicates changes in medications/diet and any abnormal laboratory findings to the hematology/oncology pharmacist.
• Ensures that all drug items, and chemicals are stored correctly, that an appropriate storage area is maintained, and that stock is rotated.
• Consults with the pharmacy procurement team, manufacturers, and wholesalers regarding product selection, availability, changes, contracts, pricing, drug returns/exchanges, and backorders.
• Is empowered to take required actions to resolve drug problems relating to backorders, delinquencies, returns, drug recalls, purchasing errors, and emergency drug procurement procedures.
• Works independently to maintain all stock levels and works with pharmacy procurement to initiate and transact purchase requests through the prime vendor for their pharmacy section.
• Delivers medications and sterile preparations to wards/clinics promptly and ensures those products are received and stored appropriately (e.g., refrigeration and medication room).
• Upon delivery, the incumbent must also remove any discontinued or expired medications and/or sterile preparations from the wards/clinics to be returned to the pharmacy for proper disposition (redistribution, return for credit, or disposal).
• Accurately fills all AMSDDs and participates in quality assurance activities and audits (e.g., recalls, expiration dates, quantity corrections, and bin assignment/un-assignment).
• The process will include pulling medications from the central pharmacy area, maintaining accurate inventory, completing, and filing reports, loading medications into (individual) dispensing units in patient care areas and clinics, and troubleshooting automation problems.
• Actively participates in the Daily Management System (DMS).
• Reports on performance improvement activities' progress, monitor metrics and participates in departmental meetings.
• Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team and Veterans by regularly acting as the first-line communication between the pharmacy service and medical staff to serve patients' needs either in-person or over a communication device (e.g., telephone, Vocera, MS Teams, and pagers).
• Assists in general cleaning of equipment, shelving, and work area to maintain cleanliness and orderliness of the pharmacy.
• Has working knowledge of all pharmaceutical equipment used in the pharmacy setting.
• Exercises prudence and care in its operation and assists with routine equipment maintenance.
• As needed, the incumbent will work with, support, and substitute for other inpatient technicians during staffing shortages.
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology, and policies in the hematology/oncology clinic and infusion center.
• Additionally, the incumbent should maintain the ability to evaluate, analyze, and coordinate workflow and work activities within these areas.
• Work Schedule: Variable shifts Telework: Not Available 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 (***).
• 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.

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) 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 (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 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 for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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

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.