Pharmacy Technician

About the role

The employee performs varied technical duties in the inpatient and/or outpatient pharmacy sections under the direction of a Lead Pharmacy Technician, Supervisor Pharmacy Technician, Clinical Pharmacist, or Inpatient/Outpatient Pharmacy Program Manager. Assists in training developmental pharmacy technicians and students.

Assumes an active role in the overall pharmacy-training program consisting of students, externs, interns, residents, and professional and non-professional staff members.

What you will do

• A Careers - Pharmacy: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties included but not limited to: A.
• Inpatient Activities: Follows USP 797/800 Guidelines for compounded sterile preparations.
• Accurately prepares parenteral admixture products for final check by a Clinical Pharmacist.
• Uses standard protocols to determine expiration date for each batch prepared.
• Consistently displays good manufacturing practices competency and sterile technique.
• Maintains quality assurance records in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Provides intravenous admixture bulk fluid automatic replenishment service for inpatient units and outpatient areas.
• Performs all technical functions of unit-dose medication distribution.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Utilizes autogenerated reports to replenish inpatient automated dispensing cabinets.
• Replenishes medications and supplies for inpatient units.
• Maintains proper records of medications and supplies.
• Conducts monthly inspections of medication storage areas system-wide.
• Removes all expired and deteriorated drugs from stock.
• Replenishes emergency/crash cart medication trays according to standardized list.
• Utilizes unit dose packaging equipment to prepare "unit doses" for dispensing through the Inpatient Pharmacy section.
• Prepares labels for repackaged medications for final check by a Clinical Pharmacist.
• Schedules equipment preventative maintenance and cleaning.
• Records pertinent packaging information for each medication canister.
• Outpatient Activities Receives prescriptions and refill requests examining against medication profiles for administrative irregularities and refers to a Clinical Pharmacist as appropriate.
• Enters refill requests into the computer database accurately and efficiently.
• Correctly prepares/fills prescriptions, prescription labels, and related documents for final check by a Clinical Pharmacist.
• Enters correct lot number and expiration dates for dispensed medications into automated dispensing systems.
• Verifies patient identification prior to medication release at pick-up.
• Verifies patient receipt all prescriptions when picking up.
• Prepares medication packages appropriately for safe mail transit/delivery.
• Operates automated medication dispensing systems and performs preventative maintenance and cleaning.
• Utilizes autogenerated reports to replenish the outpatient automated dispensing system.
• Replenishes medications and supplies for outpatient clinics according to "on demand" orders.
• Maintains proper medication and supply records.
• Removes expired and deteriorated drugs stock.
• Conducts monthly inspections of medications storage areas system-wide.
• Answer telephones and other general questions triaging to other Pharmacy personnel where appropriate.
• Manages all tickets in health connect queue and triages to Clinical Pharmacist where necessary.
• Procurement/Drug Supply Chain Security Act Activities Accepts pharmaceutical deliveries from the prime vendor/warehouse.
• Checks incoming orders for accuracy validating the quantity received corresponds to the quantity ordered.
• Notify appropriate personnel of discrepancies.
• Assists in maintaining pharmacy cleanliness and organization.
• Notifies appropriate personnel of actual or anticipated medication and supply shortages for timely procurement of additional stock.
• Work Schedule: M-F 8am-430pm; rotating holidays and weekends; all shifts are determined or approved by management and based on service needs Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
• 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 25384F 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.
• 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.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: Current permanent VA employees of the VA Maryland Health Care System facility (512). This includes medical centers and CBOC's within VAMHCS. Current permanent employees of the Veterans Health Administration.

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) (1) Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
• OR (2) National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action 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 License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) (1) Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
• OR (2) National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).
• Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) 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

"Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and wellbeing.

As a VA employee, you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care." ALL Pharmacy announcements: For Pharmacy Technicians (GS6 through GS10) Pharmacy Technicians are essential employees and follow VA Maryland Health Care System guidances, rules, policies, directives, and/or other notifications for essential employees during emergency and/or inclement weather.

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.