Supervisory Pharmacy Technician, Outpatient

About the role

The Supervisory Pharmacy Technician (Clinic/CBOC Medication Program Manager) position functions as the specialist in all the outpatient patient care areas of pharmacy service at Greater Los Angeles, West Los Angeles facility with primary focus in the outpatient pharmacy service.

What you will do

• Coordinates the technical aspects of pharmacy drug distribution activities to ensure standard operating procedures are in alignment with both clinic and automation capabilities so that efficiencies are maximized.
• Incumbent is instrumental in recommending changes for the improvement of the workflow, work methods, and priorities involved within the drug distribution system.
• Evaluates and analyzes workflow and coordinates all work activities involved with Pharmacy ward stock distribution throughout multiple locations.
• This will involve trouble shooting, regularly gathering data, analyzing, and interpreting VA data and formulating action plans.
• Ensures that automated dispensing data is archived within established guidelines for each type of equipment throughout multiple locations throughout VAGLAHS.
• Resolves problems and complaints regarding all pharmacy and automated dispensing automation, troubleshoots problems with all automated dispensing equipment when production is compromised and alerts appropriate personnel.
• Has oversight responsibility of the ward stock, proper storage, and required inspections, throughout multiple locations throughout VAGLAHS.
• Has oversight responsibility for the addition of new items and deletion of obsolete items.
• Ensures that equipment is cleaned and maintained to minimize downtime.
• Develops training programs and material for orientation.
• Trains and orients pharmacy staff, controlled substance inspectors and other medical center staff involved in operating the automation throughout multiple facilities.
• Provides data for workload reports and process improvement projects to appropriate supervisors throughout multiple facilities.
• Thoroughly understands VA Pharmacy procurement and formulary and uses this knowledge to appropriately manage the clinic and ward medication distribution.
• Ensures that the organization's strategic plan, mission, vision, and values are communicated to the team and integrated into the team's strategies, goals, objectives, work plans, work products, and services.
• Ensures that all team members participate in planning for achievement of team goals and objectives.
• Applies a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to identify, assess, analyze, and improve team effectiveness, efficiency, and work products.
• Leads the team from multiple locations in assessing team strengths and weaknesses, in exploring alternatives, and in determining what improvements can be made.
• Trains or arranges for the training of team members in methods and techniques of team building, working in teams, and accomplishment of individual and team tasks.
• Coaches the team in problem solving methods and techniques; provides advice on work methods, practices, and procedures; and assists the team and/or individual members in identifying possible solutions.
• Discusses with the team assignments, projects and/or program issues under review, and deadlines and time frames for completion.
• Serves as facilitator in coordinating team initiatives and in consensus-building activities among team members.
• Leads the team in identifying, distributing, and balancing workload and tasks among team members in accordance with established priorities, workflow, skill level and/or occupational specialization.
• Ensures that team members have an integral role in developing the final team product.
• Monitors and reports on the status and progress of work.
• Checks work in progress and reviews completed work to see that the supervisor's overall instructions have been met.
• Keeps the team appraised on progress in meeting established milestones and deadlines for completion of assignments, projects, and tasks.
• Serves as on-line back up to other pharmacy technicians, inpatient and outpatient pharmacy technicians throughout multiple location (if applicable).
• Effectively manages technical staff to assure workflow is optimized within assigned service area.
• Continuously analyzes and reassesses priorities, redirecting staff to assure that workload demands are accomplished in the most effective, efficient, and economic manner possible.
• Coordinate day to day maintenance and operation of pharmacy area equipment and automation.
• Assist with the development of performance standards that are realistic, challenging, and supporting the organizational mission, vision, and goals.
• Responsible for ensuring all employees meet performance standards and competencies.
• Identify areas for improvement as needed.
• Conduct technician meetings to assure proper updates of departmental and hospital communications.
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday from 7:00am-7:00pm and Saturdays from 8:00am-4:30pm, variable shifts.
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 000000

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.

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) PTCB as a CPht or NHA as a EXCPT Certificate 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 Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) PTCB as a CPht or NHA as a EXCPT Certificate SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action 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

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.