Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Certification
• Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required
• English Language Proficiency
• Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations: GS-08 (1) Experience
• Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below
• (2) Certification
• For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: (a) PTCB as a CPhT
• OR (b) NHA as a ExCPT
• (3) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs for all GS-08 assignments and meet any additional KSAs for the assignment, if indicated: (a) Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology and policies in a specialized area or section of pharmacy (such as sterile compounding, controlled substances, automation, clinical pharmacy, contact center, etc.) Note: See Specialized Area.in the Definitions Section
• (b) Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures
• (c) Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy
• Preferred Experience: Previous experience with controlled substances and inventory management
• References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G28 Physical Requirements: Employees are typically expected to work varying work schedules
• This may include nights, weekends and/or holidays as assigned
• Principle duties require repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., preparing IV admixtures, use of a computer keyboard, etc.)
• May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 44lbs.), including boxes, equipment, unit dose-cassettes, and IV solutions
• stooping or kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, remove and replace items on lower shelves, sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours)
• Normal ranges of hearing and vision are required to perform work and communicate effectively
• must have the visual ability to distinguish between basic colors and shades of color
• An ability to perform tasks requiring rapid mental and muscular coordination functions simultaneously is necessary
• Must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used for the job.