What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pharmacy Technician - Inpatient Quality Assurance Technician position at Veterans Health Administration?
The Pharmacy Technician - Inpatient Quality Assurance functions as a Pharmacy Technician Specialist and is responsible for providing safety and quality management guidance and accountability across the Pharmacy Service. The individual will successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment (without the need for readily available supervision) as well as comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of the most complex or difficult practices and procedures.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/15/2023.
Basic Requirements:
GS-7 Level: One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs.
Certification: PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above.
In addition candidates must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs):
1. Ability to evaluate, analyze workflow, and coordinate work activities.
2. Ability to independently gather, evaluate, and analyze data to generate reports and/or for other projects/statistical purposes.
3. Knowledge of pharmacy policies and procedures sufficient to train and orient new employees and other staff.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and care of specialized pharmaceutical equipment.
5. Comprehensive knowledge of the procurement and formulary process.
6. Comprehensive knowledge of investigational drug policies and procedures.
7. Comprehensive knowledge of controlled substance policies and procedures, and the ability to identify and investigate discrepancies in these policies and procedures.
8. Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to, analyze data in VA information systems.
Assignments: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Pharmacy technicians at this grade level may be assigned as a supervisor; lead technician in a particular area of the pharmacy; a controlled substance technician; an investigational drug technician; a procurement/inventory management technician; a clinical pharmacy technician; or similar assignment with this level of complexity. The GS-7 level is for select, complex pharmacy technician positions, as established by each health care facility. To be advanced, employees must meet all of the following standards, provided the standard is part of their assignment.
Determinations concerning placement of positions at this grade level shall take into consideration the skill mix and the availability of supervision in the work unit. Although these positions are under the supervision of a pharmacist, employees in such settings successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment (without the need for readily available supervision) as well as comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of the most complex or difficult practices and procedures. Such individuals may also serve as leaders or co-leaders in a Pharmacy Service or for a specific unit or section.
Preferred Experience: In addition to basic Qualification Standard: Pharmacy IV room operations preferred with an understanding of goals, objectives and performance measures associated with Inpatient Pharmacy Operation.
References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28. Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standards.
Physical Requirements: Employees are typically expected to work forty hours per week. This may include evenings, midnights, 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 44Ibs.), 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, and to file documents in lower file drawers, etc.); 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. Employees must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used on the job. Employees may be required to work at various pharmacy locations as assigned.
A. Quality Assurance Responsibilities: The incumbent works closely with the Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisory Pharmacist and Technician to coordinate, lead quality assurance work activities, and delegate job assignments to the pharmacy technicians in the inpatient and/or specialty areas of the Inpatient Pharmacy. The incumbent must successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment without the need for readily available supervision. The incumbent monitors pharmacy staff trainings, maintains, and documents with acceptable skills & competency. Assures to conduct trainings for all incoming technicians on policies and procedures. Assures routine & scheduled maintenance and service for pharmacy automated equipment is completed and documented according to pharmacy policies and guidelines. The incumbent shall perform periodic quality assurance checks to ensure continued readiness of Pharmacy Service operations. The Quality Assurance Specialist evaluates compliance with accepted standards mandated by auditing & accrediting agencies. The incumbent must notify Inpatient supervisors and Pharmacy Program Managers of deficiencies needing correction and obtain a timeline for completion. Compiles Joint Commission and OIG reports, such as non-controlled substance audit reports, as required by Chief, Pharmacy Services. Reports inspection and/or OIG deficiencies to the Chief, Pharmacy Services &/or the Pharmacy Supervisors for follow-up corrective action if needed. Serves as disinterested party responsible for the reconciliation of destructions in VISTA following monthly reverse distributor destructions. The incumbent develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Inpatient Pharmacy, conducts training, and performs periodic quality assurance checks to ensure SOP is being followed. The incumbent shall submit recommendations for changes in Inpatient Pharmacy policies and procedures if necessary. The incumbent is responsible to train and orientate pharmacy student technicians and pharmacy technicians.
B. Inpatient Activities: The incumbent must possess an advanced technical knowledge of drug and medication brand names, generic names/chemical names, general and special storage requirements, expiration date requirements, manufacturer/distributor sources, dosage forms, applicable systems of weights and measures and medical terminology to interpret providers' orders and verify correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose is prepared and/or distributed; working knowledge of drug use and dosage forms available to be able to screen drug orders for propriety and assist the pharmacist in solving potential drug related problems; working knowledge of hospital computer system(s), specifically the applicable Navy and VA software applications and processing and a thorough knowledge of the operation and basic daily maintenance and minor repair of automated dispensing equipment.
C. Controlled Substance: The incumbent requires advanced knowledge of principles relating to controlled substances and the requirements of FHCC and Network policy and state and Federal regulations, which apply to these drugs. Knowledge of trending and analysis is necessary to ensure that problems associated with waste, fraud, diversion or abuse are identified quickly and reported to appropriate supervisor.
D. Procurement and Stock Maintenance: The incumbent requires advanced technical knowledge of all aspects of drug characteristics and nomenclature including generic/chemical and brand names, dosage forms, various systems of weights and measures, drug product codes, drug interchangeability and therapeutic equivalence; characteristics of drug packaging; various uses for drugs; VA and regulatory agency requirements for drug storage; special requirements for inventory, storage, distribution and handling of various classes of drugs. An advanced technical working knowledge of usage rates, stock levels, inventory maintenance concepts including just-in-time inventory and inventory turns, equipment utilized for inventory, contract adherence sources is also required.
Work Schedule: 0730-1600: including weekends and holidays.
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: Pharmacy Technician - Inpatient Quality Assurance Technician/PD01165F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Qualifications:
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/15/2023.
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.
- Education or Experience: A high school diploma or equivalent; or at least 3 months experience.
- Certification: Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above.
- English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English.
GS-7 Level: One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs.
Certification: PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above.
In addition candidates must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs):
1. Ability to evaluate, analyze workflow, and coordinate work activities.
2. Ability to independently gather, evaluate, and analyze data to generate reports and/or for other projects/statistical purposes.
3. Knowledge of pharmacy policies and procedures sufficient to train and orient new employees and other staff.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and care of specialized pharmaceutical equipment.
5. Comprehensive knowledge of the procurement and formulary process.
6. Comprehensive knowledge of investigational drug policies and procedures.
7. Comprehensive knowledge of controlled substance policies and procedures, and the ability to identify and investigate discrepancies in these policies and procedures.
8. Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to, analyze data in VA information systems.
Assignments: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Pharmacy technicians at this grade level may be assigned as a supervisor; lead technician in a particular area of the pharmacy; a controlled substance technician; an investigational drug technician; a procurement/inventory management technician; a clinical pharmacy technician; or similar assignment with this level of complexity. The GS-7 level is for select, complex pharmacy technician positions, as established by each health care facility. To be advanced, employees must meet all of the following standards, provided the standard is part of their assignment.
Determinations concerning placement of positions at this grade level shall take into consideration the skill mix and the availability of supervision in the work unit. Although these positions are under the supervision of a pharmacist, employees in such settings successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment (without the need for readily available supervision) as well as comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of the most complex or difficult practices and procedures. Such individuals may also serve as leaders or co-leaders in a Pharmacy Service or for a specific unit or section.
Preferred Experience: In addition to basic Qualification Standard: Pharmacy IV room operations preferred with an understanding of goals, objectives and performance measures associated with Inpatient Pharmacy Operation.
References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28. Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standards.
Physical Requirements: Employees are typically expected to work forty hours per week. This may include evenings, midnights, 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 44Ibs.), 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, and to file documents in lower file drawers, etc.); 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. Employees must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used on the job. Employees may be required to work at various pharmacy locations as assigned.
Responsibilities:
VISN 12 is committed to fostering and sustaining an environment which celebrates diversity, provides equitable opportunities for employment and promotion, and supports inclusiveness in our culture. Together, we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that promote professional growth and teamwork, and are inclusive, equitable and welcoming. We embrace our differences as individuals and unite as a team toward a common goal: to serve our nation's Veterans.A. Quality Assurance Responsibilities: The incumbent works closely with the Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisory Pharmacist and Technician to coordinate, lead quality assurance work activities, and delegate job assignments to the pharmacy technicians in the inpatient and/or specialty areas of the Inpatient Pharmacy. The incumbent must successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment without the need for readily available supervision. The incumbent monitors pharmacy staff trainings, maintains, and documents with acceptable skills & competency. Assures to conduct trainings for all incoming technicians on policies and procedures. Assures routine & scheduled maintenance and service for pharmacy automated equipment is completed and documented according to pharmacy policies and guidelines. The incumbent shall perform periodic quality assurance checks to ensure continued readiness of Pharmacy Service operations. The Quality Assurance Specialist evaluates compliance with accepted standards mandated by auditing & accrediting agencies. The incumbent must notify Inpatient supervisors and Pharmacy Program Managers of deficiencies needing correction and obtain a timeline for completion. Compiles Joint Commission and OIG reports, such as non-controlled substance audit reports, as required by Chief, Pharmacy Services. Reports inspection and/or OIG deficiencies to the Chief, Pharmacy Services &/or the Pharmacy Supervisors for follow-up corrective action if needed. Serves as disinterested party responsible for the reconciliation of destructions in VISTA following monthly reverse distributor destructions. The incumbent develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Inpatient Pharmacy, conducts training, and performs periodic quality assurance checks to ensure SOP is being followed. The incumbent shall submit recommendations for changes in Inpatient Pharmacy policies and procedures if necessary. The incumbent is responsible to train and orientate pharmacy student technicians and pharmacy technicians.
B. Inpatient Activities: The incumbent must possess an advanced technical knowledge of drug and medication brand names, generic names/chemical names, general and special storage requirements, expiration date requirements, manufacturer/distributor sources, dosage forms, applicable systems of weights and measures and medical terminology to interpret providers' orders and verify correct drug, dosage form, strength and dose is prepared and/or distributed; working knowledge of drug use and dosage forms available to be able to screen drug orders for propriety and assist the pharmacist in solving potential drug related problems; working knowledge of hospital computer system(s), specifically the applicable Navy and VA software applications and processing and a thorough knowledge of the operation and basic daily maintenance and minor repair of automated dispensing equipment.
C. Controlled Substance: The incumbent requires advanced knowledge of principles relating to controlled substances and the requirements of FHCC and Network policy and state and Federal regulations, which apply to these drugs. Knowledge of trending and analysis is necessary to ensure that problems associated with waste, fraud, diversion or abuse are identified quickly and reported to appropriate supervisor.
D. Procurement and Stock Maintenance: The incumbent requires advanced technical knowledge of all aspects of drug characteristics and nomenclature including generic/chemical and brand names, dosage forms, various systems of weights and measures, drug product codes, drug interchangeability and therapeutic equivalence; characteristics of drug packaging; various uses for drugs; VA and regulatory agency requirements for drug storage; special requirements for inventory, storage, distribution and handling of various classes of drugs. An advanced technical working knowledge of usage rates, stock levels, inventory maintenance concepts including just-in-time inventory and inventory turns, equipment utilized for inventory, contract adherence sources is also required.
Work Schedule: 0730-1600: including weekends and holidays.
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: Pharmacy Technician - Inpatient Quality Assurance Technician/PD01165F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Salary : $52,022 - $65,894
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