Pharmacy Technician (Controlled Substance)
Controlled Substances Inventory Management:
(1) All controlled substances in the section are secured and controlled according to applicable laws, rules and regulations and department policy. Access to the controlled substance storage areas/cabinets are monitored to ensure limited access requirements are met. Accurate physical count, documentation, and administrative requirements (per VHA Directive 1108.01(2), Controlled Substances Management) are consistently and thoroughly maintained.
(2) All physical inventories, including the biennial, biweekly (every 72-hours), and other required counts, of all controlled substances are performed accurately, timely.
(3) Inventory management duties include maintenance of adequate stock levels by communicating needs to the procurement technician and removing outdated medications from stock.
(4) Unusable controlled substances are processed for destruction in accordance with policies and procedures and prepared for reverse distribution when appropriate.
Controlled Substance Procurement:
(1) Orders are placed with the VASNHCS Procurement Team in an accurate and timely manner.
(2) Excess drugs and inaccurately ordered items are returned in a timely manner for credit. Par levels are monitored and adjusted routinely. Controlled substances awaiting return are secured and maintained in the vault to reduce the possibility of fraud in accordance with VHA Directive 2008-021, Patient Transportation Program.
(3) Recall notification for controlled substances are acted upon immediately and communicated to appropriate personnel, and all documentation is completed per policies and procedures.
Controlled Substance Medication Order/Prescription Preparation:
(1) Controlled substances are filled accurately in accordance with current state and federal laws/regulations and checked and initialed by a pharmacist before dispensing to the ward/clinic.
(2) Medications are accurately repackaged to prepare unit dose medications that are consistent with policy and procedures. All necessary information (e.g., manufacturer, lot number, expiration date, etc.) is entered in the automation database or on the generated paperwork. Bulk liquid medications are accurately repackaged into specified unit dose volumes and quantities using various containers, typically oral syringes, or cups. Opened bulk liquid-controlled substances are transferred into containers with a measuring scale.
(3) When assigned, prescriptions prepared for mailing are wrapped and packaged properly and all necessary forms are completed for the shipper.
Controlled Substance Medication Stock and Storage:
(1) Adequate stock of pharmaceuticals and supplies for the vault area is maintained by communicating with the procurement personnel for items that are below par levels or out of stock. Par levels of controlled substances in areas assigned and in automation devices are monitored and adjusted appropriately. In addition, out of stock medications are communicated to the pharmacist at the time of discovery so that pharmacists can follow up with the prescribing provider in a timely manner.
(2) All controlled substances delivered to automated dispensing cabinets are checked for accuracy and completeness by a pharmacist prior to replenishing. Automated dispensing cabinets are replenished in the presence of a licensed nurse or authorized Narcotic Area of Use (NAOU) manager, who serves as a witness. Nursing staff is assisted with the resolution of controlled substance discrepancies at automated dispensing cabinets.
(3) Automated dispensing cabinets are routinely optimized (e.g., medications are restocked or removed as warranted, par levels are adjusted, etc.) in a timely manner to ensure appropriate availability of medications. All pharmacy automation reports are reviewed to ensure no stock-outs occur.
(4) All controlled substances delivered to nursing units/clinics have signed documentation of the chain of custody.
(5) All controlled substance prescriptions prepared for mail via USPS in the outpatient narcotic vault anteroom are picked up by a USPS postal worker during normal hours of operation. Vault staff will remain with the USPS postal worker in the anteroom of the vault during the scanning process. Signed documentation of the chain of custody is maintained and filed in accordance with policy and procedure.
Training and Education:
(1) Assists with the training, orientation, and re-training of employees to Outpatient Pharmacy Service policies and procedures.
(2) Assists supervisor with competencies within applicable areas of assignment on an annual basis for outpatient pharmacy.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- 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.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
- 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.
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.
- (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.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: .
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
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.
- Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Conditions of Employment
- 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.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
- 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.
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.
- (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.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: .
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
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.