Pharmacy Technician
- Perform technical processes, e.g., filling, labeling, and preparing sterile and non-sterile medications for dispensing and/or distribution to patients.
- Maintain pharmacy storeroom and hospital drug stocks.
- Repackage drugs into usable sizes and maintain controls for review by a pharmacist.
- Communicate with patients, medical personnel, vendors and other persons utilizing pharmacy information systems and knowledge of medications.
- Provide assistance to Pharmacy staff by answering and prioritize calls from patients needing information on prescription status, refills, etc ..
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Must pass pre-employment examination.
Selectee may be subject to a probationary/trial period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.
Adherence to the IHS Employee Immunization Policy, SGM 21-04, and the IHS Circular 2016-04 requiring Measles and Rubella, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza immunizations for staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities OR an exemption request will need to be submitted.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit .
You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.
Qualifications
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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
For GS-3: Successful completion of 1 year of study that included a course in biology, chemistry, or physics OR your resume must demonstrate at least six (6) months of general experience.
General Experience: (l) Any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation
For GS-4: Successful completion of 2 years of study in pharmacy or pharmacy technology that included at least 12 semester hours in courses in the care, storage, distribution, and preparation of pharmaceuticals, and appropriate laboratory work OR your resume must demonstrate at least six (6) months of general experience AND six (6) months specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector.
For GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study in pharmacy, or that included at least 24 semester hours in pharmacy-related courses OR your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector.
GS-6: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector.
Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision is creditable on a month-for-month basis for general experience.
Successful completion of pertinent specialized training courses in pharmaceutical and pharmacy practices while serving in the Armed Forces is creditable on a month-for-month basis up to the 1 year of specialized experience required for GS-5.
Specialized Experience: For positions at GS-4 and above: Qualifying specialized experience may have been gained in hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, or in pharmaceutical firms or laboratories. Experience must have provided a basic knowledge of:
- Pharmaceutical nomenclature;
- Characteristics, strengths, and dosage forms of pharmaceuticals;
- Pharmaceutical systems of weights and measures; and the
- Variety of procedures and techniques involved in the care, storage, repackaging, bulk compounding, and distribution of pharmaceuticals.
Examples of specialized experience at GS-4: Interact with customers and answer questions; assist with maintenance of inventory; order and receive drugs from supply department; fill orders, check for expiration dates on medications on a regular basis; adhere to safety practices in order to ensure qualify care for patients; check and replenish pharmaceutical supplies needed in the clinic and/or pharmacy.
Examples of specialized experience at GS-5: Assist pharmacy staff in filling outpatient prescriptions under a pharmacist's supervision; enter prescription orders into the pharmacy computer system; verify insurance information; provide information, education and guidance to patient about medication regimen, labeling instructions, insurance information and storage, submit insurance claims; ensure proper maintenance of drug inventory through inventory control practices; maintain proper storage and security for drugs; recognize appropriate auxiliary labels and packaging requirements of drugs dispensed.
Examples of specialized experience at GS-6: Assist the Pharmacist when medical orders are received, screen prescription orders for accuracy and completeness; prepare prescriptions, retrieve, count, pour, weigh, measure and sometimes mix medication; perform calculations; interpret orders, calculate dosage, and dispense to patient or patient proxy; make contact with third party payers for reimbursement of prescription cost; educate patient about medication regimen, labeling instructions, insurance information and storage. Submit insurance claims.
In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We do not make assumptions regarding your experience. Your resume must support your application responses.Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).
You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Education
This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: .
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
Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.
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. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit.
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required.
This position has promotion potential to the GS-06 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.
- 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
Qualifications
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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
For GS-3: Successful completion of 1 year of study that included a course in biology, chemistry, or physics OR your resume must demonstrate at least six (6) months of general experience.
General Experience: (l) Any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation
For GS-4: Successful completion of 2 years of study in pharmacy or pharmacy technology that included at least 12 semester hours in courses in the care, storage, distribution, and preparation of pharmaceuticals, and appropriate laboratory work OR your resume must demonstrate at least six (6) months of general experience AND six (6) months specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector.
For GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study in pharmacy, or that included at least 24 semester hours in pharmacy-related courses OR your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector.
GS-6: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector.
Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision is creditable on a month-for-month basis for general experience.
Successful completion of pertinent specialized training courses in pharmaceutical and pharmacy practices while serving in the Armed Forces is creditable on a month-for-month basis up to the 1 year of specialized experience required for GS-5.
Specialized Experience: For positions at GS-4 and above: Qualifying specialized experience may have been gained in hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, or in pharmaceutical firms or laboratories. Experience must have provided a basic knowledge of:
- Pharmaceutical nomenclature;
- Characteristics, strengths, and dosage forms of pharmaceuticals;
- Pharmaceutical systems of weights and measures; and the
- Variety of procedures and techniques involved in the care, storage, repackaging, bulk compounding, and distribution of pharmaceuticals.
Examples of specialized experience at GS-4: Interact with customers and answer questions; assist with maintenance of inventory; order and receive drugs from supply department; fill orders, check for expiration dates on medications on a regular basis; adhere to safety practices in order to ensure qualify care for patients; check and replenish pharmaceutical supplies needed in the clinic and/or pharmacy.
Examples of specialized experience at GS-5: Assist pharmacy staff in filling outpatient prescriptions under a pharmacist's supervision; enter prescription orders into the pharmacy computer system; verify insurance information; provide information, education and guidance to patient about medication regimen, labeling instructions, insurance information and storage, submit insurance claims; ensure proper maintenance of drug inventory through inventory control practices; maintain proper storage and security for drugs; recognize appropriate auxiliary labels and packaging requirements of drugs dispensed.
Examples of specialized experience at GS-6: Assist the Pharmacist when medical orders are received, screen prescription orders for accuracy and completeness; prepare prescriptions, retrieve, count, pour, weigh, measure and sometimes mix medication; perform calculations; interpret orders, calculate dosage, and dispense to patient or patient proxy; make contact with third party payers for reimbursement of prescription cost; educate patient about medication regimen, labeling instructions, insurance information and storage. Submit insurance claims.
In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We do not make assumptions regarding your experience. Your resume must support your application responses.Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).
You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Education
This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: .
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
Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.
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. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit.
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required.
This position has promotion potential to the GS-06 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.