This position serves as a pharmacy technician for the Palo Alto Division. The primary responsibility of this position is to perform technician duties related to inpatient pharmacy operations. The incumbent is expected to rotate through different areas within the assigned section and according to the duty schedule as set by the section supervisor. The incumbent is expected to work as a team member as well as independently to accomplish the tasks assigned. 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. *** This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file until September 30, 2022.*** 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: National Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required at grades GS-6 and above. Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be re-appointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: Applicants appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Chapter 2, Section D, paragraph 5a. 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). Preferred Experience: Previous work experience in an Inpatient Pharmacy setting providing unit dose and sterile compounding responsibilities. Grade Determinations: GS-6 (a) Experience: 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 and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): (b) Certification. PTCB certification is required at this grade level and above. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standards Appendix G28, dated March 17, 2006. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (3 hours); Standing (4 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted). ["VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) has immediate openings for multiple Inpatient Pharmacy Technicians at the Palo Alto Division. These technicians will to work various shifts depending upon the scheduled shift assignment. Shift assignments typically fall into one of three categories: day, evening and overnight. This Pharmacy provides pharmaceutical care services to our 300-bed acute care hospital division (Intensive Care Units, OR/Recovery Room, Medicine, Surgery, Sub-Acute Medicine/Long Term Care, Hospice, Spinal Cord Injury, Polytrauma, Psychiatry, Emergency Department) with centralized operation for Unit Dose, Ward Stocking and Sterile Compounding medication preparation and dispensing. We have a fully integrated computer system including online provider order entry, documentation of medication administration using barcode technology, and automation of the unit dose distribution system. These technicians will assist in providing distributive pharmacy services to patients at the Palo Alto Acute Care Division. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:\na) Unit Dose Responsibilities: filling and delivering new, STAT or missing medication orders; restocking point of care machines; performing cart-fills and cart exchange; replenishing crash cart medications and emergency kits; repackaging bulk items (oral solids and liquids); replenishing pharmacy automation (Robot Rx, Med Carousel, PacMed); performing optimization of automation; and conducting monthly ward/clinic inspections. b) Sterile Compounding Responsibilities: preparing IV admixtures, piggybacks, syringes, TPN, and chemotherapy doses based on patient specific orders using sterile technique in the laminar flow hood in accordance with USP 797 and USP 800; performing all necessary pharmaceutical calculations; and cleaning and restocking the IV room Work Schedule: Various Shifts, including Holidays and Weekends\nTelework: Not Authorized\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]