Pharmacy Technician

Summary

Pharmacy Technicians (dependent upon level) fill orders and dispense/deliver medications using automated systems or provide technical customer service to Veterans related to prescription needs.

Duties

Major duties of the Pharmacy Technician at the full performance level (GS-06) include: Reads and interprets prescriptions, obtains proper medication or material in the proper strength and dosage form; determines proper amount and counts, pours, or measures the medications; affixes proper label; and records required data on Pharmacy's copy of prescription/order or documents required data in the automated dispensing machine/robot. Provides customer service concerning patient eligibility, prescription status, medication availability, co-payment charges and mailing status. Processes refill requests and verified prescriptions for mailing. Enters new and refill prescription data which may include correct drug, strength, dosage form, and quantity into the patient's medication profile (VistA or otherwise). Answers all questions within their level of expertise from Pharmacy and non-Pharmacy personnel regarding drug distribution (. drugs in stock, new drugs on order, formulary drugs, dosage forms available, . Identifies basic therapeutic problems such as duplicate therapy, patient allergy interactions/contraindications, formulary adherence, quantity errors and alerts the pharmacist to the possible need for clinical intervention. Monitors inventory needs in Pharmacy areas, relays this information to the Procurement Pharmacist/Technician. Conducts monthly ward inspection of assigned patient care/Pharmacy storage areas assuring proper storage (including temperature and humidity), stock, cleanliness and drug expiration. Operates, maintains, fills/refills, and troubleshoots complicated, specialized or automated Pharmacy equipment. Assist in drug accountability through the proper use of the Pharmacy inventory management system. Repackages bulk items such as tablets, capsules, liquids, ointments, etc. into specified quantities and various size containers. Opens and separates mail, which contains cash, checks and refill requests. Fills prescriptions, drug packages and supplies for distribution to wards, clinics and affiliated services which are checked by a pharmacist. Prepares prescriptions (controlled substances and non-controlled substances) for mailing through contract carriers, USPS, and finalizes processing through the latest mail label tracking software. Collects drug use evaluation data for quality improvement purposes. Assists in total quality improvement activities by participating in Medical Center and Pharmacy Service process assessment and action teams, and continually seeks to improve services by following local policies and procedures that assures compliance with all VA/VHA, FDA, DEA, TJC, OIG, or other governing body's recommendations and regulations. Assists with training of technicians, student technicians, and pharmacy students. Prepares, handles and has knowledge of investigational drugs and their policies and procedures. Reads and interprets controlled substance or narcotic prescriptions, obtains proper medication or material in the proper strength and dosage form; determines proper amount and counts, pours, or measures the medications; affixes proper label; and records required data on Pharmacy's copy of prescription/order or documents required data in the automated dispensing machine/robot. When assigned, technician may be involved in all facets of unit dose distribution system. Performs all the duties of lower graded technicians and other duties as assigned, if required. When handling Hazardous Drugs, will follow facility policies and procedures to maintain compliance with USP 800. Work Schedule : Monday - Friday, Rotating Shifts: 8:00am - 4:30pm, 8:30am-5:00pm, 9:00am - 5:30pm, or 10:00am - 6:30pm
Telework : Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement # : 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Fi nancial Disclosure Report: Not required

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