Summary This Pharmacy Automation Technician requires in depth knowledge of automation assessment, purchasing, implementation and maintenance and is a beginning level data analyst, assisting in data transfer, processing, reporting, and interfaces with EK, VISN, Regional and National Data Warehouse programs. The automation pharmacy technician will interface and collaborate with other federal, local, regional and national sites to promote advancement of local, regional and national automation systems. Responsibilities VAEKHCS is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans. Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Pharmacy Technician: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Pharmacy-Technician-Career-Flyer.pdf Major Duties and Responsibilities: The automation technician uses their general and advanced knowledge of automated equipment to provide support to the Inpatient and Outpatient Pharmacy, CBOC areas, and other VHA pharmacies. Evaluates system stock levels for the pharmacy automation by generating reports based on activity/formulary and loading/unloading items. In addition, manages new medications (to include investigational drugs) and adjusts inventory levels based on the increased or decreased usage due to formulary changes, clinical and/or patient specific needs, and seasonal vaccines or medications. Reviews activity reports from for discrepancies, inventory verification, and medication delivery reports accordingly to resolve technical and workflow issues. Coordinates the evaluation process of new technology including all necessary stakeholders in the evaluation. In the event additional product information or workflow analysis is needed, the incumbent coordinates with the vendor and appropriate pharmacy personnel for further review Coordinates and manages training and education for pharmacy and other services as related to automation, technology, and medication delivery systems. Ability to opera\e, maintain, and troubleshoot problems with pharmacy automated equipment. Independently works to gather, evaluate and analyze data with the understanding in the importance of maximizing production and efficiency. As an experienced pharmacy technician, works alongside other technicians coaching, mentoring, assisting and/or training them in the proper performance of their duties. May cover outpatient / inpatient areas as needed to meet the needs of the pharmacy department. Administrative/Program Management Functions: Responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the centralized pharmacy in accordance with established policies. Responsibility for assigned workload analysis and reports to pharmacy service management. Assists pharmacy supervisors with preparing and maintaining all equipment requests and contract needs. Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of pharmacy dispensing equipment including unit dose repackaging machines, point of care cabinets, outpatient dispensing units, and the domiciliary kiosk. The automation technician will supervise the general operation of pharmacy equipment. Ensures preventative maintenance/cleaning of machines per manufacturers recommendations are followed on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance schedule as appropriate. Coordinate and monitor cleaning schedules, software updates, maintenance schedules, and generate necessary reports. Maintains current pharmacy knowledge and answers questions of other employees on policies, procedures, directives, etc. Serves as a liaison between professional staff (pharmacist) and non­professional staff to improve communications and to resolve work related problems. Replenishes and maintains emergency crash carts. Reviews inventory and ward stock medications for expired medications. Completes these reviews on time in accordance with department policy. Customer Service: Relationships with management, co-workers, patients, and the general public is consistently courteous, respectful, and cooperative in nature. Employee will display a cooperative attitude and will effectively work together to implement the organization's mission and goals. Employee will ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the pharmacy for which he/she is responsible. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday Day Tour Off Tours as needed by the Department. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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 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: None required. English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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 and meet the criteria). Grade Determination for GS-08: Experience. Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below. Certification. For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: PTCB as a CPhT or NHA as a ExCPT 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: 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. Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures. Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; walking (3 hours per day); standing (6 hours per day); kneeling (2 hours per day); both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing aid permitted. 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.