Lead Pharmacy Technician - Compounded Sterile Products
What you'd do
This position is located at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care | Veterans Affairs. The Lead Pharmacy Technician leads three (3) GS-07 or more pharmacy technicians/employees/staff members, provides direction for daily operations and assumes responsibility for integrating and monitoring standard pharmacy policies to maintain continuous workflow and quality within the service.
Major duties
VA offers a Comprehensive TOTAL REWARD$ package. This position is located at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care | Veterans Affairs. The Lead Pharmacy Technician performs duties independently, which consist of significant scope and complexity and will assist with technician oversight. Duties include but are not limited to: Trains and orients new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures. Evaluates, analyzes and coordinates workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy. Responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and controlling the technician workflow of both the IV/Infusion room pharmacy. Coordinates and assures completion of technician workload. The incumbent provides first line coordination and oversight for all areas of the IV/Infusion service including staff work assignments, sick leave coverage and any customer service issues. Observes technician staff, seeks methods to improve the general workflow and makes recommendations when appropriate in a framework that is conducive to good performance and high morale. Identifies areas to enhance IV/Infusion room operating efficiency, personal proficiency and improve veteran/patient care and employee satisfaction. Responsible for the reliable operation of the automated dispensing systems, such as IVX and independently resolves various questions and problems which arise that might affect the IV/Infusion service. Responsible for maintaining stock control and ensuring that drugs and supply items are on hand in sufficient quantities to meet demands. Provides input to the supervisor of all aspects of performance to include recognition of outstanding performance, disciplinary problems, reassignments and training needs of technical personnel. Responsible for the orientation and training of newly assigned personnel in the IV/Infusion services area of the pharmacy. Assures that technical training forms are completed following training. Assists the Compounded Sterile Products (CSP) Supervisor to ensure all yearly competencies are performed as appropriate. Provides or makes provisions for developmental and training needs of employees. The Lead Technician will coach and mentor all new staff to ensure all established protocols and best practices are followed. Responsible for ensuring timely performance of a satisfactory amount and quality of work by section personnel. This includes spot checking the work in progress to ensure work is being performed pursuant to instructions. Makes on the spot corrections to ensure work meets prescribed standards (e.g., accepting, amending or rejecting work). Instructs all technical personnel as to the proper maintenance, and safety requirements of equipment used in the IV/Infusion room or infusion area. Monitors equipment and gets feedback as to any problems or maintenance required. Is responsible for notifying the CSP Supervisor of necessary repairs or maintenance of equipment. Assures availability of pharmaceuticals in a manner which avoids preventable shortages, outages or conditions of excessive stock. Communicates all low inventory levels which require immediate action directly to the procurement staff. Expected to work shifts in the IV/Infusion room and able to complete the full range of technical support functions in all areas of the IV/Infusion service of pharmacy. Work Schedule: Full-time | Monday to Friday, 6:00am to 2:30pm | Occasional holidays and weekends as needed. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 554-59301A
What you need to qualify
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. BASIC REQUIREMENTS. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens). English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English. Education. None required. Certification. Must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). GRADE DETERMINATON | GS-8. Experience. Candidates must possess one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) below. 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. Preferred Experience: Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician, Sterile Compounding Certificate, Hazardous Compounding experience, training, surface sampling, media fill gloved fingertip and thumb sampling experience. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: The work involves long periods of sitting, standing, and walking. The work requires regular and recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, lifting. The incumbent must be a mature, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, demonstrating a positive attitude, compassion, courtesy and concern for staff and patients. Must possess math skills in order to convert medications to the correct dosing. The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction. This position involves lifting 25 pounds or less, able to visually confirm drug order correctness, and able to stand for periods of 30 minutes or greater. Per VA handbook 5003/4, Functional Statements
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