This position is located at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center's Community Based Outpatient Center in Lufkin, Texas. This position functions in the Outpatient Pharmacy section. The incumbent must be able to perform in all areas of the Pharmacy, including expanded distribution functions, which requires an extensive knowledge of pharmaceuticals and pharmacy practice. 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. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations, In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Pharmacy Technician, GS-6: Experience: One year experience at the next lower level (GS5) which includes operating automated dispensing devices, ability to perform aseptic technique, knowledge of basic inventory procedures and pharmacy information systems. IMPORTANT NOTE: Resume must include hours worked per week for work experience credit. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) required for the GS-6 grade level: 1. Ability to solve problems and make recommendations, e.g., troubleshoot operational problems and refer for appropriate action. 2. Knowledge of the operation and care of automated equipment. 3. Knowledge of, and ability to follow, written instructions for compounding with aseptic technique for hazardous materials such as oncology agents. 4. Knowledge, and ability to perform, compounding with aseptic technique for routine sterile products. 5. Knowledge of policies and procedures for inventory management in specialized areas such as emergency carts. 6. Knowledge of the computerized prescription process demonstrated by the ability to input prescriptions and medication orders. (IMPORTANT NOTE: KSAs must be clearly reflected in resume under description of duties in order to be found qualified for this grade level, please be specific in describing duties performed which demonstrate that you possess the KSAs listed above that are required for this position/grade level). Certification: PTCB certification is required at the GS-06 grade level. (CURRENT Certification document MUST be provided at time of application). References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G28.This vacancy is announced above the full performance level at the GS-6 level. Physical Requirements: The work involves standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting or carrying of pharmaceutical supplies, including bending and stooping to include the transporting of mail collection container to mailroom. Moderate lifting may be required (up to 40 lbs.). ["If you ARE a current, permanent VA employee, or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply under CBST-11437365-22-AH. TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE, OR YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ELECTRONIC NOTICE THAT YOU ARE RATED INELIGIBLE. SEE QUALIFICATIONS SECTION AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SECTION FOR DETAILS. KSAs MUST BE DEMONSTRATED IN YOUR RESUME. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT AND REFER BACK TO IT OFTEN WHEN WRITING YOUR RESUME. *RESUME REQUIREMENT: YOUR RESUME MUST INCLUDE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FOR EACH POSITION LISTED: JOB TITLE, AVERAGE HOURS WORKED PER WEEK, DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES, BEGINNING AND ENDING DATE (MONTH/YEAR). Duties may include but are not limited to: Prepares substantially all bulk compounding in the pharmacy, packaging and labeling all products for which there are master formula cards. Selecting and measuring appropriate ingredients, mixing ingredients in a safe and effective manner, inspecting final product for accuracy, suitability, and pharmaceutical elegance. Provides finished product for dispensing by pharmacist. Properly maintains records related to compounding activities. Scans patient medication totes and determines kind, strength and dosage of drug to be dispensed. Sets up prescriptions by obtaining correct stock container, counting or pouring correct amount of medication and placing medication in smaller container or by selecting proper prepackaged drug and annotates the bulk bottle lot number and company name of the prescription label. Monitors working area inventory needs and restocks inventory and supplies as need daily. Maintains, verifies, replenishes and replaces outdated medications in OptiFill and other patient care area automated dispensing machines when assigned. Receives and processes incoming telephone inquiries from Veterans and their beneficiaries in a friendly and caring manner, directing any in-depth questions to a pharmacist. Maintains working knowledge of policy and procedures for refills, new prescriptions, partial refills, & non-formulary medications. Sets up and fills prescriptions with correct drug item, labeling them appropriately and adding auxiliary labels for pharmacist to check. Packs filled prescriptions for mailing to Veterans; Sorts printed suspense, and distributes to respective area: narcotics, prosthetics, compounding, refrigerated medications, and special requests. Retrieves and processes mail received in patient refill drop box several times during the day. Inspects assigned shelves monthly for outdated medications and provides report to supervisor. identifies potential opportunities to enhance patient care and/or operational functionality, and shares recommendations with assigned supervisor. Possesses ability to communicate, and demonstrate customer service and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality/continuity of care and ensure compliance with established policies and regulations. Provides the customer consistent information according to established policies and procedures; and handles conflict and problems relating to the customer in a constructive and appropriate manner Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM or 7:30AM-4:00PM\nTelework: Not Available.\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 580-00332-F\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required."]