Summary This position requires in depth knowledge of all matters involving automation assessment, purchasing, implementation and maintenance. Serves as a beginning level data analyst and assists in data transfer, processing and mining, reporting, and interfaces with station, VISN, Regional and National Data Warehouse programs. In this role you will interface and collaborate with other federal, local, regional and national sites to promote advancement of local, regional and national automation systems. Responsibilities 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 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 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 related to automation, technology, and medication delivery systems. Ability to operate, 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 and vault 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. Assist 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. Ensure 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 (pharmacists) and non-professional 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. Complete these reviews on time in accordance with department policy. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The pharmacy automation technician will maintain current comprehensive knowledge of all pharmacy policies and procedures. A pharmacy supervisor is available for professional guidance when required. The automation technician informs supervisors of problems or unusual situations with recommendations for appropriate action according to policy. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Relationships with management, co-workers, patients, and the public are 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 #: 0000 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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Education or Experience:(1) None required.(2) For all grade levels and positions that accept both education and experience to qualify, equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 100% are qualifying. The combined percentage is determined by adding total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level to the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level. GS-08 Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements listed above, you must meet the following: 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. Preferred Experience: Pharmacy Automation Experience (e.g. PYXIS, ScriptPro, BD Carousel, Pharmopack) Inpatient and outpatient pharmacy technician experience. 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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 Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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. 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.
