at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration in North Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Summary The incumbent is responsible for assuring facility (West/East Campus) compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, directives, policies, and procedures applying to the dispensing, storage, transfer, inventory and accountability of controlled substances. They are also responsible for checking the work of other technicians working in the inpatient or outpatient pharmacy who are processing controlled substances. Responsibilities Functions of the Position The incumbent is responsible for filling, dispensing, procurement, storage, preparation, review, distribution, and control of controlled substances/other pharmaceutical products to patients, inpatient and outpatient treatment units, Pyxis ES stations, Pyxis CII Safe, Anesthesia carts, and research investigators. The work product directly affects the health of inpatients and outpatients. The incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned, some or all of the functions; however, the relative percentages of time spent performing each specific function varies with the area of administrative assignment. Major Duties and Responsibilities: Collects and prepares Pyxis and CII Safe controls, Anesthesia cart replenishment, and prescriptions for distribution. Orders and prepares approved prescriptions for non-formulary controlled medications. Maintains current knowledge of national, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, procedures and directives pertaining to controlled substances. Instructs pharmacy staff on controlled substance policy and procedures and provides written instruction and reference materials when required, particularly for new tasks and techniques. Is responsible for maintaining an appropriate level of all controlled substances for both the VA and DoD by informing supply of needed medications as well as keeping the respective orders separated. Must restock all controlled substances for Pyxis ES, CII Safe, and Anesthesia carts. Conducts primary investigation of all discrepancies and advises Chief of Pharmacy Service, Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor, and Security on controlled substance related matters. Resolves controlled substance discrepancies and staff controlled substance issues referring to applicable policy. Conducts monthly inspections of Inpatient Vault and CII Safe for expired, expiring, broken tablets or vials and returns such to quarantine for appropriate disposal. Conducts daily inventory of controlled substances and notify supervisor for discrepancies. Reviews and maintains sufficient par level of controlled substances. Reviews and reconciles automated dispensing cabinet (ADC) daily activity report for all dispensing and returns in the presence of pharmacy supervisor or designee. Prepares DEA and VA forms for proper destruction or return of non-usable controlled substances. Must have a DOT Hazardous Material Training Certificate to sign the uniform hazardous waste manifest, EPA Form 8700-22, for processing the destruction of controlled substances. Assists Logistics Department in performing the destruction of controlled medications review and completes necessary paperwork. Reviews and maintains perpetual computerized records for all controlled substances in the Inpatient pharmacy to include all Pyxis ES stations, CII Safe, and Anesthesia carts. Must maintain two separate stocks, one for VA and one for DoD to include physical stock, ordering, record keeping and processes inherent to the Vista and CHCS computer systems Follows correct procedures for recalled controlled substances based on level of severity. Reviews and maintains monthly narcotic inspection reports for both VA and DoD systems. Provides for the appropriate storage of records. Knowledge of trending and analysis is necessary to ensure that problems associated with waste, fraud, diversion or abuse are identified quickly and reported to appropriate supervisors. Responsible for maintaining reporting mechanisms for controlled substance issues. Works with the Controlled Substance Coordinator and Controlled Substance Inspectors to ensure all regulations are met and stock is accounted for. Assists unannounced CSIB inspections. Tracks and trends reported patient controlled substance issues. Reports to supervisor on controlled substance related performance and identifies training needs of employees. Reviews controlled substance prescriptions for accuracy, signatures, telephone number and address. Maintains filing system for controlled substance prescriptions. Also, may work in the outpatient drug distribution system including: filling both non-controlled and controlled outpatient prescriptions, assisting patients at the windows in both Vista and CHCS, refilling and maintenance of the robotics (ScriptPro), restocking unit of use, putting orders from the wholesaler on the shelves, notifying supply of the need to order non-controlled medications, providing patient education and assisting pharmacists as needed. Work Schedule: M-F 0730-1600 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Pharmacy Technician – Controlled Substances/PD01165F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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). Qualifications Preferred Experience: Possess a current Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) or ExCPT with an understanding of the goals, objectives and performance measures associated with Pharmacy Operations. 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: 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. Certification: Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Health Career Association (NHA)? is required at grades GS-7 and above. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations:GS-8 Level: One year experience at the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. -Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. -Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent. -Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers. -Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students. -Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution. -Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs. -Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology and policies in a specialized area or secti
