Veterans Health Administration

Pharmacy Technician

West Roxbury, Massachusetts $76492 - $99441 PA GS Closes Oct 23, 2026

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Summary

COVERAGE. The following are requirements for appointment or placement as a Pharmacy Technician in Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The requirements will apply to all VHA pharmacy technicians employed in the General Schedule (GS) 0661 series performing a variety of pharmacy duties under the supervision of a pharmacist. Under the supervision of a pharmacist, pharmacy technicians perform routine pharmacy functions including filling, preparation and dispensing of prescriptions, sterile compounding preparation, management of automated dispensing equipment (ADE), inventory management and multiple types of customer contact services. Advanced pharmacy technicians serve in specialized roles within the pharmacy department and are often involved with program management of their specialty area. These roles include, but are not limited to, pharmacy technicians who specialize in controlled substance management, sterile compounding, inventory/ budgeting/purchasing, automation, informatics, quality management, research, clinical and call center. Lead and supervisory pharmacy technicians are also advanced roles in this series. Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of settings in VHA. BASIC REQUIREMENTS. a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. b. 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. c. Certification. For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: (1) Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). OR (2) National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). d. Grandfathering Provision. Pharmacy technicians employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. Note: Please see the Additional Information section for more details. e. 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). GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, VA HR staff must use the following criteria to determine the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. Pharmacy Technician, GS-07. (1) Experience. Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Pharmacy technicians at the GS-06 full performance level may fill orders, dispense/deliver medications using automated systems or provide technical customer service to Veterans related to prescription needs. Duties will include delivery of medications to floors/patients, filling medications for the pharmacist to review, checking for expired medications, answering phones with appropriate disposition, preparing sterile products (when applicable) and assisting with basic inventory management such as putting up stock and identifying when medications need to be ordered. (2) Certification. For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: (a) PTCB as a CPhT. OR (b) NHA as a ExCPT. (3) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. (b) Knowledge of the computerized prescription process and input of prescriptions and medication orders or electronic equivalent. (c) Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with other members of the healthcare team, Veterans and external customers. (d) Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students. (e) Ability to dispense medication or sterile products following all regulations, policies and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution. (f) Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment (ADE) or technology platforms/databases. (4) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Pharmacy technicians at this level are nationally certified and can work autonomously using independent judgement to perform a full range of duties. These pharmacy technicians mentor and train lower graded pharmacy technicians in the practice setting. They assist advanced/ specialized pharmacy technicians and participate in performance improvement initiatives. At this level, pharmacy technicians use independent judgement to perform the full range of duties in the pharmacy. They also function as staff pharmacy technicians in various locations of the pharmacy, including pharmacy contact centers and other non-traditional pharmacy locations, with minimal oversight. Former VA Handbook Reference: PART II APPENDIX G28 Effective Date: November 07, 2023 DEFINITIONS. a. Creditable Experience. To be creditable, a candidate must possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with the scope of pharmacy technician practice. The candidate's experience must be evidenced by active professional practice. (Active professional practice means paid/nonpaid employment as a professional pharmacy technician.) b. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time work week. For example, one week of full-time credit is equivalent to two weeks of half-time work. c. Quality of Experience. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to pharmacy technician experience at the next lower grade level. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. d. Specialized Area. Areas within pharmacy that require advanced knowledge, skills and abilities to ensure a high level of accountability for patient safety, quality of care and/or VHA or other regulatory requirements. Examples include, but are not limited to: compounding sterile products, controlled substance dispensing, research, automation, clinical informatics, quality assurance, hazardous medication compounding/management, immunizations and clinical pharmacy assignments. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Principle duties of this position require repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., preparing prescriptions, use of a computer keyboard, etc.). May require lifting and carrying light loads, including boxes, equipment, medical supplies, stock boxes etc.; stooping or kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, remove and replace items on lower shelves, and to file documents in lower file drawers, etc.); sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours). Ability to operate automation. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment, including respirators while on duty. Must be physically capable of operating various types of equipment used for the job.

Major Duties

VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Incumbent provides a variety of services at multiple points of care. Additional duties include various administrative and/or clinical work and assignments as directed by the pharmacy supervisor. Independently manages and completes all competencies and position requirements. Oversees operation and care of specialized pharmaceutical equipment. Troubleshoots and coordinates pharmacy equipment service requests and provides communication of activities and updates to the pharmacy team. When assigned, acts as the subject matter expert and/or administrator for various systems, services, programs and/or equipment. When assigned, collects and maintains records of staff training, competencies, logs and other records. Prepares various reports on a regular basis for supervisor. Oversees compliance and coordination of procurement, reverse distribution, and formulary processes and programs. Assists with initiating and maintaining all required drug file and inventory changes to resolve and improve patient care needs. When assigned, provides support for investigational drug services. Complies with investigational drug policies and procedures. Independently gathers, evaluates, and analyze data to generate reports and/or for other projects/statistical purposes. Evaluates, analyzes workflow. When assigned, coordinates technician work activities and scheduling. Independently reviews, understands, and complies fully with all policies, procedures, handbooks, and other guidance. Understands sufficiently to train and educate new employees and existing staff. When assigned, assists the supervisor with administrative assistance and service requirements, record management, and other administrative assignments. When assigned, assists with interviewing potential candidates for employment. Provides and coordinates educational programs to train staff and patients. When assigned, serves as pharmacy vault technician. Conducts daily control substance inventory. Fills all controlled substance prescriptions. Mails controlled substance prescriptions. Maintains controlled substance inventory levels in coordination with pharmacy inventory manager. Stocks vault shelves and rotates existing inventory. Segregates expired controlled substance inventory for disposition with reverse distributors. Maintains emergency drug cache inventory. Maintains explosive cabinet inventory. Maintains all controlled substance filing and record management including inspections, reverse distribution and all other required files and documents. Manages continuous review of all controlled substance product expiration and disposition/removal. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of controlled substance policies and procedures. When assigned, initiates investigation into vault discrepancies with supervision from pharmacy supervisor or designee. Assists police and other services with investigations. When assigned, independently orders medical supplies as per prescription information as well as external ordering mechanisms. Compounds hazardous sterile products and maintains competency for all compounding needs in hazardous and non-hazardous areas. Performs all other duties as assigned by the supervisor. Work Schedule: Varying day, evening and overnight tours of duty (9:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. EST) plus weekends and holidays required. Recruitment/Relocation Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 523-F02993 Notifications: This position is not a Bargaining Unit position. This position is covered by a special rate. Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees. Current and permanent VA Boston Healthcare System employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.

Requirements

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. 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.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Professional Certification SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/23/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13090717. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. Resume Reminder: Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: 1. Job title; 2. Duties (be as detailed as possible); 3. Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008); 4. Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week); 5. Employer name and location (city-state); 6. Series and grade, if applicable, for all federal positions you have held.