Pharmacy Technician - Automation

Department of Veterans Affairs

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.

• 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

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