Supervisory Pharmacy Technician-Outpatient

This supervisory position is responsible for supervising and training Outpatient Pharmacy technicians, pharmacy interns and students, assisting pharmacists with phone calls, assisting with audits and quality improvement reports, coordinating shift schedules for technicians, timekeeping and performing routine outpatient operational activities as assigned. This position is directly reporting to the Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisors at San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS).

The job functions or the scope of practice of this Supervisory, Pharmacy Technician position are listed below but not limited to:

A. Supervisory Activities
1) The Outpatient Pharmacy Technician Supervisor will directly supervise outpatient pharmacy technicians. The incumbent shall:
2) Function as the primary liaison between outpatient pharmacists and technicians for training and communication
3) Effectively manages technical staff to assure workflow is optimized within assigned service area. Continuously analyzes and reassesses priorities, redirecting staff to assure that workload demands are accomplished in the most effective, efficient, and economic manner possible.
4) Assist with the development of performance standards that are realistic, challenging, and supporting the organizational mission, vision, and goals. Responsible for ensuring all employees meet performance standards and competencies. Identify areas for improvement as needed
5) Assure open and effective communication with subordinate staff
6) Provide performance evaluations outpatient pharmacy technician staff in accordance with facility policies
7) Coordinate training for pharmacy residents, students and technician staff
8) Assist in developing Standard Operation Procedures to streamline Outpatient Pharmacy workflow
9) Coordinate shift schedules and coverage, in collaboration with Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisors while maintaining appropriate staff coverage for operational activities

B. Operational Activities
1) Prioritize and delegate work to outpatient pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students for optimal workflow
2) Assist with daily operational activities during shift breaks, scheduled leave or staffing shortages
3) Collaborate with procurement staff to manage outpatient pharmacy inventory and drug recalls
4) Collaborate with Automation Technicians to maintain automation equipment and triage technical/mechanical issues as they arise
5) Ensure automation (i.e. Pyxis, Optifill, ScriptPro) are stocked and operational
6) Collaborate with the VISN Pharmacy Call Center to resolve any local issues including recommendations for efficiencies and cost effectiveness
7) Coordinate the completion of clinic inspections as assigned before the end of each month

C. Computer Data Entry and Administrative Support
1) Support clinical pharmacists and supervisors in administrative functions required for patient care and personnel management. The incumbent shall:
2) Complete electronic progress notes and document data in VISTA/CPRS as assigned
3) Prioritize assigned operational functions to provide the highest quality of patientcare
4) Report all potential pharmacy distribution problems to the Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor
5) Complete audit and/or reports as assigned
6) Complete ward inspections as assigned. Results of the ward inspections will be reviewed with Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor
7) Assist with timekeeping for Pharmacy Service personnel as assigned

D. Customer Service and Communication
1) Communicate and follow-up on requests in a timely manner based on the needs of the staff member and supervisor(s)
2) Communicate (orally and in writing) in a manner, which supports the needs of the customer and promotes harmonious relationships
3) Assist in quality management activities/projects of Pharmacy Service by participating in process action teams and continually seeking ways to improve the service provided to patients and other customers

Duty Location: 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 07:45am to 04:15pm, or determine by the hiring Manager
Functional Statement #: 10145F
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Relocation / Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services.
• Grandfathering Provision: May qualify based on being covered in the VA Title 38 Hybrid Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation series, 0661, with permanent appointment and meet the criteria).

GS-09 Grade Determination as Supervisory, Pharmacy Technician, GS-0661-09:

Supervisory pharmacy technicians are responsible for management and supervision of at least three GS-08 pharmacy technicians. These positions require significant independent technical judgement and expertise in complex areas of pharmacy practice, regulatory requirements and quality standards. They organize, coordinate and manage programs for the pharmacy service at the facility level. These pharmacy technicians will be responsible for communicating with VISN or national pharmacy leadership as well as individual facility leadership and staff.

Specialized Experience. One year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the lower grade level.

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 (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) as a CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician).OR
(b) NHA (National Healthcareer Association) as a ExCPT (Certified Pharmacy Technician).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs and meet any additional KSAs for the assignment, if indicated:(A) Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders and managers.(B) Ability to utilize staffing methodology principles to determine adequate staffing to coordinate and manage workflow and work activities within pharmacy.(C) Expert knowledge serving as a key resource advising others in their particular specialty area or section of the pharmacy (such as procurement, sterile compounding (USP compounding standards), controlled substances DEA, automation, clinical pharmacy, lead tech, contact center, etc.).(D) Skill in analyzing data for self-driven (independent) performance improvement projects, workload analysis and statistical reports.(E) Skill in solving problems and implementing corrective actions to maximize outcomes in their program area.(F) Ability to maintain special accreditations and prepare for national reviews/inspections (e.g., The Joint Commission, Inspector General, American Society of Health System Pharmacists®, controlled substance inspections).(G) Ability to develop training programs and material for orientation, competency development and educational needs for regulatory requirements within the specialized pharmacy program area.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 grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments.

See Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) website for VA specific qualification standards: VA Quali?cations Standards - Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO)

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

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/.

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• 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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you might be required to serve a 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.

• 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 dentification 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).