Summary The primary purpose of this position is to input Meds by Mail (MbM) beneficiary prescription orders into the Vista Outpatient Pharmacy program. The MbM program provides comprehensive outpatient mail pharmacy support (VPS) to VAMC pharmacies to help ensure that prescriptions are processed and dispensed to Veterans in a timely manner, pharmacy claims processing to VHA programs pharmacy benefits for the CHAMPVA), Spina Bifida/Children of Women Veterans (CWVV) and Primary Family Care programs. Responsibilities Tech Order Entry (TOE Team) Duties: COMPUTERIZED PRESCRIPTION INPUT (1) Reads and interprets prescriptions for completeness. Identifies missing pertinent information and corresponds with providers' offices to resolve routine administrative questions, referring complex problems and clinical issues to a pharmacist. (2) Enters correct drug name, drug strength, dosage form, directions, quantity and days' supply into the beneficiary's medication profile. The prescription must be verified by a pharmacist. (3) Utilizes pharmacy information systems to identify allergies and basic therapeutic problems such as duplicate therapy with drugs in the same drug class and alerts the pharmacist to the possible need for clinical intervention. 4) Screens providers for eligibility by utilizing the Office of Inspector General website. Enters new provider information in Vista to include NPI number, DEA number and expiration date when applicable. (5) Documents oral disclosures, including medication lists, in conjunction with provider's offices, recording all correspondence into the electronic patient health record. SPECIALIZED AREAS (1) Receives packages containing medications returned to MbM and documents receipt on daily sheet. Inspects package for damage and determines package destination. Places medications to be destroyed in appropriate containers. Documents receipt, destination, and any other actions taken on returned medications in the electronic patient health record. (2) Processes Indian Health Service/Tribal Health Service claims using designated claims processing software. Uses approved formulary reference sites to determine claims to be paid/denied, ensuring each claim for a controlled substance prescription contains a DEA number. (3) Assists Specialty Team pharmacists with medication reconciliation, referring clinical information/questions (e.g., changes to medications, allergies) to the Specialty Team pharmacist. Tracks delivery of Specialty Team medications via package tracking websites (e.g., USPS, UPS), verifying receipt of package with each patient. Documents patient communications and medication tracking in the electronic patient health record. (4) Participates in safety and quality improvement activities to continually improves services PRESCRIPTION PROCESSING (1) Receives telephone calls from and responds to MbM beneficiaries and their caregivers regarding a broad range of topics, including prescription status, medication refills, renewals, package tracking, medications available through MbM, and the various methods available for requesting a medication refill. Seeks to solve beneficiary concerns at first contact. Utilizes various pharmacy information systems to resolve the beneficiary's concerns. Controls the conversation to ensure that the caller's inquiry is resolved accurately and timely. Triages questions requiring professional judgment to an advanced pharmacy technician or a pharmacist. (2) Processes prescription refills. (3) Processes electronic prescription renewal requests. VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 06:00 A.M - 06:00 P.M (8 Hours Shift; will be determined upon appointment) Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Remote: Not Authorized Telework: Available at Management discretion Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:61453A This position is in a bargaining unit. 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). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications Basic Requirements: Citizen of the United States: (Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy). Education or Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower level. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS 05 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the education or experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic pharmacy operations. (b) Knowledge of pharmaceuticals to perform duties in pharmacy functional areas. (c) Knowledge of pharmaceutical nomenclature (including generic, chemical and proprietary names of drug). (d) Ability to fill prescriptions. (e) Ability to use pharmacy information systems or basic pharmacy dispensing equipment with oversight. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/159 PART II APPENDIX G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 06. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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 or 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.