Pharmacy Technician

Veterans Health Administration

Reno, NV

JobSummary

The Outpatient Pharmacy Technician (Controlled Substances Technician) serves as the vault pharmacy technician for the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System (VASNHCS). The incumbent is responsible for managing the controlled substance inventory for the designated pharmacy section and for accurately preparing, receiving, documenting, dispensing, storing, and securing controlled substances in accordance with Federal law, state law, DEA requirements, and VA policies.

LowGrade

HighGrade

PromotionPotential

SubAgencyName

Veterans Health Administration

OrganizationCodes

VA/VATA

Relocation

False

HiringPath

public

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

AgencyMarketingStatement

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans? Welcome to Reno/Tahoe! Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains with easy access to Lake Tahoe, Reno is ideal for your inner adventurer. Enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, and hiking in the summer, sledding and snowshoeing in the winter, or head on up to the slopes to ski or snowboard where many Olympic athletes train. Check out our many hip restaurants and shops in Midtown, or take a walk by the river downtown and stop in at a dog friendly brewery. We are the home of a dynamic art scene and many iconic events: Artown, Hot August Nights, Street Vibrations, Rib Cook-off, Great Reno Balloon Races, Reno Rodeo, and the National Championship Air Races. Summers can get hot, but the humidity is low, and there is no state income tax in Nevada! For more information click: Special Events. We encourage you to consider VA employment in Reno, NV. We offer both a mission you can put your heart into and a home for fun, new experiences. Join a team that values a healthy home/work life balance and be rewarded by your role in keeping the promise to those who served." For more information click Recreation.

TravelCode

ApplyOnlineUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/Apply

DetailStatusUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/ApplicationStatus

MajorDuties

Major duties may include but are not limited to: The incumbent is responsible for maintaining accurate physical and electronic inventories, preparing orders of controlled substances for the procurement technician to maintain par levels, and receiving controlled substance orders for their section, as well as accurately completing and filling dispensing documents, transfer reports, and other inventory management related forms as assigned. This position supports the Outpatient Pharmacy and provides cross-coverage for Inpatient Pharmacy and other medication-related areas as needed. Controlled Substances Inventory Management Maintains accurate physical and electronic inventory of controlled substances; performs biennial, biweekly (72-hour), and other required counts per VHA Directive 1108.01(2). Ensures all controlled substances are secured, access-restricted, and documented according to law, DEA regulations, and VA policy. Processes receipt of controlled substances, verifies vendor invoices, and reports discrepancies immediately. Manages expired, unusable, and returned controlled substances, including secure storage and reverse distribution procedures. Reconciles all controlled substance documentation daily, including release slips, green sheets, inventory reports, transfer reports, and destruction records. Controlled Substance Procurement Submits orders to Procurement in a timely and accurate manner and maintains par levels. Returns excess or incorrect items for credit and ensures controlled substances awaiting return are appropriately secured. Ensures invoices are signed by the receiving pharmacist and Accountable Officer and filed appropriately. Responds immediately to drug recalls and completes required documentation. Medication Preparation & Dispensing Accurately fills controlled substance prescriptions and medication orders for pharmacist verification in compliance with Federal, state, and VA regulations. Repackages bulk medications (including hazardous drugs) into unit-dose forms with proper labeling, barcodes, expiration dating, lot numbers, and documentation. Prepares medications for mail when assigned and completes required mailing forms. Identifies and reports potential problems, errors, or adverse drug events per policy. Demonstrates proficiency in VistA, controlled substance packages, and pharmacy automation systems. Controlled Substance Storage & Distribution Maintains adequate stock levels in the vault and adjusts par levels for automated dispensing cabinets as needed. Replenishes automated dispensing cabinets in the presence of authorized nursing staff with appropriate witnessing and documentation. Ensures chain-of-custody documentation for all controlled substances delivered to units, clinics, and USPS for mail-out. Properly rotates stock; disposes of outdated or damaged medications per VHA Handbook 1108.01. Maintains and calibrates equipment, reports issues, and coordinates repairs. Training & Education Assists in training, orientation, and re-training of Outpatient Pharmacy staff. Helps maintain competency assessments and mandatory training documentation. Customer Service Provides timely, courteous, and professional communication to Veterans, staff, and visitors; practices VA telephone standards. Resolves issues within scope and refers problems outside scope appropriately. Participates in daily tiered huddles, continuous improvement initiatives, and service-wide strategic planning. Other Responsibilities Follows all pharmacy security procedures, Life Safety, infection control, and safety guidelines. Ensures compliance with privacy, computer security policies, and the VA Occupational Safety and Health Program. Work Schedule: Various Schedules, may include some holidays and weekends. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

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. 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.

Evaluations

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

HowToApply

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 04/22/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12929279. 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.

WhatToExpectNext

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

RequiredDocuments

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field. Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. 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 Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) PCS Orders Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Benefits

BenefitsUrl

http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp

OtherInformation

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. 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.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

ServiceType

AnnouncementClosingType

AgencyContactEmail

havel.respes@va.gov

AgencyContactPhone

415-221-4810 X23728

SecurityClearance

Not Required