Advance Your Career as a Lead Pharmacy Technician with the VA
Are you a pharmacy technician looking to take the next step into leadership? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering a unique opportunity to join the Veterans Health Administration in Leeds, Massachusetts. This position is perfect for professionals who are ready to move beyond standard technician duties and embrace a role that balances clinical expertise with team management.
Job Responsibilities
As a Lead Pharmacy Technician, you will be the backbone of our pharmacy operations. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Team Leadership: Overseeing daily operations and providing guidance to at least three pharmacy staff members.
- Workflow Optimization: Managing work schedules, adjusting assignments to meet shifting priorities, and ensuring resources are fully functional.
- Clinical Support: Performing high-level pharmacy tasks including medication compounding, controlled substance management, and patient medication counseling.
- Training & Development: Orienting new staff and students while providing feedback to supervisors on performance needs.
Quick Comparison: Staff vs. Lead Pharmacy Technician
| Feature | Staff Pharmacy Technician | Lead Pharmacy Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Individual task execution | Oversight of 3+ staff/operations |
| Complexity | Routine medication preparation | Coordination of workflow & clinical duties |
| Decision Making | Follows existing protocols | Interprets policies & resolves complaints |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:
- Certification: An active national certification through the PTCB (CPhT) or NHA (ExCPT).
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level or equivalent.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Background: Must pass a security investigation, drug test, and physical examination.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $78,195 to $101,649 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides one of the best benefits packages in the country, including:
- Generous Leave: 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually.
- Federal Holidays: 11 paid federal holidays.
- Healthcare & Retirement: Comprehensive insurance plans and federal retirement options.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Ensure you use the specific VA clinical resume template to stand out. Highlight any previous supervisory or workflow management experience clearly in your resume, as this is a key component for the "Lead" designation.
If you are ready to make a significant impact in the lives of our Veterans, we encourage you to apply. This role offers not just a job, but a pathway to professional fulfillment within a world-class healthcare organization.
Why This Lead Pharmacy Technician Job Matters
Lead a high-impact pharmacy team and directly support our nation's heroes. Join the Veterans Health Administration in Leeds, Massachusetts, and elevate your career in a mission-driven environment.
Lead Pharmacy Technician Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Pharmacy Technician to join our team in Leeds, Massachusetts. In this vital role, you will perform complex pharmacy operations, provide clinical support, and oversee the workflow of fellow technicians. If you are passionate about patient care and possess the leadership skills to mentor staff while ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance, we invite you to apply.
Requirements for Lead Pharmacy Technician
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Active national pharmacy technician certification (PTCB or NHA)
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation and drug screening
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07)
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Lead Pharmacy Technician
- 3+ years of professional pharmacy technician experience
- 1+ year of formal lead or supervisory experience including workflow direction
- Proficiency in VA pharmacy software (e.g., Vista, CPRS) and ScriptPro
- Active state-issued pharmacy technician license
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
- ✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (Annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays)
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Access to federal retirement plans and savings programs
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and leadership advancement
- ✓Work-life balance with standard daytime scheduling
💡 How to Apply Lead Pharmacy Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Lead Pharmacy Technician Job
- Create or update your account on USAJOBS.
- Download the standard Clinical Resume document template provided by the VA.
- Prepare your supporting documents, including your professional certification and, if applicable, SF-50 or licensure documents.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided USA Staffing portal.
- Upload your documents and submit your application package before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and detailed when describing your experience in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your daily duties.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are clearly labeled and meet the requirements of the announcement.
- Double-check that you have uploaded the 'standard clinical resume' document in the designated field to avoid processing delays.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to ensure technical issues do not prevent your submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core mission of this role?
The Lead Pharmacy Technician serves to maintain continuous workflow and quality within the pharmacy by leading other technicians, providing clinical support, and ensuring adherence to VA pharmacy policies.
Is telework available for this position?
No, this is an onsite position requiring physical presence in the pharmacy setting in Leeds, Massachusetts.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
Yes, the role requires frequent use of hands, the ability to lift up to 44 lbs, and the capacity to stand or walk for 4-8 hours during a shift.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to honor President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By working with the VA, you become part of a culture centered on "I CARE" values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.