Advance Your Career as a Pharmacy Technician with the VA
Are you looking for a career that combines technical expertise with a profound sense of purpose? The Washington DC VA Medical Center is currently hiring for a Pharmacy Technician to join our Outpatient and Controlled Substances team. This is a unique opportunity to serve our nation's Veterans while working in a high-complexity, collaborative healthcare environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Pharmacy Technician at this facility, you will be on the front lines of pharmaceutical care. Your duties include:
- Managing and documenting controlled substance inventories.
- Coordinating prescription procurement and formulary processes.
- Maintaining and operating automated dispensing cabinets.
- Providing training to pharmacy staff and students on safety protocols.
- Verifying prescriptions via electronic systems to ensure patient safety.
Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Certification | Must hold an active CPhT or ExCPT certification |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Health | Must pass pre-employment physical & flu vaccine program |
| Background | Must pass security investigation |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $73,517 to $95,568 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides an unmatched benefits package including:
- Retirement: Federal pension plus a 401K-style plan with 5% matching.
- Leave: Between 37 and 50 days of total paid time off annually.
- Insurance: Extensive choices in health, dental, and life coverage.
- Support: Paid parental leave and childcare subsidies for eligible employees.
Application Tips
When applying, ensure your resume clearly mirrors the required KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities). Emphasize your specific experience with automated dispensing, inventory control, and sterile or outpatient environments. Do not assume the hiring panel knows your background—list your accomplishments in detail.
If you are a detail-oriented professional with a passion for pharmacy safety, the Washington DC VA Medical Center wants to hear from you. This role offers stability, excellent benefits, and the pride that comes with supporting the healthcare needs of our Veterans. Apply today via the official government portal.
Why This Pharmacy Technician - Outpatient And Controlled Substances Job Matters
Advance your pharmacy career in a mission-driven environment while directly supporting those who served our nation.
Pharmacy Technician - Outpatient And Controlled Substances Job Overview
The Washington DC VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Pharmacy Technician to join our outpatient and controlled substances division. This role is pivotal in maintaining the integrity of pharmaceutical services for Veterans, balancing rigorous inventory control with patient-centered care. You will operate in a complex, high-stakes medical facility, ensuring that medications are handled with precision, compliance, and compassion.
Requirements for Pharmacy Technician - Outpatient And Controlled Substances
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be considered if no qualified citizens are available).
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Active national certification as a Pharmacy Technician (PTCB/CPhT or NHA/ExCPT).
- Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Subject to a background investigation and drug screening.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Must successfully complete a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Pharmacy Technician - Outpatient And Controlled Substances
- Experience in sterile compounding.
- Professional background in chemotherapy, inpatient, or outpatient pharmacy settings.
- Proven experience with quality assurance protocols.
- Technical proficiency in automated pharmacy dispensing systems.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year.
- âś“11 paid Federal holidays.
- âś“Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
- âś“Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- âś“Traditional federal pension plan.
- âś“Federal 401K with up to 5% employer contribution.
- âś“Childcare subsidy for eligible families.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Pharmacy Technician - Outpatient And Controlled Substances Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Pharmacy Technician - Outpatient And Controlled Substances Job
- Create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a long-form resume documenting your relevant experience.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including certifications and transcripts.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—detail your experience with controlled substances and inventory control.
- Ensure your certification is active and clearly documented.
- Double-check that your transcripts and SF-50 (if applicable) are attached.
- Submit well before the deadline to account for any technical issues.
- Monitor your email for status notifications regarding your referral status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this Pharmacy Technician role?
The role involves a mix of controlled substance management, inventory compliance, and outpatient pharmacy support, including dispensing and automated system maintenance.
Is sterile compounding experience required?
While not a mandatory basic requirement, sterile compounding experience is highly preferred and will strengthen your application.
Can I apply if I am currently in school?
*A: Yes, pending the completion of your certification, you may be tentatively selected; however, you cannot start until all requirements are met.*
Is this a remote position?
*A: No, this is an onsite role at the Washington DC VA Medical Center.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our military, as well as their families and survivors. The Washington DC VA Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including primary care, surgery, neurology, and psychiatry. We pride ourselves on a Whole Health approach that values both the patient and the provider.