Launch Your Career as a Pharmacy Technician with the VA
Are you a skilled Pharmacy Technician looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of American heroes? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring for a Pharmacy Technician position at the South Texas Veterans Healthcare System in San Antonio, Texas. This is a vital role that supports the pharmacy team in delivering high-quality, compassionate care to those who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Pharmacy Technician, you will serve as a key player in the medication distribution process. Your daily duties will include:
- Prescription Processing: Interpreting, entering, and filling medication orders with high accuracy.
- Sterile Compounding: Preparing sterile and non-sterile medications in strict accordance with pharmacy safety standards.
- Automation Support: Troubleshooting and managing automated dispensing cabinets and other pharmacy technologies.
- Controlled Substance Management: Ensuring the secure handling, reconciliation, and documentation of all controlled substances.
- Patient Care: Providing excellent service and resolving medication-related issues for patients and clinical staff.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following baseline federal requirements:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Proficient in written and spoken English.
- Must clear a pre-employment drug screening.
- Subject to a background and security investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Salary and Comparison
The position offers a competitive salary structure based on the GS-7 grade level.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $57,986 - $75,384 per year |
| Pay Frequency | Annually |
| Grade | GS-07 |
| Benefits | Federal Pension, 401K, Health Insurance, Paid Leave |
Benefits
Working for the VA offers a comprehensive rewards package, including:
- Health & Wellness: Extensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Financial Security: A traditional pension and federal 401K (TSP) with 5% agency matching.
- Leave: Up to 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
- Flexibility: Potential childcare subsidies and generous parental leave programs.
Application Tips
To stand out during the hiring process:
- Be Specific: Describe your experience with specific pharmacy automation tools like Parata or ScriptPro.
- Documentation: Ensure all certifications, transcripts, and relevant licenses are uploaded as clear, legible documents.
- Follow Procedures: The VA review process is rigorous; double-check that you have answered all sections of the online questionnaire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does this position offer telework? A: No, this position is onsite-only and is not eligible for telework.
Q: Is certification required for this position? A: Yes, applicants should hold an active certification through the PTCB or NHA.
This role offers a unique opportunity to combine your technical expertise with a mission of service. If you are ready to advance your pharmacy career while supporting our nation's Veterans, we encourage you to review the full details and submit your application via the USAJobs portal today.
Why This Pharmacy Technician Job Matters
Transform lives by ensuring those who served get the care they earned. Join the South Texas Veterans Healthcare System as a Pharmacy Technician and advance your career in a mission-driven environment.
Pharmacy Technician Job Overview
The South Texas Veterans Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Pharmacy Technician to join our clinical team in San Antonio. This role involves performing complex pharmacy duties, from sterile compounding to automated system management, ensuring that our Veterans receive safe, accurate, and timely medication therapy.
Requirements for Pharmacy Technician
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Ability to complete an online onboarding process
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Passing a pre-employment urinalysis for drug screening
Preferred Qualifications for Pharmacy Technician
- At least 1 year of inpatient pharmacy experience
- At least 1 year of USP 797 and/or USP 800 sterile compounding experience
- 6 months of outpatient pharmacy dispensing experience
- 1 year of experience with pharmacy automation systems (e.g., Parata, ScriptPro, Omnicell)
- 1 year of controlled substance management experience
- Proficiency with computerized prescription processes (VistA)
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with potential for performance-based increases
- ✓Generous paid time off (up to 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave)
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays per year
- ✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting
- ✓Federal 401K (TSP) with agency matching contributions
- ✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees
- ✓Childcare subsidy for qualifying families
💡 How to Apply Pharmacy Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Pharmacy Technician Job
- Create or log into your account on the USAJobs portal.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume highlighting your pharmacy experience.
- Gather necessary documentation, including transcripts and professional certifications.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application and all required documents before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume to specifically highlight the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) requested.
- Ensure your transcript is attached if your qualifications depend on education.
- Double-check that your documents are labeled clearly to avoid omission errors.
- Submit early to account for any potential technical issues on the portal.
- Ensure your contact information is up to date for interview notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of this position?
The Pharmacy Technician supports both inpatient and outpatient operations, including medication preparation, sterile compounding, automated system management, and inventory control.
Is prior experience required?
Yes, to qualify at the GS-7 level, you must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-6 level, plus specific pharmacy-related skills.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The South Texas Veterans Healthcare System (STVHCS) is one of the nation's premier VA facilities, serving 63 counties and providing healthcare to over 93,000 Veterans. With campuses in San Antonio and Kerrville, the system offers primary, secondary, and tertiary care, including specialized units like the Spinal Cord Injury Center and a Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. Working here means joining a diverse team of 3,100 professionals dedicated to "caring for those who have served."