Indian Health Service Logo
Position Title
Pharmacy Technician / Pharmacy Aid
Agency
Indian Health Service
Announcement Number
IHS-25-WR-12667042-DE Opens in new window
Open Period
Monday, January 27, 2025 to Thursday, April 3, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy AND
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
3. Are you a recipient of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) Health Profession Scholarship authorized under Public Law 94-437?
If yes, confirm:
  1. You have completed or will be completing the requirements of the approved health profession program within the established timeframe
  2. Meet all eligibility criteria
  3. Entitled to a one-time priority referral/selection to fulfill their obligation to provide public service
You will be required to submit a copy of your transcripts. If you are pending completion of a health profession degree submit a copy of your transcripts and written proof from the education institution's registrar which provides the date for completing the professional program.
(limit characters)
4. Are you an American Indian/Alaska Native who is enrolled in a federally recognized tribe as defined by the Secretary of Interior? The Indian Health Service gives qualified American Indian/Alaska Natives preference when filling vacancies in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472), with approved exceptions.

If eligible, submit a copy of your Bureau of Indian Affairs Form 4432, "Verification of Indian preference for employment in the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service," that has been completed by authorized tribal or BIA Officials. For more information, review the IHS Indian Preference guidelines: http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/permanentDocs/indianpreference.pdf.
(limit characters)
5. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?

If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy and
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
6. Are you currently a student that has been accepted for enrollment or are enrolled at least half-time in an accredited high school, college, professional, technical, vocational, or trade school pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate? You must remain enrolled and will be required to provide proof of current student status to be eligible for this program.

For more information, review USAJOBS Student and Recent Graduate resources.
(limit characters)
7. Are you a recent graduate who has completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associate's, bachelor's, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate? (Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree due to military service obligation have up to six years after degree completion to apply).

If eligible, submit a copy of your transcripts to support your recent graduate eligibility. If you are a veteran, please submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service.

For more information, review USAJOBS Student and Recent Graduate resources.
(limit characters)
8. Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for Schedule A Disability appointments?

If eligible, provide proof of disability with appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.

For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
(limit characters)
9. Political, Schedule C, Non-career SES Appointee: In the last five years, based on the closing date of this announcement, have you been or are you currently an employee in the Executive Branch serving on a political, Schedule C, or Non-career SES appointment? If yes, and you are selected through this vacancy announcement, you may be required to obtain approval by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) prior to beginning employment.

A political appointee is an appointment made by the President without confirmation by the Senate (5 CFR 213.3102(c)) OR an Assistant position to a top-level Federal official if filled by a person designated by the President as a White House Fellow (5 CFR 213.3102(z)). A Non-career SES appointee is approved by the White House and serves at the pleasure of the appointing official without time limitations. A Schedule C appointee occupies a position excepted from the competitive service by the President, or by the Director, OPM, because of the confidential or policy-determining nature of the position duties.
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. (limit characters)
2. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
3. Full Time Availability - 40 hours per week (limit characters)
4. Full Time Availability (limit characters)
5. This position is covered by Public Law 101-630, the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act (25 United States Code Chapter 34) requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this law, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been arrested for or charged with certain crimes involving a child. Responding yes to this question can make you ineligible for employment in this position. You will be contacted if additional information is required. Have you ever been arrested for or charged with a crime involving a child? (limit characters)
6. This position is covered by Public Law 101-630, the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act (25 United States Code Chapter 34) requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this law, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes against persons or offenses committed against children. Responding yes to this question makes you ineligible for employment in this position. You will be contacted if additional information is required. Have you ever been found guilty of, or entered a plea of nolo contendere (no contest) or guilty to, any felonious offense, or any two or more misdemeanor offenses under federal, state, or tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact or prostitution; or crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children? (limit characters)
7. I certify that (1) my responses to questions one and two are made under penalty of perjury, which is punishable by fine under title 18 of the United States Code, or imprisonment of not more than five years, or both; and (2) I have received notice that a criminal check will be conducted. I understand my right to obtain a copy of any criminal history report made available to the Indian Health Service and my right to challenge the accuracy and completeness of any information contained in the report. (limit characters)
8. Are you applying for permanent or temporary position? (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in this PHARMACY AID or TECHNICIAN position with the Indian Health Service.
We will evaluate your resume and your responses to this Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position. Your responses are subject to verification. Please review your responses for accuracy before you submit this questionnaire. 
SECTION I. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND FACTORS.
(limit characters)
1. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION, GS-03
Select one response below that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-03 level. Select only one response and do not leave blank.
(limit characters)
2. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION, GS-04
Select one response that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-04. Select only one response and do not leave blank. NOTE: Your specialized experience may have been gained in a hospital pharmacy or retail pharmacy, or in a pharmaceutical firm or laboratory. The experience must have provided a basic knowledge of pharmaceutical nomenclature; characteristics, strengths, and dosage forms of pharmaceuticals; pharmaceutical systems of weights and measures; and the variety of procedures and techniques involved in the care, storage, repackaging, bulk compounding, and distribution of pharmaceuticals.
(limit characters)
3. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION, GS-05
Select one response that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-05. Select only one response and do not leave blank. NOTE: Your specialized experience may have been gained in a hospital pharmacy or retail pharmacy, or in a pharmaceutical firm or laboratory. The experience must have provided a basic knowledge of pharmaceutical nomenclature; characteristics, strengths, and dosage forms of pharmaceuticals; pharmaceutical systems of weights and measures; and the variety of procedures and techniques involved in the care, storage, repackaging, bulk compounding, and distribution of pharmaceuticals.
(limit characters)
4. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION, GS-06
Select one response below that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-06 level. Select only one response and do not leave blank.
(limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
5. Selective Placement Factor for GS-05, GS-06
Do you possess a current and active certification through Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or National Health career Association or similar certification AND an active Pharmacy Technician License or an active state Certified Pharmacy Technician License? Select only one response and do not leave blank.
(limit characters)
6. Condition of Employment Factor for GS-03 and GS-04
Are you able to obtain a Pharmacy Technician License within 6 months of entrance on duty?
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
7. Perform inventory management functions such as ordering, receiving and putting away stock. (limit characters)
8. Review online records to determine if pre-authorization is required, and complete preauthorization for provider signature. (limit characters)
9. Prepare and submit insurance claims to third party payers. (limit characters)
10. Follow-up on all claim denials ensuring investigation activities are thoroughly documented in order to ensure optimal efforts are made to maximize third party collections overall. (limit characters)
11. Use mathematical calculations, such as, percentages, ratios, and proportions. (limit characters)
12. Differentiate drug and medical brand names, generic/chemical, and pharmaceutical names to prepare and dispense drugs. (limit characters)
13. Adheres to rules and regulations pertaining to release of patient information. (limit characters)
14. Obtain information from the patient and enter into an electronic health record system. (limit characters)
15. Implements program improvements to enhance program quality and effectiveness. (limit characters)
16. Work with Pharmacist to address any questions or concerns the patient may have so the patient has comprehensive information. (limit characters)
17. Fill and dispense prescriptions. (limit characters)
18. Complete log book entries in accordance with industry standards. (limit characters)
19. Use an inventory management software to monitor supplies. (limit characters)
20. Reconcile discrepancies found during inventory of pharmacy supplies. (limit characters)
21. Document pharmacy provided services in the patients' medical record. (limit characters)
22. Operate and troubleshoot issues with pharmacy automated dispensing systems in the outpatient setting. (limit characters)
23. Enter Point-of-Sale data into the automated system. (limit characters)
24. Review and correct dispensing and billing online records to assure that record and bill contain complete data so that bill can be collected. (limit characters)
25. Set up prescription insurer files in Pharmacy Point of Sale or Pharmacy Claims Adjudication Systems. (limit characters)
26. Demonstrate understanding, friendliness, courtesy and politeness to others (limit characters)
27. Maintain composure when dealing with customers who are difficult, hostile, or distressed. (limit characters)
28. Work with people from a different cultural orientation in order to improve the delivery of health care services. (limit characters)
29. Contact Pharmacy vendors and companies to resolve problems and to reconcile receipts and invoice billings. (limit characters)
30. Evaluate incoming communications to determine whether an immediate response is required. (limit characters)
31. Accept responsibility for positive and negative outcomes of work. (limit characters)
32. Take responsibility for timely and quality completion of assignments. (limit characters)
33. Make decisions concerning planning, organizing and conducting work. (limit characters)
34. Performs independent analysis and problem solving to reach conclusions for proper reimbursement. (limit characters)
SECTION II. CERTIFICATION OF INFORMATION ACCURACY: As previously explained, your responses in this Assessment Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification. Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your responses. Deliberate attempts to falsify information will be grounds for disqualifying you or for dismissing you from employment following acceptance. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy.

Certification of Information Accuracy. If you fail to answer this question, you will be disqualified from consideration for this position.
(limit characters)
35. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position. (limit characters)