Summary The position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), VA Medical Center, in the Sterile Processing Service, Hampton, VA. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME). Responsibilities This position is an advanced practice level position in Sterile Processing Service, as a Quality Assurance Medical Supply Technician. In this position, the successful candidate will be problem solving, coordinating, monitoring and reporting Sterile Processing Service Quality Assurance data. Position demands employee to work independently, have forethought and be able to anticipate Quality Assurance needs for SPS, Operating Room and Clinics, and show initiative in the work. The Quality Assurance (QA)Technician serves as the monitoring specialist for all activities of SPS, which includes the operating room case cart system and clinics. Monitors the process of cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME. This includes following the use of bacteriological controls, principles and methods of sterilization, packaging, and assembly of simple to more complex items for therapeutic and surgical procedures. Develops procedures to evaluate the quality of work performance and outcomes as it relates to the quality assurance program. Maintains a system of internal and external reviews ensuring overall compliance of all critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME used within the medical center. Tracks and analyzes required documentation pertaining to critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME within the scope of SPS for quality control purposes. Utilizes qualitative analysis tools to prepare reports for trending, evaluate operations and facilitate improvements in workflow and quality processes. Troubleshoots computer programs related to SPS operations and trains staff on the inputting of data associated with the cleaning and sterilization of equipment, biological processing, and quality assurance programs. Collaborates with SPS management when deviations occur. Validates the SPS policies on cleaning and sterilization as it related to manufacturer information for use, standards and mandates. Updates the quality assurance program annually or when manufacturer information and guidelines are changed. Performs, and coordinates Critical Water Testing and Monitoring to include; daily, monthly, quarterly and annual testing. Reports Critical Water and Utility water results to SPS Chief. Is responsible for promoting a culture of safety and will fully cooperate in efforts to improve patient safety and eradicate potential events including the reporting of events resulting in actual or potential injury to a patient. Incumbent must demonstrate knowledge of the reporting procedures involving safety issues relating to patients. Participates in the Continuous Process Improvement Program Must have expert knowledge of the reprocessing for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and have documented competency in all areas of the department. Expert knowledge in the current inventory of Sterile Processing Services is required. Good working knowledge of Censitrac is required. The incumbent will be required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; Rotating 7:00AM - 3:30PM, 8:00AM - 4:30PM, 10:00AM - 6:30PM Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Telework: Not Authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentive: Not Authorized PCS: Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. 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. Qualifications Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience and/or Education: (1) Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; OR (2) Education. One year above high school that included at least 6 semester hours in health care related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, and operating room and surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; OR (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. English Language Proficiency: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determination. GS-07 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Quality Assurance: Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work processes. 2. Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to correct quality control problems. 3. Knowledge of sterile processing operations, infection control procedures, and Joint Commission requirements to assess compliance during quality assurance reviews. 4. Ability to compile information, evaluate facts, document findings and prepare reports. 5. Thorough knowledge of aseptic principals and techniques to maintain quality control. 6. Ability to effectively communicate with technical and professional staff on the proper use of delicate instruments and equipment, and resolve problems that may occur. References: Medical Supply Technician Qualification Standard GS-0622, VA Handbook 5005/83 Part II Appendix G47. Physical Requirements: The employee usually stands and moves from one part of the room to another while performing duties. There is frequent requirement for lifting supply tote bins, baskets or instruments sets weighing up to 50 pounds from the floor to chest level. The incumbent regularly pushes loaded instrument carts weighing as much as several hundred pounds. Tension and stress are induced by the critical nature of producing work results on a pre­established time frame as well as in emergent situations. Work Environment: On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. In both, the employee wears special clothing (PPE), gloves, hair covers, beard covers, shoe covers, and a gown, which can be uncomfortably warm. These can often be uncomfortably warm since the work areas are warm and humid. The employee must use padded gloves to remove carts from sterilizers and trays from the carts. The employee is also subject to bums and cuts from both clean and contaminated instruments. The employee is also subject to dermatitis from frequent contact with cleaning agents. The employee often works around body fluids, mucus excretions, and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts, and the operation of the sterilizers. Other Significant Facts: Required to rotate among the various assignments in the SPS operation. May work a variety of tours to ensure Hospital/Operating Room, and patient care needs are met. Required to obtain and/or maintain current certification(s) and ongoing training as required. Education There is no education substitute for this position. Perspective candidates must have at least one year of experience equivalent to a Medical Supply Technician at the next lower grade. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.