Summary The Medical Supply Technician (MST) Trainer is responsible for developing formal and informal written plans for the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) training program, in compliance with accreditation organizations and VHA-specific requirements as well as medical center policies and procedures for SPS related staff. The MST Trainer works in support of the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) reusable medical device (RMD) management team in the implementation of the SPS Education and Training program. Responsibilities This is a bargaining unit position. Kansas City VA Medical Center is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans. The MST Trainer facilitates the training, conduct, implementation and competency validation and documentation of SPS trainings and job specific instructions for SPS reprocessing technicians. The Trainer also performs a wide array of duties involving tasks in the sterile reprocessing workflow at a full-performance level for position. Tasks range from cleaning, decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and distribution processes associated with the utilization of RMD in the facility and CBOC. MST duties will apply during times of need and staffing challenges to be able to provide timely services for our veterans. Improves SPS processes by facilitating the application for new technology of reusable medical devices by training all new and existing staff. Develops, monitors, and revises SPS educational programs for both new and existing VA staff. Documents and assesses staff's training, to identify areas of strength and need. Develops an education plan (literature review, continuing education, in-services, certification and/or formal education) to maintain and improve knowledge in specialized areas of processing reusable medical devices. Identifies opportunities for improvement, makes recommendations and/or prepares reports based on findings. Develops and conducts the annual review of the SPS preceptor program. Provides initial orientation and a continuing on the job training for new and established SPS employees. Develops, monitors, and revises SPS education programs for transportation, decontamination, preparation/assembly, sterilization/disinfection, distribution, and storage of reusable medical equipment for the medical center. Develops and provides training to employees to fully comply with provisions of safety regulations and infection control procedures and principles. Identifies the training needs of SPS employees, develops training plans, and arrange training to meet the needs of employees. Creates learning plans that meet the needs of individual and specific groups. Evaluates and documents results of learning activities. Participates in tracking and trending educational data. Develops instructional plans and training based on established learning objectives and requirements that are provided in the manufacturer's instructions, VHA directives and memorandums. Evaluates employee competency on proper procedures and methods based on department and hospital polices. Evaluates the employee compliance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). This includes posting and maintaining current documents of SOP, Competencies, and Information for Use (IFU) documents on a regular basis. Develops, monitors, and revises SPS educational programs for both new and existing employees. The MST Trainer provides information to management officials concerning performance issues. (S)he will ensure the highest quality of reprocessing is performed by all SPS staff. The incumbent advises staff on the proper use of medical sterile equipment and problems that may arise. Evaluates SPS MST's competencies in real time, ensuring each step of a procedure is followed correctly. Provides immediate feedback to staff if any deviation from established standard operating procedure (SOP) is noted. Communicates in-service needs to the RN Nurse Educator/RME Coordinator. Provides on the job training to new employees. Acts as Preceptor to new employees and trains new preceptors. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 6:00am - 4:30pm, various work hours based on training needs. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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 Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. 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 Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. GS-07 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Trainer Preferred Experience: Minimum 3 years experience in Sterile Processing Services and VA Certification/HSPA Certification required. Previous training experience preferred. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of SPS and Infection Prevention regulations. Knowledge of procedures and/or operations in training developed for, and operations of SPS functions for both new and existing staff. Ability to manage integrated training programs as it relates to sterile processing procedures. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel or other software programs in order to complete reports and develop skills. Ability to communicate effectively with staff and management officials in regards to sterile processing procedures. References: VA Handbook 5005/83, Part II, Appendix G47, Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Qualification Standard, GS-0622, Veterans Health Administration, dated July 8, 2015. The grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: The Physical Requirements for the position require heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); heavy carrying (45 pounds and over); Use of fingers and both hands; straight pulling (8 hours); pushing (8 hours); walking (8 hours); standing (8 hours); Kneeling (8 hours); repeated bending (8 hours); both legs required; working outside and inside; excessive heat; excessive humidity; excessive noise, intermittent; constant noise; solvents (degreasing agents); Slippery or uneven walking surfaces; working around machinery with moving parts; working around moving objects or vehicles; working with hands in water; working closely with others; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4. Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; depth perception and the ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted); operation of transport equipment; working alone; protracted or irregular hours of work; unusual fatigue factors (Repetitive motions). Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information 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.