Summary Responsible for the decontamination, inspection, correct assembly, proper sterilization, and distribution of reusable medical devices (RMD) throughout the facility. He/she actively participates in departmental development and is responsible for training departmental staff members. The MST/Trainer collaborates with SPS RN Educators to maintain staff competencies based on manufacturer's instructions for use (MIFU). Responsibilities 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 devices (RMD) 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. Arranges in-services to meet the needs of each individual and department. 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 Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (MIFU) documents on a regular basis. Develops, monitors, and revises SPS educational programs for both new and existing employees. Performs other directly related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 3:30pm - 12am Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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. 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) - Qualifications Basic Requirements: GS-07, Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Trainer Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following: 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. The MST Trainer is responsible for developing formal and informal written plans for the SPS training program, in compliance with accreditation organizations and VHA-specific requirements as well as medical center policies and procedures for SPS and related staff. Facilitates training of SPS staff through educational programs and job specific instruction. 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 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. Participates in tracking, trending and analyzing education data. Identifies opportunities for improvement, makes recommendations and/or prepares reports based on findings. Develops and conducts the annual review of the SPS preceptor program. Physical Requirement: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation) and in other services and departments throughout the medical facility/campus. May be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty and poorly lighted. Is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and other injuries from material handling equipment. The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. On a regular and recurring basis, alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. Wears special clothing, hair covers, personal protective equipment and shoe covers that can be uncomfortably warm. Uses insulated gloves to remove carts from sterilizers. Is subject to burns from accidentally touching hot items. The hazards of working around minute quantities of sterilizing gasses are unknown. Often works around body fluids, mucous, excretions and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling. Strong, unpleasant odors are encountered while decontaminating bloody or grossly contaminated instrumentation or reusable medical equipment. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts and operation of pre- sterilizing equipment. Requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. May be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. May occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. Must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. Education 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. 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.