Summary Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) will be supporting the decontamination, preparation, and sterilization, disinfection, and distribution of the facilities critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD). Will utilize the processes for Reusable Medical Devices (RMD), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for decontaminating, preparation, sterilization, and disinfection of RMD appropriate to this position. Responsibilities Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Medical Supply Aide and Technician: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Supply-Aide-Career-Flyer.pdf Performing work pertaining to the decontamination, preparation, sterilization, disinfection, and distribution of reusable medical devices (RMD); and tracking RMD in the instrument tracking program and documenting all Quality Assurance involved in decontamination, preparation, sterilization, and disinfection and tracking RMD in the instrument tracking program and documenting all Quality Assurance involved in decontamination, preparation, sterilization, and disinfection, distribution, and inventory management processes. Operates equipment involved in decontamination, preparation, sterilization, and disinfection processes. Responsible for tracking RMD in the instrument tracking program and documenting all Quality Assurance involved in decontamination, preparation, sterilization, and disinfection processes. Required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and manufacturer's instructions for use (MIFU) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, preparation, sterilization, disinfection, and distribution of RMD. Demonstrate their ability to utilize an acceptable proficiency in the use of RMD appropriate to this position. Required to manually clean RMD - remove gross soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by discarding, wiping, brushing, scrubbing, soaking, rinsing; and mechanically wash RMD in decontamination. Required to dry, inspect, prepare, assemble, maintain, handle, package RMD according to SOPs and/or MIFUs. Disinfect and/or sterilize RMD utilizing appropriate disinfection and/or sterilization methods and equipment according to SOPs and MIFUs. Perform and document daily operational checks for all processes and equipment. Will perform work in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply and in other services and departments throughout the medical facility/campus. Required to work in areas that are hot or cold. Requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). Requires dexterity and visual acuity for assessing, manipulating, disassembly and assembly of RMD, as well as discerning physical monitors and process indicators of equipment. Alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. Wears special clothing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) that can be uncomfortably warm. Subject to burns and chemical exposure. Often works around body fluids, mucous, 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 operation of reprocessing equipment. Communicate both orally and in writing. Required to utilize universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. Utilizes medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, medical conditions, and procedures in order to assemble RMD. Proficient knowledge and application of decontamination, preparation, disinfection and sterilization reprocessing equipment and processes and is able to track these processes in the instrument tracking system (Censitrac). Knowledge of event-related packaging and storage methodology. Understands and applies quality assurance principles regarding RMD and RMD processes and reprocessing equipment. Will read, interpret, and apply written instructions and procedures. Work Schedule: M-F, 2:00pm - 10:30pm or 10:00pm - 6:30am Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54534-A, 54535-A, 54536-A, 54538-A Permanent Change of Station (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. English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. Experience and/or Education Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work. OR 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 Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Certification. None. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs. Grade Determinations: GS-03 (Entry Level) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. This is an entry level MST position. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. GS-04 (Developmental Level) Experience. Six months experience as a MST, operating room or surgical technician or other position that demonstrated knowledge of sterile processing in a clinical setting; or Education. Two years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation. NOTE: Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or nursing assistants obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces, the U.S. Maritime Service, or hospitals under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to 6 months of experience. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below: 1.Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. 2.Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets. 3.Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. 4.Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Assignment. This is a developmental level MST position. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME). Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center. Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. Prepares operating room case carts. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. GS-05 (Developmental Level) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; or Education. Four academic years above high school leading to a Bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation or a Bachelor's degree. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1.Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 2.Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility. 3.Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. Assignment: This is a developmental level MST position. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room. Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and a high level disinfecting scope reprocess or; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex tasks and require direct supervision on new assignments. GS-06 (Full Performance Level) 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 surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 2.Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. 3.Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures. 4.Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation. 5.Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. Assignment. This is the full performance level for the occupation. Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area and may receive noncritical equipment in the decontamination area as well. Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions. Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam. Preferred Experience: Previous Sterile Processing experience and Sterile Processing certification through VA, HSPA (formerly IAHCSMM), or CBSPD. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation) and in other services and departments throughout the medical facility/campus. The MST may be required to work in areas that are hot, humid, cold, drafty, and poorly lighted. The employee 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 RMD, as well as discerning physical monitors and process indicators of equipment. On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. The employee wears special clothing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) that can be uncomfortably warm. The Medical Supply is subject to burns and chemical exposure. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts and operation of equipment 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 This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 31, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be October 30, 2024. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. 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.