The incumbent of this position serves as the monitoring specialist for all Quality Assurance (QA) activities of the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) Section and all other areas in the facility where reprocessing of reusable medical device (RMD) takes place. The incumbent has responsibility for monitoring work performed in all work areas of the SPS Section, which includes Decontamination, Processing, Instrument Preparation, Operating Room Core Area and Distribution.

Duties

The Medical Supply Technician (Quality Assurance): Demonstrate knowledge of use fact-finding and investigative techniques to evaluate work processes and develop analysis in identify opportunities for improvement, makes recommendations and/or prepares reports based on findings. Analyze and collect data to identify trends and deficiencies to make appropriate recommendations to correct quality control issues and recognize positive outcomes. Ability to communicate effectively orally and written and demonstrate ability to evaluate, and demonstrate, presenting and preparing reports on current and future state of findings. Thorough knowledge of quality control measures in all areas SPS. Receives, dissembles, and inspects RMD for damage. Determines appropriate method for decontamination. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluid and other gross contamination. Support all steps and activities for set ups, reprocessing and maintenance will be completed in accordance with steps outlined in the equipment Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Participate in training in the setup, use, reprocessing, and maintenance of their unit/department-specific equipment leading to the initial competency and validation of ongoing competency at least annually. Use equipment appropriately and demonstrate and/or verbalize the proper use, reprocessing, and maintenance. The reprocessing may be done by the individual on the unit. Supports implementation, coordination, training, and ongoing maintenance support within SPS. Control the release of any new equipment/instrumentation until verification marking and asset tracking has been completed. Provide monitoring, analysis, consultation, and evaluation on instrument tracking workflow and processes pertaining to SPS and the instrument tracking software. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts may include weekends and holidays Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Available Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; 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. 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: Knowledge of fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work processes. Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to correct quality control problems. Knowledge of sterile processing operations, infection control procedures, and Joint Commission requirements to assess compliance during quality assurance reviews. Ability to compile information, evaluate facts, document findings, and prepare reports. Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques to maintain quality control. Ability to effectively communicate with technical and professional staff on the proper use of delicate instruments and equipment and resolve problems that may occur. Assignment. The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician serves as the monitoring specialist for all activities of SPS, which includes the operating room case cart management system. 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 SPS policies on cleaning and sterilization as it relates to manufacturer information for use, standards and mandates. Updates the quality assurance program annually or when manufacturer information and guidelines are changed. 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). 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). References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/83 PART II APPENDIX G47 Physical Requirements: The position requires long periods of standing, walking, bending and lifting. The employee usually stands and moves from one part of the department to another. There is frequent requirement for lifting baskets of stainless steel instruments weighing in excess of 25 pounds from floor level to chest level. Dexterity and strength are required for lifting and positioning RME. The employee regularly pushes loaded carts weights several hundred pounds and load them into elevators and through entryways. The incumbent must be mature, flexible, sensible and capable of working effectively in stressful situations and be able to shift priorities based on needs.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address VA St Louis Health Care System 1 Jefferson Barracks Drive St. Louis, MO 63125 US
• Name: Rachael Wright
• Phone: 210-771-5736
• Email: [email protected]