This position is organizationally aligned under Patient Care Services and Sterile Processing Service. 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.

Duties

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Major Duties: At least annually, reviews requirements for all training and communicates changes to Sterile Processing Service (SPS) staff in a timely manner. Regularly reviews all training throughout the year and ensures required training is completed by staff in a timely manner. Provides regular reports to Chief, SPS on the progress of all training for all SPS staff and informs the Chief, SPS of any delinquent training. Annually develops training plan for SPS staff that will include requirements as set forth by Chief, SPS. Ensure all new staff have successfully completed SPS Level I Training within 90 days of hire. Track and document successful completion of SPS Level I Training to include dates of staff completion. Coordinate initial training opportunities to include (VA SPS Level II, HSPA Certifications that included Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), Certified Healthcare Leadership (CHL), Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER), Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS). Track and document successful completion of outside educational opportunities to includes dates of completion. Develops training and orientation programs for all levels and positions of SPS and ensures they are kept current with policies and directives. Trains new existing staff on new technologies of reusable medical devices. Develops competencies to reflect approved standard operating procedures. Provides oversight to (and executes) competencies that ensure staff have been deemed competent to perform specific functions of their job. Utilizes systems (i.e., Censitrac, etc.) to monitor competencies to ensure competencies are kept current with established requirements. Develops risk assessment plans for identifying strengths and weaknesses of training and competency programs, reviews with SPS administration and see action plans through completion. Work Schedule: 12:00pm to 8:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required This occupation is being considered for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive (CSI). Candidates may be eligible for a lump sum CSI. The amount of lump sum CSI is determined based on appointment date and may be pro-rated as determined by the end date of the CSI. Eligible candidates will be required to sign a service agreement agreeing to an obligated service period and failure to complete the obligated service period may result in a debt for the unearned portion of the CSI.

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. 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 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 Determinations: GS-07 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Trainer Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-6. Demonstrated by: Utilizing knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings; Utilizing knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination; Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures; Utilizing knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation; Reading and interpreting written instructions and procedures. AND 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. All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package. Preferred Experience: Reprocessing experience in cleaning, assembly or sterilization of reusable medical devices. Any certification related to Sterile Processing Service (i.e. Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)) References: VA Handbook 5005/76, Part II, Appendix G47. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

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 Iowa City VA Health Care System 601 Highway 6 West Iowa City, IA 52246 US
• Name: Jessica Echlin
• Phone: 651-405-5661
• Email: [email protected]