Serves as a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) in the Sterile Processing Services (SPS) Section. Performs a wide area of duties, including various cleaning, decontamination, assembly, sterilization and distribution processes associated with medical, surgical, and Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) throughout all services at the facility.

Duties

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. Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area. Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method as determined by manufacturer instructions. Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. Rotates among the assigned duties in the Decontamination, Preparation, High Level Disinfection (HLD), Sterilization, and Sterile/Clean Storage Areas. Adheres to quality control procedures throughout the decontamination and sterile preparation/processing areas. Applies universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination and knowledge of sterility principles in-regards to instrumentation. Collects and receives all used, soiled reusable critical and semi-critical RME, utilizing proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and infection control procedures to prevent cross-contamination of other equipment and personnel during the collection and transport of the soiled RME. Disassembles technical medical instrumentation and equipment, where internal parts may become contaminated, which requires dexterity, skill, careful positioning of parts, and the elimination of any bioburden. Inspects for cleanliness, damage, deterioration, or imperfections such as rust, pitting and cracks that could affect the quality of patient care. Manually cleans, disinfects and sterilizes endoscopes, to include both upper and lower GI endoscopes, Cysto-Uretero Fiberscopes, transducers and various ultrasound probes classified as semi-critical reusable medical equipment. Conducts quality assurance testing of the effectiveness of the equipment operation is completed and documented to include bioburden testing, minimum effective concentration (MEC) testing, cavitation effectiveness testing, and washer/disinfector effectiveness testing. Prepares the full range of trays and sets necessary for use in various areas of the medical center, to include multiple clinic areas listed above. Reassembles surgical instrument sets as required for use by ophthalmic, urological, orthopedic, podiatry, and dental specialties, among others. Determines proper packaging method, based upon size, number and weight of the assembled items, and labels these items appropriately. Utilizes knowledge of equipment and instrumentation, its use, and specific procedures to respond to inquiries about the equipment and instrumentation, and potential substitutions. Work Schedule: 0930-1800 Monday-Friday Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/06/2023. BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3g.) 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. Grandfathering Provision. All MSTs that are employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Employees grandfathered into the GS-622 occupational series as MSTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation. MSTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. MSTs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. GRADE DETERMINATIONS: GS-03 (Entry Level) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. 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: Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. GS-05 (Developmental Level) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Examples of experience include but may not be limited to; knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination, basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets, basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment, and ability to communicate both orally and in writing; 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: Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. GS-06 (Full Performance Level) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Experience includes but is not limited to basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings, basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility, knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures. Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. References: VA Handbook 5005/83, Part II, Appendix G47, MEDICAL SUPPLY TECHNICIAN (STERILE PROCESSING) QUALIFICATION STANDARD, dated JULY 8, 2015. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS03 to GS06.

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 St Cloud VA Medical Center 4801 Veterans Drive St Cloud, MN 56303 US
• Name: Breeze Hennes
• Phone: (320) 252-1670 X5222
• Email: [email protected]