This is a Full Performance Level Sterile Processing Service (SPS) Medical Supply Technician, SPS MST, position. The position is in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) Section under the Associate Director for Patient Care Service. The primary purpose of this position is to perform independently the full range of duties required to decontaminate, clean, sterilize, process, prepare, store, and distribute medical supplies and equipment used in all areas of the facilities.

Duties

Duties are, but not limited too: Sterile Storage and Distribution 1) Operates as a liaison for SPS to patient wards, clinical areas, procedure areas, and operating room. The employee is required to effectively communicate accurate information to numerous professional personnel such as Nurses, Technicians and medical staff, insuring that RME is available and ready for use always 2) Receives, inspects and stores supplies received in SPS insuring that the correct item and quantity are accepted. He/She will notify the Chief of SPS/designee of any discrepancies. 3) Inventories, replenishes shortages from sterile supply, maintains par levels, inspects for sterility integrity of instrument sets and expendable items. Rotates inventory, restocks outdated supplies, and maintains stock levels of surgical supplies and equipment for wards, clinics, and the operating room on a first in, first out basis (FIFO). Maintain the cleanliness of storage of RME by the cleaning of bins and shelves as set by policy. 4) Initiates requests for items from wards, clinics, and the operating room based on the daily schedule of needs or individual requisitions. 5) Performs quality assurance inspections on sterilized RME prior to issue, such as dryness, expiration date, control number, package integrity and labels. Preparation and Sterilization 1) Performs daily housekeeping duties of workstations daily to ensure environment of care is maintained 2) Utilizes an Instrument management system to assemble and provide a full range of instrument trays and sets for the OR, wards, clinics and special procedures which may encompass numerous different trays and sets, simple to complex sets. He/She inventories and coordinates the replacement of missing instruments on sets and trays, according to the sets instrument listing sheet (Count Sheet). 3) Will inspect, identify and sort the instruments/sets according to the size, weight and functional usage. The technician will reassemble and inspect instruments/sets for damage, cleanliness, completeness and usability of materials, according to the manufacturer instructions as set forth in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). 4) Selects the appropriate method of sterilization, according to the design constraints of the item and the compatibility of the item with the sterilization agent, manufacturer instructions as set forth in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), utilizing proper loading techniques in accordance with sterilization method. Decontamination 1) Adheres to facility regulations regarding application and removal of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 2) Collects and/or receives; cleans and decontaminates a full range of reusable supplies and RME used on nursing units, clinics, OR and Special Procedures units. SPS MST sorts RME and materials by the method of processing, inspects RME for any damage prior to processing, disassembles for cleaning RME with multiple parts, according to the manufacturer instructions as set forth in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). 3) SPS MST operates, maintains and adjusts processing equipment such as but not limited to; ultrasonic cleaning machines, washer/ disinfectors, automatic endoscope reprocessors (AERs)and leak testers. This involves but not limited to changing and resetting timers and adjusting steam pressure requirements on sterilization and decontamination cycles, changing filters4) Follows the SPS Infection Control guidelines as they pertain to inspecting, collecting and transporting of infectious materials, are monitored during daily soiled supply and equipment collection activities, including isolation bagging procedures for reprocessing materials. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 10:00pm - 5:30pm Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 512-23165F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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 and/or Education (1) Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or (2) 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 (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Certification. None. 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-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, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and high level disinfecting scope reprocessors. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. Preferred Experience: N/A References: VA Handbook 5005/76 Part II Appendix G47, May 28, 2014 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Physical demands of the position include work assignments with long periods of standing, walking, pushing, lifting, bending, stretching. This position requires the ability to lift 50lbs. The incumbent may at times be required to climb up and down a step stool in the work area. Work days may be extended without notice by emergency RME requests from operating room, clinics or nursing wards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

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 Maryland Health Care System 10 North Greene Street Baltimore, MD 21201 US
• Name: Colin Brown
• Phone: (410) 642-2411
• Email: [email protected]