The incumbent in this position functions as Quality Assurance and Supply Specialist in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) section of Patient Care Service. The incumbent assists the Assistant Chief and the Chief of SPS in the day to day technical aspects of the quality assurance operation of Sterile Processing Service.

Duties

Duties are, but not limited to: May rotate among the various assignments and tours of duty in the SPS operation, to include: decontamination, instrument preparation, and O.R. Case Cart storage area. Occasionally works weekends and holidays as scheduling requires. Responsible for the quality management and improvement programs of all areas of SPS section to include: preparation, decontamination, sterile supply central dispatch, and operating room surgical instruments supply areas. Prepares a variety of QI and QA reports. Performs frequent inspections of SPS technical areas to ensure that prescribed aseptic procedures and processes are followed. Assures that regulations and rules on housekeeping and safety are observed. Collects and maintains workload and workflow statistical data used in assuring compliance with Infection Prevention guidelines, VA Policies and Procedures, JCAHO, AAMI, AORN, and OSHA requirements. Inspects, tests, and monitors sterilization equipment functionality daily, and reports any equipment malfunctions as well as any abnormal use of equipment. Oversees the replenishment and completion of Surgical Case Cart assembly; performs surgical instrument replacement; monitors sterile supply stock availability, and provides support to customers. Required to maintain adequate levels of sterile supplies used in the surgical case cart program. Oversees and monitors SPS equipment replacement and instrument repair program. Develops improvements to surgical procedures and patient care. Responsible for quality control of the reusable trays, instruments, diagnostic apparatus, and other equipment decontaminated and processed utilizing prescribed testing procedures. Coordinates and communicates with departments on the additions and deletions of surgical instruments in trays/sets. Maintains all sterilizers biological testing records and reports on a daily basis and to review logs and data entry and report any unusual events or incidents to the chief of SPS. Receives and maintains records for all non-biological implantable devices processed though the department. Maintains records of all incoming loaner instrument trays, sets and equipment. Plans and coordinates the continuous training and development program for the department employees. Provides and documents new employee required in-service competency training. Knowledge of utilization of the Instrument Tracking Program and reports that are needed and utilized monthly for RMD committee. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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 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) - Quality Assurance (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work processes. 2. Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to correct quality control problems. 3. Knowledge of sterile processing operations, infection control procedures, and Joint Commission requirements to assess compliance during quality assurance reviews. 4. Ability to compile information, evaluate facts, document findings and prepare reports. 5. Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques to maintain quality control. 6. Ability to effectively communicate with technical and professional staff on the proper use of delicate instruments and equipment, and resolve problems that may occur. **MUST demonstrate all of these in your resume. (c) 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. Preferred Experience: HSPA or CBSPD certification is preferred At least three years of experience related to sterile processing is preferred Experience with document control and educating staff is preferred References: VA Handbook 5005/76 Part II Appendix G47 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 7. Physical Requirements: Work is in a restrictive setting in the SPS area which requires special attire inclusive of masks, hair covers, and shoe covers. Temperature and humidity sometimes reaches uncomfortable limits. Sights, sounds, and odors associated with decontaminated instruments and supplies may be particularly disagreeable. Works around wet floors, cleaning agents, chemicals and around steam and plasma equipment. Hazards to skin and mucous membranes are present. Contact with hospital diseases requires wearing protective clothing and using universal precautions.

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 West Palm Beach VA Medical Center 7305 North Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33410 US
• Name: Kristen L. Johnson
• Phone: 443-531-8426
• Email: [email protected]