Medical Supply Technicians (MST) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) receive contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME) in the decontamination area, and may receive noncritical equipment. Disassembles RME and determines the correct cleaning method, such as, but not limited to, ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washer-disinfectors, cart washer and chemical cleaning decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions.

Duties

Major duties include the following: Demonstrates sound and independent working knowledge of instrumentation to properly identify and accurately sorts/assembles instrumentation sets and equipment according to assigned categories and established procedures. Additionally, cleans critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME and any accessory items such as carts and containers. Performs daily cleaning of reprocessing environment in accordance to established protocols and proper testing/challenging of reprocessing devices. Monitors and maintains all logs related to the reprocessing areas. Reports equipment/device malfunctions to supervisors and service, referring equipment requiring more skilled repairs to medical maintenance. Demonstrates sound knowledge and ability to perform and interpret required chemical and biological challenging of high-temperature and low-temperature sterilization devices and testing high-level disinfection devices and processes, recording and reporting normative and variance findings using established protocols. For all items assembled or packaged, determines and selects correct method of sterilization and /or high-level disinfection accordingly. Operates sterilizers; cleans and tests equipment to determine whether correct parameters were obtained and processes control tests (i.e. Dart test, bacterial spore test). Maintains strict adherence to records control management and labeling each item (manually/ electronically) that is decontaminated, sterilized and high-level disinfected accordingly. Demonstrates sound working knowledge in the proper inspection, assembly and maintenance of surgical and clinical instrumentation also flexible endoscopes. Properly identifies and correctly assembles instrument trays/sets including those for treatment and diagnostic care and for full range of surgical and clinical operations. Serves as a peer resource to junior technicians and demonstrates keen ability to provide appropriate recommendations for substitutes RME for instrument items not available. Fulfills requests for items and equipment based on daily requirements from surgical and specialty services and clinics. Accurately inventories and records all incoming loaner sets and outgoing items issued for distribution. Maintains reprocessing supplies and stock levels preventing operational delays. Conducts scheduled and periodic inventory of RME. Removes compromised instrument sets and items for re-sterilization. Adherence to all environments of care requirements related to SPS reprocessing areas. May serve as shift and/or Interim Lead Medical Supply Technician. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 1530-2400, Monday to Friday. Occasional weekend and holiday call. 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

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: 1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 2. English Language Proficiency: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. 3. 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. Grandfathering Provision: 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: Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below: 1. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. 2. Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets. 3. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. 4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. GS-05 (Developmental Level) Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; 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: 1. Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 2. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility. 3. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/83, PART II, APPENDIX G47, Dated July 8, 2015 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation.

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 Northern California Health Care System 10535 Hospital Way Mather, CA 95655 US
• Name: Rolane Jack
• Phone: 808-835-9634
• Email: [email protected]