The Medical Supply Technician (MST) is located in the Sterile Processing Service areas throughout the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and CBOC's. Medical Supply Technicians for Sterile Processing Services, reprocess reusable medical devices (RMD) for the facility in accordance to the manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU) and additional standards as set forth by the National Program Office of Sterile Processing (NPOSP).

Duties

Reusable Medical Devices (RMD): Knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) as required by this position. Maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RMD appropriate to this position. Demonstrate their ability to utilize an acceptable proficiency in the use of RMD appropriate to this position. Scope of Assigned Duties: Functions primarily in the Sterile Processing Services area and is responsible for maintaining high standards for decontamination, disassembly, assembly, inspecting, wrapping, high level disinfection and sterilization of surgical instruments and medical devices for Surgical Services and all Clinical Departments. Maintains consistency and continuous workflow between the OR and Sterile Processing while practicing excellent customer service. Sterile Procedures (Sterilization and Preparation) Decontamination Area Supply and Distribution of RMD Equipment Operation/Safety Physical Demands Work Environment Sterilization Procedures (Preparation and Sterilization): Selects the appropriate protective attire while working in the preparation and sterilization area. Ensures that all items packaged separately, in trays, or sets are clean and in proper working condition. Trays are prepared with required contents. Receives soiled, contaminated reusable medical supplies and devices from clinical and operatory areas. Separates supplies and disassembles devices according to correct method and cleaning. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids and other gross contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing, and use of appropriate decontamination equipment. Completes sterilization processes by means of functional and biological testing, load documentation, operation of the sterilizer, and inspection of a load before distribution to the end use as per manufacturer guidelines and additional standards as set by NPOSP. Must know proper operation of equipment in SPS and know proper selection of cleaning agents and disinfectants to use on each device. Supply and Distribution of RMD: Handles all sterile RMD supplies received, stored and dispensed by the Supply Chain Management (SCM) department. Uses principle of first in, first out (FIFO) when adding/returning stock to storage location. Assembles emergency replacement trays for emergency code carts as needed for SCM distribution. Decontamination Area: Follows Universal Precautions by wearing the appropriate protective attire while working in the Decontamination area. Receives soiled, contaminated reusable medical supplies and devices from clinical and operatory areas. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids and other gross contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing, and use of appropriate decontamination equipment. Equipment Operation/Safety: Recognizes equipment malfunctions and reports to appropriate individuals. Operates an ultrasonic cleaner, sonicator, washer disinfector, cart washer disinfector, steam sterilizers, hydrogen peroxide sterilizers and automatic endoscopic reprocessors (AER). Recognizes and reports equipment malfunctions by labeling equipment and notifying the appropriate individuals. Complies with SPS, National Program Office for Sterile Processing (NPOSP), OSHA, and AAMI standards of safe work practices. Actively participates and maintains current in annual requirements. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 2:00pm - 11:30pm, on call during off tour, weekends, and holidays. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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. English Language Proficiency: Medical Supply Technicians (MSTs) must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j. Experience: Six (6) months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work. OR, Education: One (1) year above high school that included at least six (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 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: The following criteria must be met when determining the grade levels for Medical Supply Technicians (MSTs): GS-03 Grade Level: This is an entry level MST position. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04 Grade Level: This is a developmental level MST position. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME). Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center. Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. Prepares operating room case carts. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. Experience: Six (6) 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 (2) years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation. In addition to the requirements above, must also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: 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 Grade Level: This is a developmental level MST position. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room. Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO and a high level disinfecting scope reprocessor; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex tasks and require direct supervision on new assignments. Experience: One (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-04). OR, Education: Four (4) 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. In addition to the requirements above, must also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: 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 Grade Level: 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. Experience: One (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05). In addition to the requirements above, must also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: 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 Preferred Experience: Sterile Processing Experience References: VA Handbook 5005/83, Part II, Appendix G47. MEDICAL SUPPLY TECHNICIAN (STERILE PROCESSING) QUALIFCATION STANDARD GS-622 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. Physical Requirements: 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 Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 820 South Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60612 US
• Name: Yasmin Scott
• Phone: 910-488-2120 X1499
• Email: [email protected]