Serves as a Medical Supply Technician completing reprocessing of critical and semi-critical Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) and quality assurance tasks for Sterile Processing Services (SPS) under Nursing Service.

Duties

*Current permanent VA employees and Federal employees from other federal agencies should apply under CBST-12246812-24-GJ* In the decontamination area of the department, incumbent is responsible for initiating instrument and equipment reprocessing within 30 minutes of receipt from end users. Duties include but not limited to: Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RMD in the decontamination area. Disassembles the RMD and utilizes the correct cleaning methods according to manufacturer instructions. Correctly operates cleaning equipment such as ultrasonic irrigators, washer disinfectors and cart washers using the appropriate chemical/decontamination solution. Inspects, assembles and appropriately package instruments for sterilization per sterilization method determined by manufacturer. Accurately utilizes high-level disinfecting and sterilization equipment such as, but not limited to, steam, Sterrad, and automated endoscope reprocessors. If instruments are missing, incumbent will make an effort to retrieve the missing items. Incumbent will check department inventory for replacement instrument. If replacement instrument is not available, incumbent will coordinate with the front-line Supervisor with item number and description so replacement instrument can be ordered. Ensures a chemical indicator is placed in the appropriate location within the instrument packaging. Incumbent will complete a second check (for quality assurance monitoring) on all surgical instruments and sets assembled by others ensuring the instruments are present, clean and functional. Incumbent ensures load control stickers are applied to instruments and sets after sterilization has occurred. Incumbent will store instruments in the appropriate location according to service with temperature and humidity monitoring. Incumbent ensures the label is correct for the set/instrument assembled and the count sheet (sets only) has been appropriately verified for accuracy. Demonstrates a professional and courteous attitude while in contact with internal (coworkers, clinic, CBOC and OR personnel) and external customers (visitors, vendors and others). Performs second (quality assurance) checks on instrument sets/case carts for assembly accuracy and completion. Ensures rigid sterilization instrument containers have the correct internal and external chemical indicators and count sheets. Checks package integrity of instruments/sets ensuring there is no evidence of compromise packaging, such as staining (from moisture), holes, locks not in place, or any other issues that render instruments compromised. Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm/ or 9:00am-5:30pm, Monday-Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 502-00084-F 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. English Language Proficiency: MST's must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. Experience and/or Education: Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; OR 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 An equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. 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-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: 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; 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 (GS-05) 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. Preferred Experience: Previous Sterile Instrumentation Experience References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/83 Appendix G4 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: May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing.

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 Alexandria VA Medical Center 2495 Shreveport Highway Pineville, LA 71360 US
• Name: Grace Jackson
• Phone: 725-780-8676
• Email: [email protected]