Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Sterile Processing Service, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, Texas. This is an entry level MST position up to the full performance. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision.

Duties

Major Duties as Assigned, but not limited to: GS-3: In this position, the incumbent, under direct supervision of experienced staff, will provide sterilization, preparation, decontamination, high level disinfection (HLD), supply items and reusable medical equipment and distribution support for the medical center. The incumbent is under direct supervision of experienced staff when performing all duties. Disassembles equipment, removes gross contamination from the component parts, reassemble equipment, and checks its functionality; will assist with determining appropriate method for cleaning, decontamination and sterilizing or disinfection of equipment to prevent cross-infection potential while avoiding damage to the reusable medical equipment; receive contaminated reusable medical equipment via dedicated dirty dumb waiter or transports to decontamination area per policy to avoid contamination to self, other staff or visitors and environment; will return processed reusable medical equipment to area of use ensuring items are not contaminated during transport. Don appropriate personal protective equipment and adhere to all sterile processing service dress codes. Under direct Supervision the incumbent will check packaging integrity of sterile items to ensure sterility. The incumbent is responsible for stock rotation, cleanliness and orderliness of all areas assigned to work. GS-4 & GS-5: In this position, the incumbent receives guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex tasks and require direct supervision on new assignments. The incumbent will perform segments of sterilization, preparation, decontamination, high level disinfection (HLD), of reusable medical equipment and distribution support for the medical center. This is a developmental level MST position. The incumbent will perform segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME); will complete segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center; prepares loads, operates equipment involved in sterilization processes, and high-level disinfecting scope reprocessors with frequent guidance and observation from more experienced staff; prepares operating room case carts with guidance from more experienced staff members; 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. (GS-5): The incumbent will pick-up and transport soiled RME and deliver to Decon. The incumbent will deliver reprocessed RME to the appropriate service. GS-6: In this position, the incumbent is functioning at a full level performance. The incumbent will perform all elements of sterilization, preparation, decontamination, high level disinfection (HLD), of reusable medical equipment and distribution support for the medical center. Cleans, decontaminate, and reprocess flexible and rigid endoscopes according to IFU; will clean visually inspect, and leak test all flexible endoscopes and choose the correct method of reprocessing (high level disinfection (HLD), steam sterilize, or Sterrad/V-Pro Max). Documents all items highly disinfected utilizing chemical disinfecting agents and checking and documenting efficacy of solution. Monitors expiration dates of endoscopes and pulls scopes expiring for reprocessing; disassemble instruments/equipment, remove gross contamination, manually wash instruments, and decontaminate instruments according to manufacturer's instructions for use (MIFU); determines appropriate method for cleaning, decontamination, and sterilizing of equipment to prevent cross-infection potential while avoiding damage to the equipment. Prepares loads, operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. Prepares operating room case carts and places any missing items on the OR shortage list. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room. Pick-up and transport soiled RME and deliver to Decon. Delivers reprocessed RME to the appropriate service; stores, issues, and maintains locator records on all SPS cycled equipment; advises medical personnel on proper use of equipment; must be knowledgeable of and adhere to all SPS policies/procedures/SOPs in performance of duties. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, Nights/Weekends/Holidays. Tour of duty: (while in training): 7:00 am - 3:30 pm or 9:00 am - 5:30 pm or 11:00 am - 7:30 pm and Permanent Shift: 1:00 pm - 9:30 pm. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Medical Technician (Sterile Processing)/PD00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3g.) b. 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. c. Certification. None. d. Grandfathering Provision. All MSTs that are employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees grandfathered into the GS-622 occupational series as MSTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation. (2) MSTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (3) MSTs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. e. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs. f. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. g. 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: The following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-03 (Entry Level) (a) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignment. This is an entry level MST position. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. GS-04 (Developmental Level) (a) 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 (b) Education. Two years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation. NOTE: Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or nursing assistants obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces, the U.S. Maritime Service, or hospitals under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to 6 months of experience. (c) 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. (d) Assignment. 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. GS-05 (Developmental Level) (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; or (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) Assignment: 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. GRADE DETERMINATION CONTINUED IN EDUCATION SECTION BELOW Preferred Experience: Strong attention to detail, Excellent organizational, prioritization skills Capability to perform multi-step processes and follow detailed written and verbal instructions Ability to complete work assignments and tasks within a reasonable time frame Excellent organizational and prioritization skills Basic computer skills, including knowledge of Word and Microsoft Outlook email References: VA Handbook 5005/83, Part II, Appendix G47, Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Qualification, 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: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation) and in other services and departments throughout the medical facility/campus. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty and poorly lighted. The employee is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and other injuries from material handling equipment. 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

GRADE DETERMINATION CONTINUED:

GS-06 (Full Performance Level)
(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 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.
(c) 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.

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

NOTE: If your school was accredited by U.S. Department of Education at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the DOE website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

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 Central Texas Health Care System 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive Temple, TX 76504 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]