This is an advanced performance level position in Sterile Processing Service as a Medical Supply Lead Technician (Sterile Processing Lead Technician). The incumbent will provide leadership for SPS staff responsible for providing sterilization, preparation, supply items and decontamination support for the medical center.

Duties

This occupation is currently approved for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive through 9/23/2024.Candidates may be eligible for a lump sum CSI for a pro-rated amount if onboard prior to the CSI expiration date. Eligible candidates will be required to sign a service agreement agreeing to an obligated service period and failure to complete the obligated service period may result in a debt for the unearned portion of the CSI. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in 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 manufactures instructions. May prepare operating room case carts daily utilizing the surgery schedule. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids and other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing and scrubbing. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic and complex sets and trays used throughout the medical center, including those used in the operating room. Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. Checks for damaged or missing items and arranges for replacement, maintenance, or repair as needed. Disassembles, decontaminates, performs all phases of sterilization and reassembles items as required, to include intricate surgical trays and microsurgical instruments. Processes all complex endoscopic instrumentation to include those medical devices used in the gastroenterology, bronchoscopy, urology and the operating room. The incumbent is a resource for Medical Supply Technicians in all aspects of sterile processing including decontamination, packaging, sterilization and the loading and operation of sterilizers such as steam, hydrogen peroxide, and high-level disinfection using automated endoscope reprocessors. Completes quality assurance monitoring at the end of tour for all documentation for daily operations including all equipment logs, ultrasonic cleaners, washer/disinfector, steam and hydrogen peroxide sterilizer, high level disinfection, IUSS, biological indicators. Discusses discrepancies with the medical supply technician involved and reports to Assistant Chief. Applies the Joint Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Federal Drug Administration standards as they pertain to sterile processing and the distribution of reusable medical equipment. Work Schedule: 7:00am to 3:30pm 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: 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. 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. 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 Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, thecandidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1.Ability to instruct staff on the correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments. 2.Skill in communicating with staff to ensure compliance with written directives, rules and regulations. 3.Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers. 4.Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures. 5.Ability to lead individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments. Preferred Experience: One year of sterile processing experience equivalent to the GS6 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) or previous Medical Supply Technician lead or educator experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/76, Part II, Appendix G47. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address VA Central Iowa Health Care System 3600 30th St Des Moines, IA 50310 US
• Name: Jessica Echlin
• Phone: 651-405-5661
• Email: [email protected]