The Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) position is assigned to Sterile Processing Service department of Nursing Service at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center. The Medical Supply Technician provides wards, clinics, operating rooms, and other hospital facilities with sterile and non-sterile medical supplies, instruments, instrument sets and equipment.

Duties

Responsible for re-processing critical and semi-critical RMD by disassembling, cleaning, decontaminating, sterilization, HLD, and storage within SPS. Adheres to standard operating procedures (SOP) based on the manufacturer's instructions for use (mIFU) per individual item. Identifies and communicates non-conforming RMD to SPS leadership. Responsible for the proper decontamination of all critical and semi-critical RMD by strictly adhering to device SOP's, ensuring the utilization of appropriate specific chemicals, cleaning tools, and rinsing procedures for each individual item including but not limited to complex items such as flexible endoscopes and orthopedic instrumentation. Performs and documents the appropriate quality assurance testing to assure proper decontamination is achieved. Visually inspects each item for cleanliness and function. The MST visually inspects all items prior to assembly, packaging, and sterilization and ensures that any items with damage, deterioration or imperfections such as rust, pitting and cracks are taken out of service and repaired or replaced. Performs leak tests and bioburden test on all endoscopic devices prior to processing. Tests all items in SPS to determine that they operate correctly and sends malfunctioning or damaged equipment for repair utilizing the work order process. Responsible for the proper packaging of individual items and assembly of trays, according to checklists, count sheets, and SOPs. Performs the appropriate method of sterilization (Steam or Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma gas) and attaches the appropriate chemical indicator according to the device SOP. Performs quality assurance processes including biological indicators and reviews equipment printouts to assure that all sterilization parameters (e.g., time, temperature and pressure) have been met, prior to release to user, and notifies SPS leadership of any failures. Responsible for assembling and ensuring correct case carts are delivered to the end user utilizing picking tickets and checklists. Distributes critical and semi-critical RMD to Wards, Clinic Areas and Ancillary Care Areas, Dental Services, Endoscopy, and Operating Room. Ensures that proper levels of RMD are provided to all users utilizing proper inventory rotation techniques. Ensures all sterile or HLD items are stored utilizing first in first out (FIFO) and that the package integrity is not compromised. Responsible for maintaining cleanliness in all SPS reprocessing areas, monitors the environment of care and completes documentation where appropriate. Must be able to track and process loaner items according to the mIFU ensuring on time delivery to the end user. Must utilize critical thinking skills to prioritize the workload. Must act as a "gate keeper" to ensure inappropriate RMD are not processed in the SPS department. Actively participates in all quality assurance activities and is obligated to report non-compliance to leadership. Responsible for attending and participating in all educational activities to be eligible for or achieve and maintain certification. Participates in the orientation and training of new employees. The technician is required to work in all areas of SPS as required. Work Schedule: Multiple tours-Dependent upon the needs of the unit. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected] Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases . When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Medical Supply Aide and Technician: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Supply-Aide-Career-Flyer.pdf

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. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part VA Handbook 5005. 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. Grade Determinations: GS 3 (Entry Level) Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements. GS 4 (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. 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. 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 5 (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 6 (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 5005/76 Part II Appendix G47 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 3-6. Physical Requirements: The work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items such as instrument trays, manuals, record boxes, equipment or assisting patients. The work requires above average agility and dexterity.

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 Martinsburg VA Medical Center 510 Butler Avenue Martinsburg, WV 25405 US
• Name: Pamela Mays
• Phone: 681-219-9860
• Email: [email protected]