This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), Central Virginia VA Health Care System, Richmond, VA. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization, inspection and transportation of reusable medical devices (RMD) in the Sterile Processing Service and Endoscopy.

Duties

The Sterile Processing Technician in SPS interprets and follows the policies and procedures of the SPS including Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) inventory management areas to perform his/her daily functions within the established guidelines and demonstrates the ability to work effectively and efficiently. The incumbent is required to have a broad knowledge and skills in applying various sterilization modalities, high level disinfection, preparation, and decontamination techniques. The incumbent must also have a working knowledge of microbiology, quality control, and distinguishing between various reusable medical devices. The individual is accountable to maintain SPS standards for the practice of all services that contributes to the fulfillment to the mission. The position may require travel to any reprocessing location when necessary. Is subject to work rotating tours, weekends, holidays, and on-call, based on patient care needs. Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD) in the decontamination area and may receive non-critical equipment as well. Disassembles the RMD and determines manual and mechanical cleaning as determined by Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/manufacturer instructions for use (IFU). Inspects, assembles according to the instrument count sheets and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization or high-level disinfection, as determined by Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/manufacturer instructions for use (IFU). Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment. Receives items and correctly organizes them on shelves, ensuring that rotation of stock using First In- First Out (FIFO) method. Transport RMD as necessary. Certification in Sterile Processing and Endoscope reprocessing preferred. Work Schedule: Many shifts/schedules available, will be discussed during the interview process. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

GS6 - 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: Must have at least one year of experience at the next lower grade (GS-5). Specialized experience may include: experience in processing, assembling, troubleshooting, preparing, sterilizing, storing, and knowledge of decontamination, cleaning, preparation, sterilization, and storage procedures; knowledge of aseptic techniques; and skill in operating various equipment such as, washer-sterilizer, ultrasonic instrument cleaners and steam sterilizers, automatic endoscope reprocessors, etc. 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. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Regulations. Preferred Education/Experience: Experience processing endoscopes and SPS certification from either Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile Supply, and in other services throughout the medical facility that SPS supports. 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. On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. The employee wears special clothing, hair covers, personal protective equipment and shoe covers that can be uncomfortably warm. The employee uses insulated gloves to remove carts from sterilizers. The employee Is subject to burns from accidentally touching hot items. The hazards of working around minute quantities of sterilizing gasses are unknown. The employee often works around body fluids, mucous, excretions and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling, Strong, unpleasant odors are encountered while decontaminating bloody or grossly contaminated instrumentation or reusable medical equipment. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts and operation of pre-sterilizing equipment.

Contacts

• Address Central Virginia VA Health Care System 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard Richmond, VA 23249 US
• Name: Thomas Masters
• Phone: 757-604-8890
• Email: [email protected]