The Sterile Processing Service is hiring for one Advanced Medical Supply Technician - Quality Assurance at the Cheyenne VA Health Care system located in Loveland, CO.

Duties

List of Major Duties and Responsibilities of the position: The QA MST develops, implements, and evaluates plans with the Sterile Processing Chief, Reusable Medical Device Coordinator, Instrument Tracking System Coordinator, and Sterile Processing Supervisor for program compliance with accrediting agency requirements, policies, and procedures. The QA MST is responsible for implementation, oversight and management of the department's Quality Management System (QMS) program based on Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) TIR48 and VHA Directive 1116(2) guidance. The QA MST conducts and directs Quality Assurance (QA) monitoring on all activities performed in SPS, to include simple and complex instrument cleaning, endoscope reprocessing, surgical instrument tray preparation, sterilization monitoring, medical equipment efficacy testing, staff training, competency documentation, reprocessing documentation, use and storage areas, preventative maintenance of equipment, and instrument quality. The QA MST monitors cleaning and sterilization equipment operation and ensure efficacy testing is conducted to ensure proper operation. Inspects and maintains biological testing data for all sterilizers and High-Level Disinfection activities. Consolidates and reports all QA data to Reusable Medical Device (RMD) Committee on a monthly basis. The QA MST Collects and enters nationally reported data into the Sterile Processing Accountability Tool (SPAT) data collection platform quarterly. The QA MST is assigned to collect and transport Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) from more than 30 locations throughout the facility up to three (3) times a day. Following Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFUs), these items are sorted, cleaned, decontaminated, or disinfected in the Decontamination section of SPS. Items requiring additional processing, packaging and sterilization are sent to the Preparation and Packaging section of SPS where they are inspected for cleanliness, functionality, and quality. Following IFUs, these items are then assembled, packaged, and sterilized accordingly. After sterilization items are returned to the appropriate end user areas and stored/monitored. Removes gross contamination by soaking in appropriate detergent solutions, washing with a detergent blood solvent, scrubbing with a brush, rinsing in tap and then distilled water or washing in an ultrasonic unit and/or washer-sterilizer. MST (QA) decontaminates all reusable supplies and equipment in a manner rendering all decontaminated items safe for handling. MST (QA) determines proper methods and processes to follow per SOPs and manufacturer's instructions for use to decontaminate instruments and equipment. When required, properly disassembles surgical instruments avoiding damage or unnecessary wear. Uses seasoned judgement to ensure minimum potential for damage to equipment. The MST (QA) is assigned to collect and transport Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) from more than 30 locations throughout the facility up to three (3) times a day. Following Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFUs), these items are sorted, cleaned, decontaminated, or disinfected in the Decontamination section of SPS. Items requiring additional processing, packaging and sterilization are sent to the Preparation and Packaging section of SPS where they are inspected for cleanliness, functionality, and quality. MST (QA) strives for a logically arranged package that will permit effective penetration of the sterilizing medium and ease of use by end user. Visually examines items for damage, deterioration, or imperfections such as rust, pitting and cracks. MST (QA) operates medical equipment to determine whether it operates correctly after re-assembly. Sends malfunctioning or damaged equipment to repair or salvage unit. Work Schedule: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday to Friday 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)Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. 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 #: 60150

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: 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.) 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 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. Certification. None. 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 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Quality Assurance. 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: Knowledge of fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work processes. Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to correct quality control problems. Knowledge of sterile processing operations, infection control procedures, and Joint Commission requirements to assess compliance during quality assurance reviews. Ability to compile information, evaluate facts, document findings and prepare reports. Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques to maintain quality control. Ability to effectively communicate with technical and professional staff on the proper use of delicate instruments and equipment and resolve problems that may occur. Preferred Experience: Sterile Processing Experience and Certification This vacancy is being recruited above the full performance level. The actual grade at which an applicant will be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/76 PART II APPENDIX G47 Physical Requirements: The 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. 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 form accidentally touching hot items. 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 equipment.

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 Cheyenne VA Health Care System 2360 East Pershing Boulevard Cheyenne, WY 82001 US
• Name: VISN 19 HR Contact Center
• Phone: 719-227-4600
• Email: [email protected]