Medical Supply Tech (Sterile Processing)

Full Job Description

This position located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), at the James A. Haley VA Hospital (JAHVAH), located in Tampa, Florida and adjacent clinics.

The Medical Supply Technician assists in the sterilization, decontamination, and transportation of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME).

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, of 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. Certification. None required. 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.

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: In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

GS-06 (Full Performance Level) Specialized Experience.

One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5) which includes: Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.

Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regard to sterility. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

While we no longer require essay-style responses to our Knowledge's Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs), you must be able to demonstrate that you possess the (below) competencies which are necessary to perform the work of the position.

Please ensure your resume/CV/application contains sufficient information to support the level of experience/education/training; otherwise, we will not be able to award you credit for the experience/education/training you claim.

If selected, you may be required to submit narrative responses then.

These are the KSA's for this position and grade level that must be demonstrated on applicant's resume: 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 regard to instrumentation. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 Major Duties:

Duties: 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.

Inspects, prepares, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, EtO and high-level disinfecting reprocessors; may prepare operating room case carts daily utilizing 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 sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room.

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.

May be required to prepare operating room case carts. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment.

MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and SPS management.

Work Schedule: 3:30pm - 12am Midnight, weekends and holidays on a rotation basis Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 71702-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized