Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Full Job Description

Medical Supply Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) receive contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD) in the decontamination area, may also receive noncritical equipment.

Disassembles RMD and determines the correct cleaning method, such as, but not limited to, ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washer-disinfectors, cart washer and chemical cleaning decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions.

Basic Requirements: United States 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 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. 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency.

MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. GS-06 (Full Performance Level): (a) Experience.

One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (b)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.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

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. Major Duties:

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization, such as, but not limited to steam, Vpro, Steris, and high-level disinfecting scope reprocessors.

Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment. FUNCTIONS: An understanding of the basic principles of microbiology and infection control.

Knowledge of prevention of cross contamination and the critical nature of Hospital Acquired Infection especially related to the importance of dean and sterile supplies to the treatment and care of patients.

Must have an understanding of the concepts of sterility and aseptic technique in perioperative and ambulatory care and a working knowledge of sterilization procedures and methods as performed in SPS.

Must be trained and skilled in the selection of wrapping and packaging for trays for sterile procedures, in addition to the working knowledge of the method of cleaning and disinfection preparations which precede the actual sterilization.

Sterilizing items involves determining the proper sterilizing agent using manufacturer's instructions (either steam under pressure and chemical sterilization) then placing the carrier containing the supply items in the sterilizer and choosing the correct cycle to operate the sterilizer.

At the end of the sterilizing period, the technician reviews the computer printout to ensure all parameters (e.g.: time, temperature, pressure) were obtained and signs the printout.

Any deviations from the normal or expected are noted, reported and any corrective steps are taken.

Upon verifying that all requirements to accept that sterilization were achieved, the technician places a label on each item that shows the sterilization date, sterilizer used and the load number.

A similar label is placed in the record book with a comprehensive list recording each item sterilized in that load SCOPE: The work involves the decontamination, sterilization, and provision of sterile medical supplies to wards, clinic, operating room, and other areas of the medical center.

SPS is the front line of the defense against Hospital Acquired Infection and is necessary for provision of high quality medical care.

The work directly affects the health and lives, of the medical center patients, while providing clinicians with the means necessary to perform their responsibilities.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases 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