Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Quality Assurance

Full Job Description

The Medical Supply Technician in Sterile Processing primary function is responsible for sterile processing and/or high-level disinfectants of critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment, maintaining quality assurance with all the machines, scopes, and high-level disinfectors.

Additionally, the Quality Assurance (QA) Technician serves as the monitoring specialist for all activities of SPS, which includes the operating room case cart management system.

Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. English Language Proficiency: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English.

Experience and/or Education: Must have one of the following: 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.

IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE, YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING GRADE REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION.

GS-7 Grade Requirements: Experience: Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-6 in the normal line of progression for the occupation.

Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: Receiving contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area; disassembling the RME and determining the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions; inspecting, assembling and determining the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and high level disinfecting scope reprocessors; performing and documenting daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment.

AND, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1.

Knowledge of fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work processes. 2. Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to correct quality control problems. 3.

Knowledge of sterile processing operations, infection control procedures, and Joint Commission requirements to assess compliance during quality assurance reviews. 4.

Ability to compile information, evaluate facts, document findings and prepare reports. 5. Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques to maintain quality control. 6.

Ability to effectively communicate with technical and professional staff on the proper use of delicate instruments and equipment and resolve problems that may occur.

Assignment: The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician serves as the monitoring specialist for all activities of SPS, which includes the operating room case cart management system.

Monitors the process of cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME.

This includes following the use of bacteriological controls, principles and methods of sterilization, packaging, and assembly of simple to more complex items for therapeutic and surgical procedures.

Develops procedures to evaluate the quality of work performance and outcomes as it relates to the quality assurance program.

Maintains a system of internal and external reviews ensuring overall compliance of all critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME used within the medical center.

Tracks and analyzes required documentation pertaining to critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME within the scope of SPS for quality control purposes.

Utilizes qualitative analysis tools to prepare reports for trending, evaluate operations and facilitate improvements in workflow and quality processes.

Troubleshoots computer programs related to SPS operations and trains staff on the inputting of data associated with the cleaning and sterilization of equipment, biological processing, and quality assurance programs.

Collaborates with SPS management when deviations occur. Validates SPS policies on cleaning and sterilization as it relates to manufacturer information for use, standards and mandates.

Updates the quality assurance program annually or when manufacturer information and guidelines are changed.

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

Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings, the incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty and poorly lighted, requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds).

The employee is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and other injuries from material handling equipment.

The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. Major Duties:

The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician serves as the monitoring specialist for all activities of SPS, which includes the operating room case cart management system.

Monitors the process of cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME.

This includes following the use of bacteriological controls, principles and methods of sterilization, packaging, and assembly of simple to more complex items for therapeutic and surgical procedures.

Develops procedures to evaluate the quality of work performance and outcomes as it relates to the quality assurance program.

Maintains a system of internal and external reviews ensuring overall compliance of all critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME used within the medical center.

Tracks and analyzes required documentation pertaining to critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME within the scope of SPS for quality control purposes.

Utilizes qualitative analysis tools to prepare reports for trending, evaluate operations and facilitate improvements in workflow and quality processes.

Troubleshoots computer programs related to SPS operations and trains staff on the inputting of data associated with the cleaning and sterilization of equipment, biological processing, and quality assurance programs.

Validates SPS policies on cleaning and sterilization as it relates to manufacturer information for use, standards and mandates.

Assist in formulating and communicating policies and procedures for the instrument management system (IMS).

Assist staff in the proper use and utilization of the IMS in order to provide sterile instruments and supplies in an efficient, accurate, and professional manner to all its customers.

Updates the quality assurance program annually or when manufacturer information and guidelines are changed. Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Suitable Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00776F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized