This position is located in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) section located under the Associate Director of Patient Care services of the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System. Leeds, MA. SPS is responsible for the reprocessing of all critical and some semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME).
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: 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, this part. 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.(If you are utilizing education to meet experience and/or education requirement, must submit a copy of your transcripts). 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. CRMST and/or HSPA preferred. 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-08 Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to read and interpret written procedures and select appropriate action in order to instruct staff in correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments. 2. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to ensure staff compliance with written directives, rules and regulations. 3. Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers. 4. Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures. 5. Ability to lead individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments. Preferred Experience: This position is for a LEAD STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN who actively works in SPS, not just oversees. Experience required, at least 5 years preferred and certification highly recommended. Proficiency in working with computers and Microsoft Office and ability and willingness to learn new applications and adapt to change is necessary. References: VA Handbook 5005/83 Part II Appendix G47 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), Heavy carrying, Straight pulling, Pushing, Reaching above shoulder, Use of Fingers, Both hands required, Walking, Standing, repeated bending, Both legs required, Both eyes required, Depth perception, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Ability to distinguish shades of colors, Hearing (aid may be permitted).
The Lead MST, Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the lead duties in the Sterile Processing Service. He/She must be able to direct and lead SPS personnel and communicate effectively to ensure user unit needs are met on a consistent basis. Must be organized and detail oriented to provide direction to Medical Supply Technicians GS-0622-3/4/5/6 as to complete tasks in a timely accurate manner. He/she will accommodate special and emergent requirements through consultation and coordination with the medical/dental professional staff. The incumbent advises medical personnel on the proper use of medical sterile equipment and problems that may arise. He/She is also responsible for planning and assigning work; ensuring and adjusting schedule to coverage. On a regular and recurring basis, lead duties in this position consist of the following: - Distributes and balances the workload among staff in order to ensure timely processing and to ensure that each employee has enough work to keep busy. - Keeps in touch with the status and progress of work, and makes day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities. - Reports on expected time of completion of work, and maintain records of work accomplishments and time expended. Prepares production reports as requested. - Instruct employees in specific tasks and job techniques and make available written instructions and reference materials as necessary. - Provides on the job training to new employees. - Maintains current knowledge and answer questions of other employees on procedures, policies, directives, etc. May obtain needed information or decisions from the supervisor on problems that arise. - Spot checks work in progress and assists in reviewing completed work to see that instructions, work sequences, procedures, methods and deadlines have been met. - Amend or reject work not meeting established standards. Refers to the supervisor questions or issues not covered by standards and/or problems in meeting performance standards. - Monitors working conditions such as seating, ventilation, lighting, safety, etc. - May inform employees of available services and employee activities. - Will resolve simple, informal complaints of employees, but refer other situations to the supervisor. - Reports to the supervisor on performance, progress and training needs of employees. - Reports on behavior problems. - Monthly training - Administrative tasks, audits, reporting, laser training and marking of any new instruments -Training of any new employees Work Schedule: Full time Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Compressed/Flexible: Not authorized Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PDF2008 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Notifications: This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay. Incomplete applications will not be considered. This is a bargaining union position