This is the Advanced Level for the position in Sterile Processing Service as a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing Technician). In this position, the incumbent is expected to perform the full scope of sterilization duties and responsibilities with minimal supervision and direction. The incumbent is expected to perform independently to provide sterilization, preparation, supply items, and decontamination support for the medical center.
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. 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 (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Certification: CRCST Certification 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 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).Grandfathering Provision. Grade Determinations: GS-07 (Advanced Level) Experience. 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: 1. Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 2. Ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets. 3. In-depth knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. 4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in order to convey information and thoughts to others. Assignment. The Advanced MST assembles highly complex instrument sets including, but not limited to, open heart, major orthopedic total joint, cardiovascular, craniotomy and complex endoscopic instrumentation. Processes all complex endoscopic instrumentation to include those medical devices used in the gastroenterology laboratory, bronchoscopy laboratory, urology and operating room. Reviews manufacturer guidelines to ensure the correct methods and parameters are followed when cleaning, decontaminating and sterilizing RME. Troubleshoots and analyzes mechanical failures and makes necessary adjustments to complex decontamination and sterilization equipment, as well as interprets alarm conditions which may occur while operating the equipment. Informs management and healthcare staff when cleaning and processing standard operating procedures (SOPs) or instruction for use have been changed or updated to assure the changes have been validated to meet all guidelines References: VA HANDBOOK 5005, PART II, Appendix G47 dated May 28, 2014. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 only. Physical Requirements: This 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.
Duties include but are not limited to: -Conduct daily assessment of assigned area. -Retrieve soil reusable medical equipment (RME) from operating rooms and outpatient surgical clinics to include Dental. -Remove soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, brushing and scrubbing. -Completion Level 1Training modules in TMS within 90 days of employment and obtain Level 2 certification within the year. -Completion service specific orientation and staff in-service program of Sterile processing. -Achieve competency in all areas of sterile processing (Decontamination, Prep and Assembly, Operating room and Endoscopy). -Inspect packages for indications of proper sterilization. -Assemble basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room. -Prepare, load, and operate sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad. Work Schedule: 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required