Performs work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical devices (RMD). Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use at the Hampton VA Medical Center. Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. Prepares operating room case carts. Medical Support Technicians (MSTs} receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision.
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 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). 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. English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. Grade Determinations: GS-09 Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Assistant Chief 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. Ability to plan and project staffing needs and requirements. 2. Ability to manage, interact and deal with individuals of varying backgrounds. 3. Ability to manage, direct and adapt work to accomplish program goals and objectives, and meet new and changing program requirements. 4. Ability to develop and recommend new or revised policies that are consistent with organizational goals and objectives. 5. Ability to perform a full range of supervisory duties, including assigning, planning and evaluating work, recommending awards, approving leave, identifying training needs, and resolving staff issues. 6. Ability to evaluate new products and equipment, develop options, and make recommendations. 7. Ability to manage, interpret, and present fiscal data (i.e. fund controls, contracts and equipment expenditures), forecast resource and equipment needs and administer an allocated budget. Assignment. The Assistant Chief contributes to the oversight of all supervision, administrative management and direction of the SPS. Oversees all decontamination, sterilization and disposition of facility critical and semi-critical RME. Develops and maintains a system of internal reviews that ensure service programs operate in compliance with regulatory and accrediting organizations. Contributes to the effective utilization of resources, budgetary allocation and fiscal management. Makes selections, assigns personnel and provides direction to subordinate staff. Manages the training, documenting and evaluating of staff. Serves as liaison between SPS and other departments. Preferred Experience: VA SPS Level 1 and Leve 2 certifications, at least 5 years working in SPS, experience writing SOPs and Competencies, experience ordering SPS equipment using SEPG app 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-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09 Physical Requirements: The employee usually stands and moves from one part of the room to another while performing duties. There is frequent requirement for lifting supply tote bins, baskets or instruments sets weighing up to 50 pounds from the floor to chest level. The incumbent regularly pushes loaded instrument carts weighing as much as several hundred pounds. Tension and stress are induced by the critical nature of producing work results on a pre- established time frame as well as in emergent situations.
Responsible for sterile preparation which is accomplished through inspection, assembly, packaging, and terminal sterilization of all trays, sets, and packs for use throughout the facility. Independently prepares the full range of trays and sets necessary to be used in the wards, clinic areas, dental clinic and surgery. Effectively processes and sterilizes a wide variety of implant devices in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and ensure that they are held for the required time post sterilization per regulations. Responsible for the collection and receipt of all used soiled supplies, instruments, or equipment. Assumes leadership responsibilities to perform peer training as well as provide user training and instruction pertaining to correct operating and preventative maintenance procedures of medical equipment. Identifies trends, recommends solutions, and implements quality improvement initiatives and program related activities related to program effectiveness. Regularly tests operations and cleaning of equipment for effectiveness of sterilization. Conforms to and ensures that all safety and infection control rules, regulations and requirements (e.g., dress code and traffic control procedures) in the decontamination and preparation areas are followed by all personnel working in, or entering, the work area. Utilize knowledge (of governing policies and regulating bodies) and experience to react to requests for emergent and/or urgent RMD supply needs ensuring positive outcomes. Utilize knowledge of equipment, its use, and specific procedures to respond to inquiries about the equipment and potential equipment substitutions. Utilize computers to perform record keeping, tracking operations. Processes emergent requests, prepares tray lists, and updates files as required. Conducts inventory of all sterilized trays checking package integrity and expiration dates. Transports RMD within facility and outside facility using approved SOPs and follows state and national regulations while driving a motor vehicle. Performs other related duties as required. Work Schedule: M-F 7-3:30pm and 8-4:30pm. Must have flexibility to work outside the normal tour of duty. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized