The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Advanced Level. The Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Advanced Level will function within the Sterile Processing Service Service (SPS) section of 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. English Language Proficiency: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with the VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. Experience and Education: (1) Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; OR, (2) 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. 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. All MSTs that are employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements listed above, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Advanced, GS-7 One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-6. Examples of Specialized experience include: Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures. Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. Preferred Experience: At least 1- 2 years of experience as Sterile Processing Technician 1 year experience in processing GI, GU, Bronchoscopes. Have VA Level 2 certification, or National active certification. (HSPA, CBSPD). Optional Scope Certification, Active 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-7. Physical Requirements: This position may require shift work and/or rotation of tour of duty assignments. Routinely requires heavy lifting (50 lbs. and over), heavy carrying (45lbs and over), intermittent straight pulling and pushing (up to 8 hrs.), intermittent walking (8hrs), intermittent standing (8 hrs.) intermittent kneeling (8 hrs.) and intermittent repeated bending (8hrs. ) Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable one eye to 20/20, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing aid permitted and ability to operate transportation equipment. The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation), gastrointestinal intestinal endoscope reprocessing hub, 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. On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. The employee wears special clothing, hair covers, personal protective equipment and shoe covers that can be uncomfortably warm. The employee uses insulated gloves to remove carts from sterilizers. The employee is subject to burns from accidentally touching hot items. The hazards of working around minute quantities of sterilizing gasses are unknown. The employee often works around body fluids, mucous, excretions and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling. Strong, unpleasant odors are encountered while decontaminating bloody or grossly contaminated instrumentation or reusable medical equipment. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts and operation of pre-sterilizing equipment.
Duties of the Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Advanced include, but are not limited to: The Advanced MST assembles highly complex instrument sets including, but not limited to, major orthopedic total joint, cardiovascular, dental, 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 along with all clinics within VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, ENT Clinic, GYN Clinic, Cath Lab Clinic. Completes and troubleshoots the processing of flexible scopes in this role. Reviews manufacturer guidelines to ensure the correct methods and parameters are followed when cleaning, decontaminating and sterilizing RMD. 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. Responsible for providing communication with the OR to ensure that all Complex instrumentation trays required for daily surgeries are available. Knowledgeable of the workings of the SPS field beyond that of a lower grade MST. Responsible for following Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFU's), ensuring items are sorted, cleaned, decontaminated, or disinfected in the Decontamination section of SPS. Decontaminates all reusable supplies and equipment in a manner rendering all decontaminated items safe for handling. Determines proper methods and processes to follow per SOP's and Manufacturer's Instructions for Use to decontaminate instruments and equipment. Uses seasoned judgment to ensure minimum potential for damage to equipment. Ensures the best possible Product is delivered, the right item, at the right time, in the right condition, ready for use. Attends training on either one, or all, the procedures associated with the set-up, use, reprocessing and maintenance of new equipment prior to its initial use that leads to his/her initial competency and, validation of that competency on a recurring basis. Removes items from washers and pass-through and determines type of tray or set to assemble based on recognition of key items and the operating room or clinic schedules. Examines items to ensure that gross contamination has been removed; if items remain contaminated, they are sent back to Decontamination for complete reprocessing. Strives for a logically arranged package that will permit effective penetration of the sterilizing medium and ease of use by end user. Visually examines items for damage, deterioration, or imperfections such as rust, pitting, and cracks. Consults with the Operating Room staff and our clinic customers on items in short supply or out of stock, recommending possible substitutions. Examines all types of reusable supplies and equipment. Selects correct wrapping for the tray and wraps and labels tray. Assists with inventory of supplies needed for our production as well as our end users. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 2:00pm - 10:30pm, Possible Saturdays depending on endoscope schedule. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 93103A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized