Position serves as the monitoring specialist for all Quality Assurance (QA) activities of the Sterile Processing Services (SPS) Section and all other areas where reprocessing of critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD) takes place. The incumbent has responsibility for monitoring work performed in all work areas of the SPS Section, which includes Decontamination, Processing, Instrument Preparation, GI Lab, Operating Room Core Area, and Distribution.
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. 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. 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-07 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Quality Assurance - Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, You must possess (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6). 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. GS-07 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Quality Assurance - Knowledge Skills and Abilities: In addition to meeting the experience for the GS-07 level, you MUST possess the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities? Knowledge of fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work processes. Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to correct quality control problems. Knowledge of sterile processing operations, infection control procedures, and Joint Commission requirements to assess compliance during quality assurance reviews. Ability to compile information, evaluate facts, document findings and prepare reports. Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques to maintain quality control. Ability to effectively communicate with technical and professional staff on the proper use of delicate instruments and equipment, and resolve problems that may occur. Preferred Experience: Three (3) years previous MST experience and/or progressive leadership experience. 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 requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.
Major duties include but not limited to: Ensuring that proper procedures are followed and that items are safe for use, delivered on time to the proper place, and in the right condition to be properly used for VA patient care. Reviews completed work to assure that Supervisor, SPS instructions on work sequence, procedures, methods and deadlines have been met as deemed appropriate to assess the quality and quantity of work produced by each employee. Prepares various Quality Assurance Reports for higher level supervisors. The incumbent is responsible for quality management, reprocessing activities, those which occur inside and outside of the SPS work area, training, competency assessment, and enhancing patient flow through the operating rooms and procedural areas, and aid in succession planning for all areas of SPS and sites where reprocessing occurs. The incumbent plans, develops, directs and maintains a Quality Control Program ensuring product quality assurance through random sampling, biological testing, product assessment and related means, providing QA reports upon need. The incumbent coordinates with selected project team members performing, planning, developing, monitoring, and controlling costs, schedules, quality, and risk mitigation strategies for programs/projects related to surgical instruments and other areas that include instrument tracking within the facility. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:00am -3:30pm Monday - Friday (potential for on call) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:534-58681F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized