Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Sterile Processing Service, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, Texas. This is a full performance level and technician works the majority of the time independently with minimal supervision and is able to critically think and adjust work assignment to meet the demands of the department. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3g.) 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 Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Certification. None. 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. 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). Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-06 (Full Performance 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. Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 2. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. 3. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures. 4. Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation. 5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. Assignment. This is the full performance level for the occupation. Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area and may receive noncritical equipment in the decontamination area as well. Disassembles the RME and determines 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. Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and high level disinfecting scope reprocessors. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. Preferred Experience: Minimum two years Sterile processing experience Surgical Instrumentation knowledge Endoscope reprocessing knowledge Medical terminology knowledge References: VA Handbook 5005/76, Part II, Appendix G47, Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Qualification Standard dated July 8, 2015 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Straight pulling (3 hours); Pushing (3 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (2 hours); Standing (6 hours); Kneeling (0.5 hours); Repeated bending (3 hours); Both legs required; Hearing (aid permitted) ["Major duties include, but are not limited to: The incumbent will perform all elements of sterilization, preparation, decontamination, high level disinfection (HLD), of reusable medical equipment and distribution support for the medical center. The incumbent must complete Level I and Level II training thereby obtaining Certified Registered Medical Supply Technician status. The incumbent will obtain knowledge of documentation and logging of information and use of the Censitrac tracking system. The incumbent will clean, decontaminate, and reprocess flexible and rigid endoscopes according to IFU. The incumbent will clean visually inspect, and leak test all flexible endoscopes and choose the correct method of reprocessing (high level disinfection (HLD), steam sterilize, or Sterrad/V-Pro Max). Documents all items highly disinfected utilizing chemical disinfecting agents and checking and documenting efficacy of solution. Monitors expiration dates of endoscopes and pulls scopes expiring for reprocessing. The incumbent will disassemble instruments/equipment, remove gross contamination, manually wash instruments, and decontaminate instruments according to manufacturer's instructions for use (MIFU). The incumbent will inspect instruments in the Preparation area, assemble trays and reprocess reusable medical equipment according to MIFU. The incumbent determines appropriate method for cleaning, decontamination, and sterilizing of equipment to prevent cross-infection potential while avoiding damage to the equipment. Prepares loads, operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. The incumbent prepares operating room case carts and places any missing items on the OR shortage list. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room. The incumbent will pick-up and transport soiled RME and deliver to Decon. The incumbent will deliver reprocessed RME to the appropriate service. The incumbent stores, issues, and maintains locator records on all SPS cycled equipment. The incumbent advises medical personnel on proper use of equipment. All personnel who are involved with the reprocessing of RME must have documented training in the setup, reprocessing, and maintenance of specific equipment. Validation of competency will be done, minimally, on an annual basis. The incumbent will be required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME appropriate to this position. The incumbent will be able to demonstrate their ability to utilize an acceptable proficiency in the use of RME appropriate to this position. Work Schedule: M-F / Rotating Weekends / Holidays; 1:00 pm - 9:30 pm or 11:00am - 7:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.