Located in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) section located under the Associate Director of Patient Care services of the Hudson Valley VA Medical Center, SPS is responsible for the reprocessing of all critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME). This includes rotation between decontamination, preparation and packaging, sterilization areas, and campuses also working closely with procedural and other clinic services to provide the end user with the needed instrumentation. 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: All Medical Supply Technicians appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English. 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-06 (Full Performance Level) (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. (c) 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 ["Works independently under the general supervision of the Chief, SPS and Assistant Chief, SPS, and the Lead Tech. The incumbent is responsible for carrying out compliance with manufacturer recommendations for cleaning, preparation, sterilization and storage of RME. The incumbent must possess the knowledge and skills to accurately and meticulously preform the decontamination process and sterilize a wide variety of complex, critical medical, surgical and dental devices. Receives, disassembles, and inspects reusable medical supplies and equipment for damage. Incumbent assembles and loads case carts. Receives periodic training in such areas as the use and functioning of new equipment, instruments; new or improved sterilization practices, and developments in new technology as if affects SPS operations. Uses advance technologies to comply with VA directives, and other VA directives and/or guidelines through Office of Sterile Processing (OSP). PREPARATION AND PACKAGING AREA: As a sterile processing technician (medical supply technician) assigned to the preparation area, the incumbent is required to inspect, assemble, package, wrap, and sterilize various instruments and instrument sets. The incumbent monitors operation of sterilizers with prescribed tests in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and documents appropriately. Prepares bacteriological spore tests and reads the results of the test, recording those results as appropriate. Receives sterilized trays, set, and equipment from the sterilizer, checks for effectiveness of sterilization, places tags on sterilized material indicating date of sterilization and expiration date, and stocks shelves with sterilized material using first in first out method. Uses the ISO 9001 e-QMS (electronic quality monitoring system) to reconcile inventory sheets from the intake area and reports all non conformities and SPS requirements not met in the e-QMS (electronic quality monitoring system) system. The incumbent will out take all sterile items that are leaving the department by reconciling the inventory sheets that have been uploaded into the e-QMS (electronic quality monitoring system). Out take areas include, all user services and sterile storage. DECONTAMINATION AREA: Decontaminates the full range of reusable medical equipment used in the medical center's patient care units, clinics and procedure rooms. Determines and uses the appropriate method for removing gross contamination and bioburden, dissembles and reassembles equipment where the internal parts become contaminated by following manufacturer guidelines for cleaning. Operates various kinds of equipment such as ultrasonic cleaners, washers, dental handpiece service units, leak testers, sterilizers, AER's, Steris, and Sterrad. Incumbent determines correct method for pre-cleaning and decontamination. Removes soil, blood, bone, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other gross contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing, brushing and the use of ultrasonic equipment. Loads, unloads and operates Instrument washer disinfector and ultrasonic washer, accurately determining the settings based on the manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU) and the high-risk protocols for each device. Incumbent is responsible for the cleaning, leak testing, decontamination and selection of proper method of sterilization and/or high-level disinfection for flexible and rigid endoscopes in accordance with the manufacturer guidelines. Incumbent uses the e-QMS (electronic quality monitoring system) to scan and upload inventory sheets that accompany RME being brought to the decontamination room. The incumbent inventories items received to ensure compliance of receiving complete surgical trays and cassettes and individual devices. The incumbent will enter all non-conformities and requirements not met into the e-QMS (electronic quality monitoring system). The incumbent performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM Compressed/Flexible: Not available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 23747-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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