Summary

This position in the Sterile Processing Service of the Salem VA Medical Center in Salem. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination - sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME). Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center. Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. (This is an instrument cleaning/sterilization position - not a supply ordering position).

Qualifications

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: (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
• 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 Determination: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 - thecandidate 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 - medicalconditions and procedures
• 4
• Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation
• 5
• Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures
• References: Medical Supply Technician Qualification Standard GS-0622 - VA Handbook 5005/83 Part II Appendix G47
• Physical Requirements: Moderate Lifting 15-44 pounds
• Moderate carrying 15-44 pounds
• straight pulling (1 hour)
• pushing (1 hour)
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers
• both hands required (to be able to effectively clean instrumentation - individuals must be able to hold them with one hand and brush/clean them with the other)
• walking (up to 4 hours)
• standing (up to 4 hours)
• kneeling (less than 1 hour)
• repeated bending (1-4 hours)
• climbing legs only (less than 1 hour)
• both legs required
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• near vision correctable at 13' to 16' to Jaeger 1 to 4
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other
• depth perception
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• ability to distinguish shades of colors
• hearing (aid permitted)
• emotional/mental stability

Duties

• Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME) in the decontamination area
• Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method - such as ultrasonic cleaners - mechanical washers/disinfectors - cart washers - and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents as determined by manufacturer instructions
• Inspects - prepares - assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam - Sterrad - Steris - EtO and high level disinfecting reprocessors
• may prepare operating room case carts daily utilizing surgery schedule
• Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment
• Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination - sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME)
• Work Schedule: 8:15am-5:00pm Financial Disclosure Report: Not required