Duties

The Sterile Processing Technician in SPS interprets and follows the policies and procedures of the SPS including Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) inventory management areas to perform his/her daily functions within the established guidelines and demonstrates the ability to work effectively and efficiently. The incumbent is required to have a broad knowledge and skills in applying various sterilization modalities, high level disinfection, preparation, and decontamination techniques. The incumbent must also have a working knowledge of microbiology, quality control, and distinguishing between various reusable medical devices. The individual is accountable to maintain SPS standards for the practice of all services that contributes to the fulfillment to the mission. The position may require travel to any reprocessing location when necessary. Is subject to work rotating tours, weekends, holidays, and on-call, based on patient care needs.

Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD) in the decontamination area and may receive non-critical equipment as well. Disassembles the RMD and determines manual and mechanical cleaning as determined by Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/manufacturer instructions for use (IFU). Inspects, assembles according to the instrument count sheets and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization or high-level disinfection, as determined by Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/manufacturer instructions for use (IFU). Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment. Receives items and correctly organizes them on shelves, ensuring that rotation of stock using First In- First Out (FIFO) method. Transport RMD as necessary.

Certification in Sterile Processing preferred.

Work Schedule: Many shifts/schedules available, will be discussed during the interview process.
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

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

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.

GS6 - Requirements:

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

Education. Four academic years above high school leading to a Bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation or a Bachelor's degree.

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.

Experience: Must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade (GS-5). Specialized experience may include: experience in processing, assembling, troubleshooting, preparing, sterilizing, storing, and knowledge of decontamination, cleaning, preparation, sterilization, and storage procedures; knowledge of aseptic techniques; and skill in operating various equipment such as, washer-sterilizer, ultrasonic instrument cleaners and steam sterilizers, automatic endoscope reprocessors, etc.

English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Regulations.

Preferred Education/Experience : Experience processing endoscopes and SPS certification from either International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile Supply, and in other services throughout the medical facility that SPS supports. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty and poorly lighted. The employee is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and other Injuries from material handling equipment. The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation.

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.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html .

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .