Duties

Major duties:

1. Operates as a liaison for SPS to patient wards, clinical areas, procedure areas, and operating room. The employee is required to effectively communicate accurate information to numerous professional personnel such as Nurses, Technicians and medical staff, insuring that RME is available and ready for use always

Receives, inspects and stores supplies received in SPS insuring that the correct item and quantity are accepted. He/She will notify the Chief of SPS/designee of any discrepancies.

Inventories, replenishes shortages from sterile supply, maintains par levels, inspects for sterility integrity of instrument sets and expendable items. Rotates inventory, restocks outdated supplies, and maintains stock levels of surgical supplies and equipment for wards, clinics, and the operating room on a first in, first out basis (FIFO). Maintain the cleanliness of storage of RME by the cleaning of bins and shelves as set by policy.

Preparation and Sterilization

1. Performs daily housekeeping duties of workstations daily to ensure environment of care is maintained

Utilizes an Instrument management system to assemble and provide a full range of instrument trays and sets for the OR, wards, clinics and special procedures which may encompass numerous different trays and sets, simple to complex sets. He/She inventories and coordinates the replacement of missing instruments on sets and trays, according to the sets instrument listing sheet (Count Sheet).

Will inspect, identify and sort the instruments/sets according to the size, weight and functional usage. The technician will reassemble and inspect instruments/sets for damage, cleanliness, completeness and usability of materials, according to the manufacturer instructions as set forth in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Selects the appropriate method of sterilization, according to the design constraints of the item and the compatibility of the item with the sterilization agent, manufacturer instructions as set forth in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), utilizing proper loading techniques in accordance with sterilization method.

Regularly performs quality control tests and documents the results on various types of sterilization equipment which may include steam sterilizers, hydrogen peroxide sterilizers, such as biological monitoring, quality checks for detergent dosing systems, vacuum air removal and sterilization agent penetration test. The incumbent operates, maintains and adjusts processing equipment which may include: ultrasonic energy cleaners, steam sterilizers, washer/sterilizers, involving changing and resetting timers and pressure requirements. The incumbent monitors recording devices and pressure gauges to ensure that the proper sterilization parameters were met.

Decontaminations

1. Adheres to facility regulations regarding application and removal of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Collects and/or receives; cleans and decontaminates a full range of reusable supplies and RME used on nursing units, clinics, OR and Special Procedures units. SPS MST sorts RME and materials by the method of processing, inspects RME for any damage prior to processing, disassembles för cleaning RME with multiple parts, according to the manufacturer instructions as set forth in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

SPS MST operates, maintains and adjusts processing equipment such as but not limited to; ultrasonic cleaning machines, washer/ disinfectors, automatic endoscope reprocessors (AERs)and leak testers.

This involves but not limited to changing and resetting timers and adjusting steam pressure requirements on sterilization and decontamination cycles, changing filters

Follows the SPS Infection Control guidelines as they pertain to inspecting, collecting and transporting of infectious materials, are monitored during daily soiled supply and equipment collection activities, including isolation bagging procedures for reprocessing materials.

Monitors SPS infection control guidelines as they pertain to the separation of soiled and cleaned/sterile activities and areas within SPS processing section during daily work activities.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 512-23165-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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.

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 (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.
• Certification. None.
• 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.

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-03 (Entry Level) (a) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignment. This is an entry level MST position. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision.

GS-04 (Developmental Level) (a) Experience. Six months experience as a MST, operating room or surgical technician or other position that demonstrated knowledge of sterile processing in a clinical setting; or (b) Education. Two years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation. NOTE: Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or nursing assistants obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces, the U.S. Maritime Service, or hospitals under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to 6 months of experience.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 1. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. 2. Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets. 3. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. 4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. (d) Assignment. This is a developmental level MST position. 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. Prepares operating room case carts. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision.

GS-05 (Developmental Level) (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; or (b) 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.

Assignment: This is a developmental level MST position. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room. Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and a high level disinfecting scope reprocessor; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex tasks and require direct supervision on new assignments.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 1. Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 2. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility. 3. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.

GS-06 (Full Performance Level) (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

(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.

(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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.

Preferred Experience: None

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/76 PART II APPENDIX G47 MAY 28, 2014

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6.

Physical Requirements: Physical demands of the position include work assignments with long periods of standing, walking, pushing, lifting, bending, stretching. This position requires the ability to lift 501bs. The incumbent may at times be required to climb up and down a step stool in the work area. Work days may be extended without notice by emergency RME requests from operating room, clinics or nursing wards.

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 an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.