Medical Supply Technician

at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Summary The Medical Supply Technician is located in the Sterile Processing Service areas throughout the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. In this position, the incumbent will provide sterilization, preparation, supply items and reusable medical devices decontamination and distribution support for the medical center. Responsibilities Functions primarily in the Sterile Processing Services area and is responsible for maintaining high standards for decontamination, disassembly, assembly, inspecting, wrapping, high level disinfection and sterilization of surgical instruments and medical devices for Surgical Services and all Clinical Departments. This includes working in conjunction with the OR staff to provide timely sterile products, trays and case carts where applicable. The proficient MST maintains consistency and continuous workflow between the OR and Sterile Processing while practicing excellent customer service. Major elements include but are not limited to: Sterile Procedures (Sterilization and Preparation) Assembles sets and trays by selecting appropriate tray lining with a lint free cloth and arranging instruments in the tray in the correct manner, e.g., hinged instruments in the open position, ring handled instruments on a spreader, heavy instruments on the bottom, delicate instruments protected to prevent damage, blades and points properly covered. Insures that all items packaged separately, in trays Insures that all items packaged separately, in trays, in sets are clean and in proper working condition. Trays are prepared with required contents. Inspects and assembles rigid container system, closes, locks, and labels correctly. Determines proper method of sterilization (Steam, Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilizers, and ETO) selects suitable wrap, wraps item correctly, labels item, places correct chemical indicator tape on package. Decontamination Area Follows Universal Precautions by wearing the appropriate protective attire while working in the Decontamination area. Receives soiled, contaminated reusable medical supplies and devices from clinical and operatory areas. Separates supplies and disassembles devices according to correct method and cleaning. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids and other gross contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing, and use of appropriate decontamination equipment. Supply and Distribution of RMD Handles all sterile RMD supplies received, stored and dispensed by the Supply Chain Management (SCM) department. Items are placed in areas and in a manner where damage and contamination is avoided. Uses principle of first in, first out (FIFO) when adding/returning stock to storage location. Performs regular audits and removes compromised items from storage areas. Assembles emergency replacement trays for emergency code carts as needed for SCM distribution. Equipment Operation/Safety Recognizes and reports equipment malfunctions by labeling equipment and notifying the appropriate individuals. Operates an ultrasonic cleaner, sonicator, washer disinfector, cart washer disinfector, steam sterilizers, hydrogen peroxide sterilizers and automatic endoscopic reprocessors (AER). Complies with SPS, National Program Office for Sterile Processing (NPOSP), OSHA, and AAMI standards of safe work practices. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 2:00pm-10:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. 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 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: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. 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. 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. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Employees grandfathered into the GS-622 occupational series as MSTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance Journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation. MSTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. MSTs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to 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. Grade Determinations (GS-06 Medical Supply Technician): (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. AND (b) 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 rece