Medical Supply Tech (Sterile Processing)

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

Job Description

Summary This is an Open and Continuous Announcement, first applicant review will be conducted on 7/29 and any eligible and qualified applicants will be forwarded to the hiring officials for consideration. Reviews will continue to take place every 3 weeks until all positions are filled or otherwise closed by the hiring official. Responsibilities This is a developmental level position in Sterile Processing Service as a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing Technician). In this position, the incumbent will provide sterilization, preparation, supply items and reusable medical equipment decontamination and distribution support for the medical center. Major duties include but are not limited to: Medical Supply Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) receive contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME) in the decontamination area, and may receive noncritical equipment. – Disassembles RME and determines the correct cleaning method, such as, but not limited to, ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washer-disinfectors, cart washer 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, and high-level disinfecting scope re-processors. – Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment.- The incumbent will have knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as required by this position. – The incumbent will be required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME appropriate to this position. – The incumbent will be able to demonstrate their ability to utilize an acceptable proficiency in the use of RME appropriate to this position. – RME is any medical equipment designed by the manufacturer to be reused for multiple patients.- All personnel who are involved in the reprocessing of RME are responsible for knowing what reusable instruments, equipment, medical devices or supplies are used (inventory) in their clinical area. This is a developmental level position in Sterile Processing Service as a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing Technician). In this position, the incumbent will provide sterilization, preparation, supply items and reusable medical equipment decontamination and distribution support for the medical center. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 3:00pm-11:30pm Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. 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 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. KSAs must be clearly outlined in your resume in order to receive credit 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-5 to GS-6. Grade Determinations: GS-05 GRADE REQUIREMENTS Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; or 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. 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. GS-06 GRADE REQUIREMENTS Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. 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 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. Preferred Experience: 2+ Years Experience References: VA Handbook 5005/83, Part II, Appendix G47, Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Qualification Standard GS-0622 Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean steril