The incumbent will serve as a Sterile Processing Service, Medical Supply Technician (MST). In this position, the incumbent will provide critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME), decontamination, preparation, assembly, sterilization and distribution support for the Medical Center. The incumbent will have knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as required by this position. 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. 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-3 (Entry Level) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements GS-4 (Developmental Level) 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, 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. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below: 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. GS-05 (Developmental Level) 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. 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, 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. Preferred Experience: None Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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 aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination. Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties. Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy, regulation, or statute ["Duties: - Basic knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. - Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty Operating Room, Clinic and Dental instrument sets. - Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. - Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. - During initial orientation, all new SPS employees must complete the SPS Level 1 training program within 90 days of hire. This training is conducted through the VHA online learning management system or VHA printed SPS Level 1 training program packet when an online learning management system is not readily accessible. A certificate is received upon successful completion of all of the modules. - Complete training coursework and VA SPS certification as required for a Sterile Processing Technician position in the VA. Maintain certification by completing approved, annual Continuing Education Units (CEU) and annual in-service hours. - Maintain Continuing education units (CEU). CEU's are credits received for completing training and attending seminars directly related to a profession. One CEU is generally given for each hour of training or seminar attendance. SPS employees who are certified by a national organization must obtain annual CEU as set forth by their certifying body. All other SPS employees must obtain a minimum of 12 educational hours annually. - The incumbent is knowledgeable 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) and Competencies 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. - Maintains review the medical facility's disaster plan, fire plan, and other policies and procedures for hazard communication upon initial employment and annually thereafter. - Maintains Hand hygiene practices before entering and leaving the work area, and whenever hands become soiled or contaminated. Hands must be washed immediately and thoroughly if they become soiled with blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions. Demonstrates effective hand washing consists of using water to wet the hands, lathering with soap, and vigorously rubbing hands together (including between fingers and around nails) for 15-20 seconds. Demonstrates rinsing. - Knowledge that reusable head covering is not to be worn in the Decontamination Area. Fulllength face shields (cover entire face from ear lobe to ear lobe and below the chin) or a combination of fluid-resistant mask and eye goggles must be worn. Heavy duty, impervious decontamination gloves must be worn (not regular patient exam or surgical gloves). Gloves must be a minimum of 11 mils in thickness. Gloves must have a long cuff that extends beyond the wrist (at least 12 inches in length) and must be appropriately sized to facilitate dexterity. Long-sleeved gown (disposable or reusable), made of impervious material from elbows to cuffs and from neck to bottom of gown, must be worn. The gown must be long enough to prevent a gap between the lower hem of the gown and the top of the shoe cover. Impervious knee-length shoe covers must be worn. A skid-resistant sole is preferred. - Knowledge that at all times, authorized visitors entering the Decontamination Area must be provided with the appropriate PPE. These individuals must wear an impervious gown or coveralls, knee-length shoe covers, gloves, a bouffant cap, and face shield. - 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. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. Work Schedule: 0900-1730 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 0000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
