The Surgical Technician is a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. The Surgical Technician participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-07 grade level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the federal service experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Knowledge of highly technical medical/surgical instruments, human anatomy, physiology, and aseptic technique to prepare and protect the sterile field during surgery; Knowledge of sterile technique must include sterilizer operations and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging storage, and shelf life, also includes the proper cleaning techniques and the types of detergents to use on various items, as well as the proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies, handling of contaminated items, quality control, and personal hygiene; In-Depth knowledge of standard precautions and know how to implement infection control policies and procedures; Knowledge of operation and function of all surgical instruments and equipment, testing procedures to assure all equipment works, and proper postoperative decontamination procedures; Knowledgeable about and thoroughly understand the concepts and applicability of the Joint Commission (TJC), Occupational Safety Health and Administration (OSHA). OR Education: Possess one full year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position to be filled. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) OR Combination of both experience and graduate education: Possess combination of both education and experience. Equivalent combination of successfully completed graduate education and experience to qualify at the GS-07 level. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-07. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. ["This announcement is an Open Continuous Announcement and will remain open until all position(s) are filled. The first cut-off will be July 26, 2024. Applications received after this will be sent to management upon request until the position(s) are fulfilled. Major Duties: Functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures such as open heart, thoracic, major vascular, neurosurgery, microsurgery. and/or total joint replacement surgery. Sets up sterile field with all required items for each procedure such as, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, microscopes, lasers, urologic equipment, recording devices, and other operating room supplies and equipment. Plans and discusses each procedure with surgical professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure. Prepares, organizes and maintains highly complex sterile surgical setups for Orthopedic (total joint replacement), Neuro (craniotomies tumors/ aneurysms, laminectomies, fusions), Cardiothoracic (open heart surgery), Robotic procedures (Genitourinary, Gynecological, and General); Bariatric, General Surgery (colorectal); LASER technology for various surgical services and/or ENT/ Ophthalmic procedures; all of which require knowledge of complex specialty instruments, equipment and supplies unique to each of the surgical services. Functions as the second circulator for complex surgical procedures. Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions. Maintains OR area. Assesses equipment needs and maintains adequate stock of supplies and materials. Recognizes potentially hazardous situations (e.g., frayed cords, water on floor) and takes corrective action. Provides guidance and support to Nursing Assistants and other Surgical Technicians Supervises volunteers, aides, non-surgical team members, students, and other personnel. Provides guidance and support to professional and technical students of an approved surgical technology program. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 6:30a.m. to 3:00p.m., 9:30a.m. to 6:00p.m., Call Shift 11:30a.m. to 8:00p.m.; Rotating calls on weekends from 7:00a.m. to 7:00a.m. Recruitment Incentive: May be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual Position Description Title/PD#: Surgical Technician - Recruitment Incentive Authorized/PD03450A Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Straight pulling (1 hours); Pushing (1-3 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4 hours); Standing (2-7 hours); Kneeling (2 hours); Repeated bending (2 hours); Climbing, use of legs and arms; Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13\" to 16\" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Specific visual requirement 20/40 DVA; corrected; Both eyes required; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Sitting (8 hours); Simple grasping (2-4 hours); Fine manipulation (including keyboarding 4-6 hours); Twisting (2 hours); Mental and emotional stability."]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
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.
