Medical Supply Technician; Sterile Processing

Summary

Sterile Processing Service (SPS) is the central point within the Medical Center providing the technical supply functions of collecting - processing an decontamination of soiled supplies - instruments and equipment; instrument preparation and sterilization; medical equipment maintenance - receiving - storing - and distribution of medical and surgical supplies - instruments - and equipment.

• 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
  
  Experience:
  
  Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work
• OR
  
  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 Experience/Education Combination:
  Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level which both education and experience are acceptable
• Grade Determinations:
  In addition to the basic requirements listed above - the candidate must also meet the grade specific requirements
• Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - GS-6
  
  Experience:
  
  One full year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5)
• Examples of GS-5 experience include:
  Removes soil - blood - tissue fragments - body fluids - and other containments by wiping - soaking - rinsing - and scrubbing
• Inspects packages for indications for 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities:
  In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings
• Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination
• Working knowledge of medical terminology - anatomy and physiology - microbiology - medical conditions and procedures
• Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation
• 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-6.
  
  Physical Requirements:
  
  The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing for prolonged periods of time - carrying medical supply items weighing up to 50 pounds - frequent bending and stretching/reaching - and pushing fully loaded medical supply carts weighing as much as 750 pounds which must be negotiated up inclines and over rises - or positioning them on sterilizer track rails
• The work requires dexterity in such tasks as inserting small rods into needle openings or…