Medical Supply Technician; Sterile Processing

Summary

Serves as a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) in the Sterile Processing Services (SPS) Section. The incumbent is a member of the SPS team that performs a wide area of duties – including various cleaning, decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and distribution processes associated with medical, surgical, and reusable medical devices (RMD) throughout all services at the facility.

• Citizenship – Citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 – Part II – Chapter 3 – Section A – paragraph 3g.
• 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.
  
  Equivalent combination of experience and education qualifies for entry level.
• Certification – None.
• Foreign Education – Education completed outside the U.S. must be submitted for evaluation and must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs.
• Physical Requirements – See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• English Language Proficiency – MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3 – section A – paragraph 3j. May qualify based on 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‑03 (Entry Level) – Experience or
    
    Education:
    
    None beyond the basic requirements.
  • GS‑04 (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.
    
    Education:
    
    Two years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation. Knowledge of universal precautions, medical terminology, sterilization equipment, and communication skills are required.
  • GS‑05 (Developmental Level) –
    
    Experience:
    
    One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
    
    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. Knowledge of surgical instruments, event‑related packaging, and sterilization equipment is required.
  • GS‑06 (Full Performance Level) –
    
    Experience:
    
    One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Knowledge of surgical instruments, universal precautions, medical terminology, sterility principles, reading abilities, and knowledge of sterility principles are required.
• Preferred Experience – Medical terminology, understanding of sterilization, high level disinfection, and reprocessing of reusable medical devices (RMD).
• Reference – For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/.
• Full Performance Level – This vacancy is GS‑6. Actual grade ranges from GS‑3 to GS‑6.
• Physical Requirements – Will be asked to participate in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre‑employment process. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

• The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This approach empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well‑being and live their lives to the fullest.
• As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements – seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission…