Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)
What you'd do
This position is located within VA Wilmington in the Sterile Processing Service Line. The Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing, SPS) at the full performance level will perform work independently and without supervision. Incumbent is responsible for cleaning Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) within specified decontaminate areas and completes more advanced tasks.
Major duties
Medical Supply Aide and Technician: The Medical Supply Technician (SPS) is responsible for the collection of all used/soiled, semi-critical and critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RMD) throughout the medical center. The incumbent utilizes proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection prevention procedures to prevent cross-contamination of other equipment and personnel during the collection and transport of the soiled RMD. The MST is responsible for the systematic manual cleaning and disinfection of semi-critical and critical clinical equipment according to selected methods and strict manufacturer instructions. Major duties include, but may not be limited to: Following all safety and infection prevention rules, regulations and requirements within the decontamination and sterile preparation area. Demonstrates an advanced knowledge of aseptic techniques and understands how to implement procedures to prevent the spread of infection per VHA Infection Prevention guidelines. Independently performs cleaning and disinfection procedures within scope of their position. Disassembles and determines correct cleaning methods as determined by manufacturer instructions. Advanced knowledge of facility approved cleaning/disinfectant solution, and procedures. Vast knowledge of sterilization and decontamination techniques. Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization, such as, but not limited to steam, low-temperature sterilization, Steris, and high-level disinfecting scope reprocesses. Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers, such as steam or low temperature (hydrogen peroxide) and high-level disinfecting endoscope re-processor. Processes, assembles and performs all phases of sterilization for intricate surgical trays and microsurgery instruments for the operating room (trays contain large numbers of unique, non-interchangeable, specialized surgical instruments of similar appearance, with minor variations in size, conformation, and nomenclature, but with major variation in application. - Preparation of Ambulatory Surgery Unit case carts using the daily surgery schedule. Maintains a higher-level of functional awareness of facility policies and procedures; often providing guidance to entry or developmental staff. Research and applies the JCAHO, OSHA and FDA standards as they pertain to sterile processing and the distribution of medical supplies. Pick-up and deliver RMD throughout the facility. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment. Performs other duties as directed. Work Schedule: Compressed tour 7:30am-6:00pm rotating days off (will be further discussed during interview process) Bargaining Unit: Eligible Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 / MST (SPS)
What you need to qualify
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: 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 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: The following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-03 (Entry Level) (a) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignment. This is an entry level MST position. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. GS-04 (Developmental Level) (a) 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 (b) 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. (c) 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) (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; or (b) 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. (c) 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) (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (b) 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. 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: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
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