Medical Supply Technician
What you'd do
At the Indian Health Service (IHS), Medical Supply Technicians do more than process sterile supplies-they help change lives. Guided by our mission to improve the health of American Indian and Alaska Native communities, you'll play a vital role in delivering safe, compassionate care where it's needed most. Join IHS and make a lasting difference. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).
Major duties
Decontamination, instrument preparation, equipment maintenance, storage, and issuing of sterile supplies. Prepares the full range of trays and sets used on the wards and in the clinics of the facility. Selects appropriate method for sterilizing, tests operation of equipment for effective sterilization. Disassemble and clean equipment, reassemble after cleaning and operate to test for proper functioning. Periodically inventories medical supplies, equipment, record keeping. Exercises appropriate infection control precautions when handling contaminated articles.
What you need to qualify
To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. 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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. BASIC REQUIREMENT(S): Individual Occupational Requirements Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Experience in processing, assembling, trouble-shooting, preparing, sterilizing, storing, and issuing sterile and unsterile medical supplies and equipment. The applicant must possess knowledge of the technical names, general uses, physical characteristics, and operating conditions of medical supply items; knowledge of decontamination, cleaning, preparation, sterilization, and storage procedures; knowledge of aseptic techniques; and skill in operating a washer-sterilizer, ultrasonic instrument cleaners, and gas and steam sterilizers. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include work as an operating room technician, medical instrument technician, nursing assistant, corpsman, or laboratory worker.In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: GS-06: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Independently process reusable medical equipment (RME), surgical instruments, and medical supplies by performing decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, distribution, and tracking. Applied knowledge of infection prevention and control practices, aseptic techniques, and sterilization procedures while operating, testing, and monitoring washer-disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners, steam sterilizers, and low-temperature sterilization systems to ensure safe, compliant, and effective patient care support. Central Sterile Reprocessing Technician Certification is preferred but not required. Time In Grade Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP). You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
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