Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Coordinator

The MST Coordinator is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the electronic instrument tracking system (EITS). The MST Coordinator also assists and supports the SPS department in establishing and maintaining SPS daily operations: planning, organizing, delegating, and coordinating all aspects of the SPS service.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: a. 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.) b. Experience and/or Education (1) Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or 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). (2) 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 (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. c. Certification. None. 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, this part. Grade Determinations: GS-07 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Trainer (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. Practical knowledge of conventional fact-finding or investigative techniques in order to evaluate internal work processes. 2. Skill to develop, analyze and evaluate facts relative to unsatisfactory conditions or trends. 3. Knowledge of and skill in applying various methods and techniques for investigating, analyzing and recommending corrective action on complex quality problems. 4. Knowledge of the SPS policies and procedural manuals, infection control procedures, and accrediting agencies and quality assurance guidelines to assure appropriateness of work during quality assurance reviews. 5. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and other software programs. 6. Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques, which include sterilized operations, sterilizer mediums, and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging, storage, and shelf life. 7. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to ensure staff compliance with written directives, rules and regulations. (c) Assignment. The MST Coordinator monitors quality assurance in the cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of surgical instruments and technical medical equipment processed in SPS, ensuring proper procedures are followed and the items are safe for use. Ensures national sterile processing standards are followed in the process of cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of critical and/or semi-critical reusable medical equipment. Coordinates training that is well structured and includes appropriate materials. Ensures staff is competent for reprocessing critical and semi-critical RME by reviewing actual demonstration of tasks. Coordinates with hospital staff (e.g. operating room, emergency department and clinics) on critical and semi-critical medical equipment to ensure compliance with all national and local directives. Updates the Chief (or designee) on patient safety alerts and issues concerning reusable medical equipment. Establishes and maintains frequent contacts with interdisciplinary staff and outside vendors and manufacturers. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.