Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration

Summary This position is in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS), New York Harbor Healthcare System and is responsible for reprocessing critical and semi-critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) received from internal and external customers. Responsibilities Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Medical Supply Aide and Technician: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Supply-Aide-Career-Flyer.pdf Incumbents in this position serve as Medical Supply Technicians (MST) at the full performance level. Duties include, receiving and reprocessing reusable medical equipment which will be used by various customers within the NY Harbor Health Care system for scheduled or emergency procedures. The assignment also includes advising surgical teams and other customers on the availability and time required to provide specific instrumentation which has a direct effect on surgical and ambulatory care procedure outcome and patient safety. In this position, employee will provide decontamination, preparation, sterilization and distribution support of critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment for the NY Harbor Health Care System. The term reusable medical equipment refers to reusable items for patient care including basic instrumentation, equipment, instrument trays/sets and various other items that could be assembled and processed through the decontamination and preparation areas of the Sterile Processing Service. The MST will have extensive knowledge of the processes for reusable medical equipment (RME) as required by this position. The MST will be required to learn and maintain current knowledge of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) high risk protocols (HRPs) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, preparation and sterilization of RME appropriate to this position. The employee must complete training coursework and VA SPS certification as required for a MST position in the VA. Maintain certification by completing approved, annual Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and annual in-service training. Receives a variety of reusable medical equipment (simple to complex) from the Perioperative Patient Care Center (i.e. OR, GI/Endoscopy, and IR), including inpatient and ambulatory care clinics. Sorts and 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 solutions, as determined by manufacturer instructions. Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Low Temperature Sterilization System (Sterrad/V-PRO), ethylene oxide gas (ETO), and automated endoscope reprocessors (AER) for high level disinfecting endoscopes. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization and high level disinfection equipment. Routinely inspects trays and single instruments stored in the sterile storage room for breaches in integrity. Ensures all RME is restocked using the first in first out stock rotation method. Inventories and initiates requests for reprocessing supplies from Logistics/Materiel Management. The incumbent will be required to maintain current knowledge of the standard operating procedures (SOP's) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME appropriate to this position. Assigned Tasks: Enters temporary work orders (TWOR). Maintain individual workstations in the Preparation room and Decontamination room. Performs daily environmental cleaning duties in all assigned work areas. Routinely cleans storage shelves, cabinets, and surfaces of work stations/tables at the end of each shift and as needed, and cleans all sterilizers weekly. Routinely utilizes Sharepoint system to locate manufacturer instructions, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)/High Risk Protocols (HRPs), upload intake count sheets, upload training documents and CEU's, and enters nonconformities. Routinely operates reprocessing equipment including monitoring and documenting load/cycle information. Prepares individual surgical case carts using the daily surgical schedule with required instrumentation/reuseable medical equipment for scheduled and emergency procedures based on procedure guides and availability of supplies. Utilize understanding of medical terminology, therapeutic procedures anatomy and physiology and microbiology to understand supply requirements and availability of resources as required for a technical procedure. Identifies damaged or missing instruments and if available, replaces to ensure tray or cassette is complete. Assists with training of new employees. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday from 2pm to 10:30pm with weekend and holiday shifts as required by facility Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 21P15-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Basic Requirements: Citizenship: You must be a 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.) English Language Proficiency: English Language Proficiency - You must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Experience and/or Education: Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the 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: GS-06 Medical Supply Technician (Full Performance Level): Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-06 you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5). Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: Removing soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing; Inspecting packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembling basic sets and trays used throughout a medical facility including those used in the operating room; preparing, loading, and operating 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 (KSA): 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. 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-06. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing for prolonged periods of time, frequent bending and stretching/reaching, walking and pushing fully-loaded/heavy carts which must be negotiated up inclines and over rises or positioning them. Employee must be acutely aware of safety requirements when moving these carts as they have areas that extend outside the visible areas that can cause harm to other staff or equipment. The employee usually stands and moves from one part of the room to another while performing duties. There is frequent requirement for lifting and carrying individual instruments/trays and items weighing at least 25 to 50 pounds. Employee is expected to use proper body mechanics in all aspects of work. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.