Medical Supply Tech; Sterile P

Overview

Summary: Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME) in the decontamination area and may receive noncritical equipment in the decontamination area as well. Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method (examples include ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers, and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents) as determined by manufacturer instructions. Inspects, assembles, and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization (such as steam).

• Receive, disassemble, and clean contaminated RME in the decontamination area per manufacturer instructions.
• Determine and apply appropriate cleaning methods and packaging for sterilization (steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and high-level disinfection scope reprocessors as applicable).
• Inspect, assemble, and prepare instruments and sets for sterilization; ensure correct documentation and traceability.
• Operate sterilization equipment and related processing instruments; prepare operating room case carts daily according to the surgery schedule.
• Perform daily operational checks and documentation for sterilization equipment; monitor equipment performance using appropriate indicators.
• Comply with universal precautions and safety practices to prevent cross-contamination.
• Demonstrate knowledge of surgical instruments, sterilization processes, and event-related packaging; communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Adhere to SOPs, competencies, and MIFUs for all phases of reprocessing RME, including decontamination, disinfection, preparation, packaging, and sterilization.
• Ensure proper labeling, packaging integrity, QA documentation, and load control across all RME processing.
• Utilize the Instrument Tracking Program (Censitrac) and other systems to manage RMD throughout SPS and the facility; perform related recalls if process failures occur.
• Maintain readiness and safety by wearing PPE and adhering to all facility-specific policies and procedures.

Basic Requirements

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Experience:
  
  Six months of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the work or an understanding of the work, OR
  
  Education:
  
  One year above high school with health care-related coursework such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, operating room and surgical technician courses, or related fields; OR Equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Grandfathering Provision:
  Current MSTs in VHA in this occupation at the effective date of this standard are considered to meet all basic requirements.
• Grade Determinations: GS-0622-03 to GS-0622-06 specific experience, education, and KSAs as described in the qualification standard (full details available in VA Qualification Standards).
• Required KSAs include: knowledge of universal precautions, medical terminology for instrument assembly, basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment, effective communication, and related abilities.

Additional Notes

• Preferred Experience:
  
  Prior experience in a Sterile Processing Unit; proficiency with Outlook/email and basic Microsoft Word/Excel.
• Reference: For more information, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected ranges from GS-3 to GS-6. See VA directive for physical requirements and related postings.

• Total Rewards: 3pm-11:30pm, Monday-Friday with rotating weekend call; competitive salary and regular increases.
• Pay determinations may consider higher qualifications or special needs of the VA.
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days annually (leave, sick leave, holidays) with eligibility for prior experience credit.
• Parental Leave:
  Up to 12 weeks after 12 months of employment.
• Child Care Subsidy available after 60 days for eligible families.
• Retirement and Health Insurance:
  Federal pension, 401K with employer contributions, and federal health/vision/dental/long-term care insurance options.
• Functional Statement numbers and responsibilities:
  Operates Instrument Tracking Program, SOPs, MIFUs, and other SPS functions; runs shift huddles as needed; tracks RMD loads and ensures QA monitoring and documentation.
• Performs decontamination, disinfection, preparation, packaging, and sterilization; ensures RMD packaging integrity and correct labeling for end user; performs end-of-shift duties and restocking; identifies equipment and supply needs.