Summary
Serves as a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) in the Sterile Processing Services (SPS) Section at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center (MGVAMC) in Spokane, Washington. The incumbent is a member of the SPS team that performs a wide area of duties, including various cleaning, decontamination, assembly, sterilization and distribution processes associated with medical, surgical, and Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) throughout all services at MGVAMC.
Clarification from the agency
The area of consideration will be the Public - US Citizens.
*Veterans Preference does not apply to this announcement per OCHCO Bulletin, Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated 9/27/2023.
Duties
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
Duties will vary based on grade. At the GS-6 level, duties will include, but are not limited to:
Scope of Assigned Duties
- Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME and receives noncritical equipment
- Adheres to quality control procedures. Processes and inventories medical devices and assumes continuous training in support of the reprocessing of RME in support of numerous services and activities
- Maintains a working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures
- Maintains knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. Maintains knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings
Examining and Inspection of Condition of Instrumentation, Supplies and RME
- Responsible for the collection and receipt of all used, soiled reusable critical and semi-critical RME, utilizing proper PPE and infection control procedures
- Responsible for the proper disassembly of technical medical instrumentation and equipment
- Responsible for thorough inspection for cleanliness, damage, deterioration, or imperfections
Cleaning Surgical Instrumentation and RME
- Responsible for the systematic manual and automated cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of instrumentation and equipment.
- Procedures performed both in and outpatient
- Responsible for the manual cleaning, high-level disinfection and/or sterilization of endoscopes, Cysto-Uretero Fiberscopes, video intubation scopes, transesophageal transducers and various ultrasound probes
- Independently responsible for the proper operation of a variety of automated cleaning and disinfection equipment. Responsible for ensuring that quality assurance testing is completed and documented
- Conforms to and ensures that all safety and infection control rules, regulations and requirements in both the decontamination and preparation areas are followed by all personnel working in, or entering, the work area
Quality Assurance
- Operates a variety of high- and low-temperature sterilization equipment
- Prepares the full range of trays and sets necessary for use. Reassembles surgical instrument sets
- Responsible for the proper assembly of complex, technical medical instrumentation and equipment
- Inspecting, collecting, and transporting of infectious materials during daily soiled supply and equipment collection activities
- Adheres to and/or monitors guidelines pertaining to workflow in regards to the separation of soiled and clean/sterile activities
Assembling, Packaging, Wrapping and Sterilizing Instrumentation
- Responsible for determining proper instrument selection, instrument function/operation, need for instrument protection, and arrangement of items
- Independently determines proper packaging method and labels items
- Continuously monitors priority of instrument needs
- Effectively processes and sterilizes a wide variety of implant devices
- Utilizes knowledge to react to request for emergent and/or urgent RME supply needs
Operations
- Utilizes computer programs
- Performs peer training for new employees, user training and instructions to others
- Performs other related duties as assigned
- Completes training coursework and VA SPS certification
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:30am - 6pm with rotating weekend call and may include holidays
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May be authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66 .
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
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.
- English Language Proficiency: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part.
- Experience and/or Education:
- 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 (Must provide transcripts if utilizing education)
- Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. (Must provide transcripts if utilizing education)
- Certification: None.
Grade Determinations:
GS-3 (Entry Level)
Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignment: This is an entry level MST position. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision.
GS-4 (Developmental Level)
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
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.
In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
- Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
- Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets.
- Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
- Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
Assignment: This is a developmental level MST position. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME). Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center. Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. Prepares operating room case carts. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision.
GS-5 (Developmental Level)
Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level;
OR
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.
In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
- Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility.
- Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
Assignment: This is a developmental level MST position. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room. Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and a high level disinfecting scope reprocessor; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex tasks and require direct supervision on new assignments.
GS-6 (Full Performance Level)
Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
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.
Assignment: This is the full performance level for the occupation. Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical 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, such as but not limited to 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 but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and high level disinfecting scope reprocessors. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment.
References: VA Handbook 5005/76 Part II Appendix G47
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: This work requires heavy lifting (45lbs and over), heavy carrying, straight pulling, pulling hand over hand, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, repeated bending, both legs required, and ability to distinguish basic colors. This works also requires working outside and inside, with excessive intermittent noise, constant noise, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working around machinery with moving parts, working with hands in water, working closely with others, working alone, and hazardous chemicals.
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/.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Transcripts if utilizing education
- Other (2)
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/31/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12298117.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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