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
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.)
English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English
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,
Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
Certification. None.
Grandfathering Provision. 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 REQUIREMENTS
Creditable Experience
Knowledge of Current MST Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with MST responsibilities. Experience satisfying this requirement may be paid/non-paid employment as a MST.
Quality of Experience. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to MST experience at the next lower grade level of the position being filled. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.
Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a MST is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a MST employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service.
Grade DeterminationsGS-07 Lead Medical Supply Technician - Sterile Processing
Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-6) level. GS-6 level specialized experience include but are not limited to the following:
- 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
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- Ability to instruct staff on the correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments.
- Skill in communicating with staff to ensure compliance with written directives, rules and regulations.
- Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers.
- Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures.
- Ability to lead individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments.
***Preferred Experience***
- 2 Years specialized experience in Sterile Processing Service.
- National Certification by the Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) and/or by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA, formerly IAHCSMM) is preferred but not required.
- Knowledge of all areas with Sterile Processing to include: decontamination, preparation and assembly, sterilization, endoscope reprocessing (if applicable), sterile storage and distribution.
- Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures.
Physical Requirements: This position may require shift work and or rotation of tour assignments. Routinely requires heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over), heavy carrying (45 lbs. and over), straight pulling and pushing (up to 8 hrs.), walking (8 hrs.), standing (8 hrs.), kneeling (8 hrs.), repeated bending (8 hrs.), both legs required, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing aid permitted, and ability to operate transportation equipment.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7.
References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Appendix G47