Summary
The Battle Creek VA Medical Center is recruiting for a Medical Supply Technician. The Medical Supply Technician will function in Sterile Processing Service (SPS) at the Wyoming CBOC location.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to qualified US Citizens. First area of consideration will be given to applicants internal to the Battle Creek VAMC.
Duties
The Medical Supply Technician (MST) functions in all areas of the instrumentation and delivery process. Duties include but are not limited to:
Decontamination
- Collects, receives, cleans, and decontaminates the full range of instruments, supplies and equipment used in the medical center's wards/patient care units, dental clinic and special procedure units.
- Selects the appropriate methods and procedures for removing gross soil (contamination).
- Sorts all items by method of processing and inspects items for damage prior to processing, disassembles for cleaning.
- Operates, maintains and adjusts distinct types of processing equipment.
- Changes and resets timers and selects different parameter requirements on decontamination cycles.
- Identifies and properly disposes of individual use items.
- Adheres to and/or monitors both Facility and SPS Infection Controls Guidelines.
- Responsible for determining the proper techniques for pick-up, transportation, cleaning and disinfecting of contaminated items.
- Brings all infection control issues/problems to the attention of the responsible supervisor.
- Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment.
- Disassembles medical equipment as necessary for disinfection, including complex items.
- The incumbent disassembles, processes and reassembles complex life-supporting equipment.
- Incumbent disassembles a full range of instruments, trays / sets used in the procedure rooms and special procedure areas.
Preparation
- Incumbent assembles a full range of instrument trays/sets for wards, clinics, and special procedures units.
- Inspects instruments for cleanliness, damage, and tested for proper function before reassembling.
- Trays/sets are assembled as designed by local established procedures and by the requirements.
- Incumbent selects the appropriate method of sterilization according to manufacture instructions, design constraints and compatibility of the item with the sterilizing agent.
- Incumbent will place materials on sterilizer cart for terminal sterilization in accordance with the sterilization method and equipment being used.
- Regularly performs quality control tests on all sterilization equipment such as Biological monitoring, Bowie Dick and chemical indicators.
- Performs quality assurance inspections on material terminally sterilized prior to storage.
- Verifies and signs sterilizer records after each cycle before any item is removed from the sterilizer.
- Maintains daily documentation of biological monitoring and submits the monthly reports to the Infection Control Committee.
- Serves as a second review for assembled instrument sets to ensure accuracy.
Distribution
- Assembles and loads delivery carts according to schedules and delivers instrumentation to units in a safe, yet timely manner.
- Fills special and emergency request for instrumentation as applicable.
- Advises medical personnel on availability of instrumentation, sterile items, possible substitutes and efficient use of SPS specific equipment.
- Routinely replenishes supply shelves in SPS and notifies supervisor of depleting inventory or increased usage of supplies.
- Keeps record of supplies and equipment used and notifies supervisor of unusual requests or instrumentation usage patterns.
- Routinely inventories SPS supplies and equipment, using an automated system. Keeps records and determines reordering needs.
- Completes all logs and records involved with the processing of medical items and trays, utilizing equipment call-in sheets, equipment logs, etc.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement # 91746-A, 91747-A, 91748-A, 91749-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a drug 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 examination.
- 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
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: 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.
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-03 (Entry Level)
Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements
GS-04 (developmental Level)
Experience. Six months of 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 technician, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialist, 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.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the the KSAs below:
- Knowledge of universal precaution 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.
GS-05 (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.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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.
GS-06 (Full Performance Level)
Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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.
References: VA Handbook 5005/76, Part II, Appendix G47.
Preferred Experience:
One year of experience in sterile processing and endoscopic reprocessing. Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Certification or Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution Certification (CBSPD) preferred.
Physical Requirements: The position requires long periods of standing while processing supplies with:
- Recurring lifting up to 50 pounds, in the process of soiled instrumentation pick-up, receiving, and issuing items. The employee regularly pushes loaded carts and carriers aligning the tracts leading to the sterilizer and washers.
- Employee can be required to push carts up to 600 pounds on/off elevators and to/from stock storage areas. Requires considerable stooping and bending. Uses a computer for data entry and instrument tracking.
- Conducting inventories of the supply storage areas will result in a high level of physical demands (bending, walking, stooping, prolonged standing, reaching, climbing, pushing, pulling, noise, lifting and exposure to varying temperature variations.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript or proof of certification must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education or certification.
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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
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, résumé, 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.
Required Documents
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 (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- Other (2)
- Other (3)
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
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.
How to Apply
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 07/05/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12460324
- 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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