Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing Advanced)

Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Open only to Current Permanent Employees of the West Haven and Newington Connecticut VAMC Sterile Processing Service Line.

The Advanced Medical Supply Technician (MST) is assigned to Sterile Processing Service (SPS) and provides safe efficient practices for decontamination, high level disinfection, instrument assembly and sterilization for all SPS. The Advanced MST supports SPS initiatives to meet the facility needs for critical and semi-critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RMD).

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Decontamination of RMD: Collects, receives, decontaminates and inspects all soiled, instruments, equipment, and apparatus to include complex diagnostic equipment and medical apparatus; Ensures disassembly of removable parts to ensure RMD can be appropriately decontaminated to ensure all bioburden is removed. Completely and thoroughly disassembles and positions all parts of technical RME to ensure the removal of bioburden. Performs leak tests on flexible endoscopes to determine the integrity of the scope is intact prior to initiating the cleaning and high-level disinfection or terminal sterilization process. Operates decontamination equipment such as washer decontaminators, ultrasonic equipment, cart washers, automated electronic solution/dilution dispensers, and irrigators; Follows all manufacturers' instructions on cleaning/decontamination of RMD using department's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and manufacturer guidelines.
• Sterilization: Inspects, assembles, packages, and sterilizes all trays, sets, and packs used for a variety of general and specialized medical and surgical procedures; Performs RMD integrity testing in accordance with the Quality Management Program (e.g. uses laparoscopic insulation tester, borescope type channel checks, biological sterilizer testing, visual inspection and instrument integrity checks; Maintains records for all high level disinfect and sterilization that are processed including interpretation of all biological monitoring, minimum effective concentration levels (MEC), validation of monitoring results, and quality assurance checks to ensure parameters are met.
• Quality Assurance Support and Reports: Performs quality assurance activities including but not limited to monitoring biological and chemical indicators and integrators, Bowie dick tests, time/temperature graphs (if applicable), and ensuring appropriate RMD checks are performed and documented prior to and after sterilization or reprocessing; Performs other quality assurance activities including verifying accuracy of labeling, contents, cleanliness, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn, work orders entered in computer, and sterilization parameters checks; Evaluates gathered data and based upon findings, makes recommendations to improve effectiveness or processes; Follows local Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) which are written in accordance with the manufacturers' written instructions for reprocessing RMD; Consults SPS leads or supervisor(s) when clarification of written instructions are needed; fully understands the reprocessing of reusable medical equipment is never based on vendors' verbal instructions, as this is not an adequate practice.
• May be assigned additional duties and to "on-call" tours and when called in must be able to work independently in performing all duties.

Work Schedule-Full-Time, 40 hours a week, Various Tours and Duties. EST
(1) Monday-Friday 3:00pm -11:30pm evening shift, every other Saturday 7:00am-3:30pm
(2) Monday-Friday 11:00am -7:30pm split shift, every other Saturday 7:00am-3:30pm
(3) Monday-Friday, 7:00am -3:30pm day shift, every other Saturday 7:00am-3:30pm
(4 )Sunday-Friday 11:00pm -7:30am night shift, every other Saturday 7:00am-3:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: FS F07991
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Notifications:

• This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies with various shifts,(Days, Evenings or Nights).
• Veterans' Preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
• This position is in the Excepted Service.
• EDRP is not Authorized.
• This position is a AFGE Bargaining Unit Position.
• This position is covered by a special rate.
• Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.

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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Experience and/or Education: (1) Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or (2) 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 (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
• English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).

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-07: Advanced Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)
Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-06.

AND

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
• Ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets.
• In-depth knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in order to convey information and thoughts to others.

Assignment. The Advanced MST assembles highly complex instrument sets including, but not limited to, open heart, major orthopedic total joint, cardiovascular, craniotomy and complex endoscopic instrumentation. Processes all complex endoscopic instrumentation to include those medical devices used in the gastroenterology laboratory, bronchoscopy laboratory, urology and operating room. Reviews manufacturer guidelines to ensure the correct methods and parameters are followed when cleaning, decontaminating and sterilizing RMD. Troubleshoots and analyzes mechanical failures and makes necessary adjustments to complex decontamination and sterilization equipment, as well as interprets alarm conditions which may occur while operating the equipment. Informs management and healthcare staff when cleaning and processing standard operating procedures (SOPs) or instruction for use have been changed or updated to assure the changes have been validated to meet all guidelines.

Preferred Experience: 2+ years of experience in Sterile Processing Experience Demonstrated ability with reprocessing flexible endoscopes, endoscopy certification preferred.

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-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7.

Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation) and in other services and departments throughout the medical facility/campus. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty and poorly lighted. The employee is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and other injuries from material handling equipment. The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation, see VA Directive and Handbook 5019..

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, 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:

• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
Résumé Reminder: Your résumé must include the following information each job listed:

1. Job title
2. Duties (be as detailed as possible)
3. Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
4. Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week).

Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your résumé. Be sure that your résumé clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.

An incomplete application will receive a rating of IFFM (ineligible due to missing forms). Requests for reconsideration will not be considered for applicants who fail to submit a complete application package. We cannot be held responsible for incompatible software or fax transmissions.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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 Clinical Document
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility within one year):

• Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
• An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade
• Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
• Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
  • Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
  • Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
  • SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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