Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing Coord)OCA Job in Birmingham, AL

Vacancy No. CBCT-12209548-24-PM Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $65,491.00 to $85,143.00 Grade 7 to 7
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/7/2025 Close Date 9/30/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Birmingham, AL


Summary


This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT for position Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing Coordinator) for Nursing, Acute Care department at VAMC Birmingham AL. Position will remain open until September 30, 2025. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled

Duties

This is a position of the full performance level of RMD Coordinator, GS-7. Assumes all the duties and responsibilities of the higher graded position. Is fully functional in the role of a SPD GS-7 Lead Medical Technician and the SPD GS-6 Medical Supply Technician (MST) or below.

Major Duties

  • Responsible for researching all manufacturers IFUs of all the reusable RMD of the facility to ensure compliance in reprocessing of RMD.
  • Creates and updates SPD SOPs for all RMD.
  • Provides technical training to all MSTs necessary for accomplishing the work of the organizational unit.
  • Tracks and ensures all replacement instruments are ordered.
  • Maintains quality metrics and quality assurance measures as required for tray assembly, tray inspection, workflow sequence, SOPs, sterilization methods and deadlines have been met.
  • RMD Coordinator will take On-Call status in rotation with other MSTs.
Decontamination and Processing
  • Collects, receives, inspects, decontaminates, high-level disinfects and performs terminal sterilization of soiled supplies, instruments, equipment, and apparatus to include complex diagnostic equipment and medical apparatus.
  • Completely and thoroughly dissembles and positions all parts of RMD to ensure the removal of bioburden, proper cleaning, and disinfection prior to sterilization.
  • Performs leak tests on Endoscopes to ensure that the water tight integrity of the scope is intact before initiating the cleaning and high-level disinfection process or terminal sterilization.
  • Performs appropriate and safe reprocessing for all RMD by strictly adhering to the Quality Management Program requirements.
  • Operates decontamination equipment such as washer decontaminators, sonic washers, irrigators, automatic cart wash and tube dryers.
  • Follows all manufacturers' instructions on cleaning of instrumentation and RMD using department SOPs based on manufacturer guidelines.
Preparation and Sterilization
  • Inspects, assembles, packages, high-level disinfects and sterilizes all instruments, instrument sets, and packs for use throughout the medical center.
  • Performs appropriate and safe reprocessing for all RMD by strictly adhering to the Quality Management Program (e.g., uses testers, bioburden checks and instrument integrity checks).
  • Follows all manufacturers' instructions on packaging and sterilization of RMD using department SOPs based on manufacturer guidelines.
  • Interprets mechanical printouts and biological indicators to validate that sterilization of RMD is within acceptable parameters.
  • If sterilization parameters aren't met, articulates how to troubleshoot the sterilization load, determines the possible cause of the parameters not being met, and reports findings to the supervisor/lead technician.
  • Performs high level disinfection using Revitalox or equivalent according to manufacturer guidelines; documents and validates that chemicals are tested and meet requirements to ensure that disinfection has occurred.
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, and temperature logs, and ensures appropriate RMD checks are documented after sterilization or reprocessing.
  • Performs other quality assurance activities including verifying accuracy of labeling, contents, cleanliness, working order and sterilization parameters.
  • Evaluates gathered data and based upon findings, makes recommendations to improve effectiveness or processes.
  • Follows local SOPs which are written in accordance with the manufacturers' written recommendations for reprocessing RMD.
  • Maintains documentation of training in the setup, reprocessing and maintenance of specific equipment. Initial validation of competency will be performed, and minimally thereafter, on an annual basis.
  • Understands of the criticality in reprocessing of RMD according to manufacturer guidelines and the significant impact on our Veteran population through the risk of infectious disease.
CUSTOMER SERVICE REQUIREMENT
  • Communicates and treats customers (patients, visitors, volunteers, and all medical center staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner.
  • Provides the customers with consistent information according to established policies and procedures.
  • Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.
  • Implements practices with good customer service in all work activities, treating patients, their families/representatives, visitors, and other MSTs in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM.
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:58704F
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 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).

Qualifications


GS-07: Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Coordinator (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Practical knowledge of conventional fact-finding or investigative techniques in order to evaluate internal work processes.

2. Skill to develop, analyze and evaluate facts relative to unsatisfactory conditions or trends.

3. Knowledge of and skill in applying various methods and techniques for investigating, analyzing and recommending corrective action on complex quality problems.

4. At least 2 years of working experience with Censitrac Tracking System.

Assignment: The MST Coordinator monitors quality assurance in the cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of surgical instruments and technical medical equipment processed in SPS, ensuring proper procedures are followed and the items are safe for use. Ensures national sterile processing standards are followed in the process of cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of critical and/or semi-critical reusable medical equipment. Coordinates training that is well structured and includes appropriate materials. Ensures staff is competent for reprocessing critical and semi-critical RME by reviewing actual demonstration of tasks. Coordinates with hospital staff (e.g. operating room, emergency department and clinics) on critical and semi-critical medical equipment to ensure compliance with all national and local directives. Updates the Chief (or designee) on patient safety alerts and issues concerning reusable medical equipment. Establishes and maintains frequent contacts with interdisciplinary staff and outside vendors and manufacturers.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. 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. If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume
VA Form Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search. 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
  • Other (1)
  • PCS Orders
  • 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 http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.

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 09/30/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12769209.

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.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

Agency contact information

Tamara Chiron
Address
Birmingham VA Medical Center
700 South 19th Street
Birmingham, AL 35233
US

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: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.