Duties
Major Duties include but are not limited to:
- Is responsible to ensure their personal competency by completing VHA level 1 SPS training through modules in the VHA Talent Management System (TMS) (VHA-174) within 90 days of hire. Obtains VHA level 2 SPS training within one year of appointment and annually completes 12 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) annually or obtain annual certification through a nationally recognized sterilization organization such as HSPA's Certified Registered Central Service Technician certification program or CBSPD. To be eligible for the VHA level 2 certification exam, 400 hours of hands-on reprocessing experience must be completed with attestation by SPS Assistant Chief or SPS Chief.
- Utilizes Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (MIFU) or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based of MIFU to create competencies for SPS staff. Competency validation is required for all tasks before being performed independently.
- Each SPS SOP must have a corresponding Competency Assessment Tool (CAT). In addition, any RMD that provides specific reprocessing MIFU must have a CAT, the CAT must be developed based on MIFU and can be combined with the SOP into one document.
- Responsible to develop and implement a standardized education/training program for SPS staff, including a staff development program beginning with an initial orientation program for new SPS employees, Level 1 training, and recurring on-the-job training for all SPS employees. Encourages staff to aspire to VA level 2 SPS training.
- Uses a variety of competency validation methods to measure the proficiency of an individual for a specific task. At least two of the following validation methods must be used to adequately assess competence: test, return demonstration, simulation, interview or observation. For RMD reprocessing tasks at least one validation method must be direct observation.
- The validator must have current competency for the task the employee is being validated for and must provide full signatures for handwritten CAT. Electronic signatures are acceptable when Personal Identity Verification (PIV) technology is utilized to verify authenticity of all signatures.
- Collaboratively develops and keeps updated a competency risk analysis based on, but not limited to, complexity of the device, reprocessing frequency and bioburden exposure during use. The frequency of competency validation required for each item is based on this tool. Ensures all flexible, channeled endoscope competencies are validated once a year at minimum as these are always determined high-risk. Any RMD not deemed high-risk will have competency validations completed prior to the performance of any assigned task in accordance with MIFU.
- Competency validation is required for new employees; new devices; changes in policy, SOPs; or when an employee demonstrates a need for additional education, training and competency validation.
- All SPS employees that perform RMD reprocessing must participate in a continuing education program with a minimum of 12 CEUs per year. The SPS educator must maintain clear records of CEUs for each employee and make these records available to SPS leadership and any other oversight entities.
- Routinely and systematically observes and evaluates current practices of SPS staff. Performs audits as assigned.
- Arranges SPS in-services and other training opportunities with vendors.
- Develops SPS mentors and the mentor program. Establishes frequent routine check-ins to get input and identify educational needs of SPS staff.
- Collaborates with the RN SPS RMD Coordinator, OR educator, MVAHCS education service and RMD end users. Identifies, develops and delivers education and training when needs are identified.
- Completes the MVAHCS Preceptor program, ensures mentors also attend.
- Assures compliance with Basic Life Support (BLS) training when required.
Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards
Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
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)
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory
Work Schedule: Varied day shift.
Telework: ADHOC-May be authorized (Employee who Telework on an occasional, episodic, or short-term, and have completed required telework training and telework agreement).
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: A recruitment/relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified applicants. Please contact the HR specialist for specific requirements. This amount may be prorated based on part time status.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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.
NOTE: Candidate's education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected. The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.
Experience as an RN will be evaluated to determine if the experience is of an acceptable level of quality with regard to the following five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence/Based Practice/Research. Each dimension of practice has criteria that demonstrate essential core competencies for VHA Nursing Personnel.
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.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- Performance Appraisal
- Resume
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. 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 online for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete online application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/28/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12579902.
- 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.
NOTE: If the deadline is missed to submit your application, please contact clarissa.baccam@va.gov to inquire on the process for submitting a late application. Applications will be accepted for consideration up until the point a selection has been made.
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.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
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.