Clarification from the agency

OPEN TO CURRENT PERMANENT HINES VA EMPLOYEES ONLY

The Medical Supply Technician in Sterile Processing primary function is responsible for sterile processing and/or high-level disinfectants of critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices, maintaining quality assurance with all the machines, scopes, and high-level disinfectors. Additionally, the RMD Instrument Coordinator:

• Provides oversight in the development, implementation, coordination, maintenance, and evaluation of critical and semi-critical medical devices within the RMD Program.
• Reviews the acquisition of new equipment and advises using services of anticipated delivery dates. Commissions trays into instrument tracking system.
• Functions as a subject matter expert in the use of the instrument tracking system.
• Controls the release of any new equipment until verification of all SOPs have been developed and communicated to staff. This includes coordination across services and/or disciplines which can influence the organizational mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities for RMD.
• Monitors, analyzes, and provides consultation on infection control issues regarding RMD.
• Participates in clinical rounds to assist in the verification of each service's SOPs for RMD.
• Investigates the need for any manufacturer and model-specific SOP required for new RMD at the time of the acquisition request.
• When new SOPs are required, obtains the necessary information from the manufacturer or vendor.
• Assists in the development of SOPs to standardize equipment used in the medical center.
• Assists in educating hospital staff, including the executive level, on all new equipment to ensure compliance is met as it relates to RMD.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday (8:00am - 4:30pm); WEEKENDS ON CALL AS NECESSARY
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 07114F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).
• 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

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 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.

IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE, YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING GRADE REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION.

GS-7 Grade Requirements (Advanced Level):
Experience. Must have one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6).
AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
2. Ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets.
3. In-depth knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
4. 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 RME. 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:
Level II Sterile Processing Certification or Equivalent:
Preferred Level II certification in sterile processing or an equivalent certification demonstrating proficiency and expertise in sterile processing techniques and principles.

Preferred Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Experience:
A Bachelor's degree in a related field (such as healthcare administration, biology, or similar) OR equivalent substantial work experience in a related area.

Identifying and Maintaining Surgical Equipment or Instruments:
Proficiency in identifying, handling, and maintaining various surgical equipment or instruments before, during, and after use. Strong knowledge of disinfection and sterilization protocols.

Sterile Processing Program Management Experience:
Experience in managing a sterile processing program; including developing policies, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and training personnel on reprocessing standards and practices.

Experience Tracking Equipment Utilizing Real-Time Location System (RTLS):
Proficiency in tracking and managing medical instruments and equipment using Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) to ensure efficient resource utilization and swift location of resources as needed.

These attributes will assist in the selection of a capable and knowledgeable RMD coordinator who can effectively manage and coordinate the sterile processing needs within the VA Healthcare system.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

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

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.

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.

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
• Other (1)
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal permanent agency employees.

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