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.
- 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: In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.
GS-08 Supervisor Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)
Experience: Two (2) years of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (examples of experience include, detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings, ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument set, 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.
While we no longer require essay-style responses to our Knowledge's Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs), you must be able to demonstrate that you possess the (below) competencies which are necessary to perform the work of the position. Please ensure your resume/CV/application contains sufficient information to support the level of experience/education/training; otherwise, we will not be able to award you credit for the experience/education/training you claim. These are the KSA's for this subject position:
- Ability to manage, interact and deal with individuals of varying backgrounds.
- Ability to direct staff and manage tasks to be completed.
- Ability to oversee and supervise all aspects of decontamination, preparation, sterilization, monitoring, and distribution of RME.
- Ability to perform a full range of supervisory duties, including assigning, planning and evaluating work, recommending awards, approving leave, identifying training needs, and resolving staff issues.
Preferred Experience:
- Two to five years' experience as SPS Supervisor.
- Ability to manage, interact and deal with individuals of varying backgrounds.
- Ability to direct staff and manage tasks to be completed.
- Ability to oversee and supervise all aspects of decontamination.
- Ability to perform a full range of supervisory duties, including assigning, planning, and evaluation work, recommending awards, approving leave, identifying training, needs, and resolving staff issues.
- Ability to communicate effectively as a leader.
- Proficiency in electronic instrument tracking system (preferably Censi Trac).
- Certifications (CBSPD, IAHCHMM, OR HSPA).
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 pushing heavy carts, 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.
References: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.