Summary This position is assigned to the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) under the Chief of SPS at the Louis A. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center (LAJVAMC). SPS provides the technical supply functions of collecting, processing and decontamination of soiled supplies, instruments and equipment; instrument preparation and sterilization; medical equipment maintenance, receiving, storing, and distribution of medical and surgical supplies, instruments, and equipment. Responsibilities Duties include but are not limited to: Be able to direct and lead Sterile Processing Service personnel and communicate effectively to ensure user unit needs are met on a consistent basis. Possess the knowledge and skills to accurately and meticulously decontaminate, process, sterilize and high-level disinfect a wide variety of complex, medical, surgical, endoscopic and dental devices. Directs the cleaning priorities of contaminated reusable medical equipment from wards, operating rooms, and clinics and ensures staff inspect these items for damage and that they are in good working condition Conducts Quality Assurance monitoring on all activities performed in Sterile Processing and Clinics to evaluate efficacy of training and education, to include simple and complex instrument cleaning, endoscope reprocessing, surgical instrument tray preparation, sterilization monitoring, case cart assembly, mechanical equipment efficacy testing, and staff training and competency documentation. Ability to orient new staff, to a full range of: (1) Sets and trays used throughout the medical center, including those used in the operating room, and (2) medical/surgical terminology, human anatomy, and physiology. Acts as a preceptor to new staff members to include Contracting Staff, and Medical Enlisted Training College (METC) Joint services clinical Surgical/SPS training programs and assist in orientation and training under the guidance SPS Supervisors, Quality Assurance Staff and MST Instructors. Performs and reports all monthly quality checks of RME at point of use to identify non-conforming products. Maintains documentation of all QA activities and reports findings and recommendations for improvement to leadership. Balances the workload among employees in accordance with established workflow or job specialization ensures timely accomplishment of the assigned workload. Must complete the SPS Level I training program within 90 days of hire and maintain a minimum of twelve continuing education hours annually. Work Schedule: 6:30 am - 3:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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 trial period. 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). 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: 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 includes 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. Certification. None English Language Proficiency. Medical Supply Technician's must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. 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: Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following: Practical knowledge of conventional fact-finding or investigative techniques in order to evaluate internal work processes. Skill to develop, analyze and evaluate facts relative to unsatisfactory conditions or trends. Knowledge of and skill in applying various methods and techniques for investigating, analyzing and recommending corrective action on complex quality problems. Knowledge of the SPS policies and procedural manuals, infection control procedures, and accrediting agencies and quality assurance guidelines to assure appropriateness of work during quality assurance reviews. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and other software programs. Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques, which include sterilized operations, sterilizer mediums, and test to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging, storage, and shelf life. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to ensure staff compliance with written directives, rules and regulations. 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: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing for prolonged periods of time, carrying medical supply items weighing up to 50 pounds, frequent bending and stretching/reaching, and pushing fully-loaded medical supply carts weighing as much as 750 pounds which must be negotiated up inclines and over rises, or positioning them on sterilizer track rails. The work requires dexterity in such tasks as inserting small rods into needle openings or precisely aligning component parts while reassembling medical equipment. Tension and stress are induced by the critical nature of producing work results critical to patient care on pre-established time frames and in emergent situations. Workdays can be lengthened without notice by emergency surgery instrumentation needs. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information "Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and wellbeing. As a VA employee, you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care." 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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. 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. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. 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. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
