Summary The Medical Supply Technician (MST) position is located in the Sterile Processing Service department of the Kernersville Health Care Center (HCC). MSTs will perform duties in all areas of the SPS department to accomplish daily workload and to rotate routinely through all assignments. Responsibilities Major duties and responsibilities are as follows: Requires knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and maintains current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and preparation of RME appropriate to this position. Demonstrates the ability to utilize an acceptable proficiency in the use of RME appropriate to this position Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in decontamination area(s) such as main decontamination and GI Scope decontamination. Receives noncritical case carts in the decontamination area for transport of RME as well. Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to manual cleaning, ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents as determined by manufactures instructions. Inspects, prepares, assembles, and determines the correct method of packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to Steam, Plasma (Sterrad), and high-level disinfection such as Cidex OPA, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and the Automated Equipment Reprocessor (AER). Prepares operating rooms trays and containers daily utilizing surgery schedule. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids and other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the outpatient clinic including those used in the operating room. Performs segments of work pertaining to the high-level disinfection, decontamination, sterilization, and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME). Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and major trays for use in various services of the facility. Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. Transports RME within and between facilities. Maintains current MST and VA driver's certification. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and SPS management. Inspects, prepares, assembles, and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, EtO and high-level disinfecting reprocessors; may prepare operating room case carts daily utilizing surgery schedule. Preferred Experience: Sterile processing certification and 1 year experience or 5 year of Sterile Processing experience Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 6:30PM Compressed/Flexible: Not eligible Telework: Not eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). NOTICE Effective May 7th, 2025, Driver's Licenses or State issued Identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment with the VA.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). Qualifications United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. Certification. None Preferred Experience: Certified Medical Supply Technicians or Instrumentation Technicians Grade Determinations: GS-03 (Entry Level) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment: This is an entry level MST position. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. GS-04 (Developmental Level) Experience. Six months experience as a MST, operating room or surgical technician or other position that demonstrated knowledge of sterile processing in a clinical setting; OR Education. Two years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation. NOTE: Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or nursing assistants obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces, the U.S. Maritime Service, or hospitals under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to 6 months of experience. AND In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs below (KSAs must be demonstrated in resume) 1. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. 2. Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets. 3. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. 4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing Assignment: This is a developmental level MST position. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room. Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and a high level disinfecting scope reprocessor; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex tasks and require direct supervision on new assignments. GS-05 (Developmental Level) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; OR Education. Four academic years above high school leading to a Bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation or a Bachelor's degree AND In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs below (KSAs must be demonstrated in resume): 1. Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 2. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility. 3. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.GS-06 (Full Performance Level Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (there is no education substitution at the GS-6 level)In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs below (KSAs must be demonstrated in resume) 1. Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 2. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. 3. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures. 4. Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation. 5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. Assignment: This is the full performance level for the occupation. Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area and may receive noncritical equipment in the decontamination area as well. Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions. Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and high level disinfecting scope reprocessors. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. References: VA Handbook 5005/83, Part II, Appendix G47, Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Qualification Standard https://www.va.gov/OHRM/QualificationStandards/HT38/0622-MedicalSupplyTechnicianSterileProcessing.pdf The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a health care setting, with exposure to: inside and outside work, excessive noise, intermittent and constant, working around machinery with moving parts, working around moving objects or vehicles, working with hands in water, working closely with others, working alone, and working protracted or irregular hours. Routinely requires moderate lifting (15-44 lbs.), moderate carrying (15-44 lbs.), straight pulling and pushing (up to 8 hrs.), walking (8 hrs.), standing (8 hrs.), kneeling (8 hrs.), repeated bending (8 hrs.), both legs required, both eyes required, ability to distinguish colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing aid permitted, and mental and emotional stability. 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. 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. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.
