Summary The Medical Supply Technician (MST) position in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) located at the Butler VA Healthcare System is under the Chief Sterile Processing Services. The position requires the incumbent to perform independently the full range of duties required to decontaminate, clean, sterilize, process, prepare, store, and distribute medical supplies and Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) used in all areas of the facility, Community Living Center (CLC), and CBOC Clinics. Responsibilities Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, flexible hours 7:30am-5:30pm Functional Statement #:Hybrid Title 38 - Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Appendix G47 Responsible for performing comprehensive sterilization testing procedures utilizing line microorganisms and chemical reactive testing to ensure all sterilization parameters are being met by sterilizer chambers, coinciding with these procedures is the compliance to strict, accurate record keeping of sterilizer functions and test, inclusive of reading and interpreting sterilizer charts, gauges and controls, being adept at detecting machine malfunction while knowing appropriate reporting procedures. The MST is knowledgeable of all Quality testing in Decontamination, Prep and Assemble, and Sterilization, all instruments, instrument trays, surgical instrumentation sets, complex diagnostic treatment of instruments and final wrapping techniques. MST serves as a Reusable Medical Device (RMD) subject-matter expert. Decontamination: Adhere to and report any non-compliance of facility regulations regarding application and removal of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Scan RMD and soiled containers into Decontamination through CensiTrac system. Disassemble the RMD as determined by manufacture instructions for use (MIFU) and standard operating procedures (SOP). Decontaminate RMD and soiled containers by determining the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to manual cleaning, ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined MIFUs and SOPs. Adhere to Decontamination infection control practices. Coordinate the workflow for Decontamination to include prioritization from a variety of cleaning/disinfecting phases. Operate automated reprocessing equipment such as the ultrasonic cleaner and washer/disinfectors in accordance with the device's MIFU and SOP. Complete and document quality assurance testing. Report any issues to SPS Chief identified within Decontamination such as but not limited to ultrasonic, washer disinfector, sinks, failed quality assurance testing and low supplies. Assembly and Sterilization: Perform and document daily operational checks, and records for all sterilization equipment. Ensures that daily spore testing and sterilizer control measures as it relates to quality assurance principles of sterilization and elimination of cross contamination have been met. Complete and document daily cleaning assignments. Follow all device specific MIFUs and SOPs while conducting assembly and sterilization procedures, including Infection Control Practices. Assemble a wide variety of instrument trays and sets used for medical procedures utilized in the facility, CLC, and CBOCs. Perform quality checks for all RMD, including correct labels and information required. Utilize CensiTrac for all processes within Assembly and Sterilization. Identify any damaged or missing items in instrument sets informs SPS Chief when quality checks fail. Inspects, assembles, and determines the correct method, packaging, time and temperature and sterilizer setting following MIFU and SOP for sterilization. Coordinate the workflow for assembly to include prioritization from a variety of assembly and sterilization processes. Monitor and report biological testing for each sterilization cycle. Sterile Storage and Distribution: Ensure documentation of sterilization is completed and passed. Ensure biological resulted negatively before releasing RMD to clinics. Inspect each RMD for indicator changes, staining, contamination, tip protectors in place, or any package integrity issues or compromise. If any noted, scan item to.Decontamination and return to Decontamination immediately. Scan RMD from sterilizer to appropriate location utilizing CensiTrac. Serve as an expert in inventories, replenish shortages from sterile supply, inspect for sterility integrity for instrument sets and expendable items. Follows up to ensure RMD rotates at the appropriate intervals, communicates needs for restocking outdated supplies, and maintains stock levels of critical and semi-critical RMD for clinics, CLC, and CBOCs. Operates and monitors temperature/humidity-controlled storage cabinets according to MIFU and SOP. Operates automation equipment according to MIFU and SOP, facility procedure to prepare, store, retrieve or process information. Complete and document quality assurance testing. Monitors and reports to SPS Chief, Quality Assurance testing failing. Completes scanning into CensiTrac of RMD Completes and documents ViewPoint. Compressed/Flexible: Flexible hours between 7:30am - 5:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. 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. 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 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: Citizenship - You must be a citizen of the United States English Language Proficiency - English Language Proficiency - You must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d) Experience and/or Education - Experience - Six months of experience that demonstrates the 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. Grade Determinations: GS-03 Medical Supply Technician - Experience/Education Requirement: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04 Medical Supply Technician - Experience/Education Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-04 you must meet one of the following experience or education requirements: 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 US. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below: Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. Basic knowledge of medical terminology to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. GS-05 Medical Supply Technician - Experience/Education Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-05 you must meet one of the following experience or education requirements: Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-4). Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: Performing segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME); completing segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center; operating equipment involved in sterilization processes; preparing operating room case carts; 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below: Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. GS-06 Medical Supply Technician (Full Performance Level) - Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-06 you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5). Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: Removing soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing; Inspecting packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembling basic sets and trays used throughout a medical facility including those used in the operating room; preparing, loading, and operating sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and a high level disinfecting scope reprocessor; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, you must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures. Knowledge of sterility principles in regard to instrumentation. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. Preferred Experience: Prefer nationally recognized certification including Healthcare Sterile Processing Association Certification. 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-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. Physical Requirements: Physical demands of the position include work assignments with long periods of standing, walking, pushing, lifting, bending, stretching. This position requires the ability to lift 50 lbs. The incumbent may at times be required to climb up and down a step stool in the workarea. Workdays may be extended without notice by emergency RMD requests from clinics. 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 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.
