Summary 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 equipment, maintaining quality assurance with all the machines, scopes and high-level disinfectors. The Supervisory MST functions as a first-level supervisor responsible for the oversight of a group of MSTs, with administrative responsibility for planning and directing the work. Responsibilities In this position, you will serve as Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing). Work assignments: Rotates among the various medical supply operation assignments in a medical and surgical environment requiring a complete range of medical supplies, instruments and equipment. Cleans, packages, assembles, sterilizes, and distributes supply items used for patient care in the medical center, wards, operating rooms, laboratories, and clinics. Equipment Operation: Operates an ultrasonic cleaner, washer/sterilizer, dryer, cart washer, steam sterilizers, gas sterilizer and aerator. Decontamination: Collects contaminated supplies and portable equipment from wards, operating rooms, laboratories, and clinics of the hospital according to schedule. Receives, disassembles and inspects for damage reusable medical supplies, instruments and equipment. Determines correct method for pre-sterilizing. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids and other gross contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing and use of appropriate decontamination equipment. Loads and operates pre-sterilizers. Reassembles medical equipment, including such complex equipment as cell centrifuges, which require skilled, careful positioning of parts and the complete elimination of dust particles or lint from the chambers. Removes items from pre- . sterilizers and determines @type of tray or set to assemble based on recognition of key items and the oneratin1:1: room and clinic schedules been removed. Assembles sets and trays by selecting appropriate tray, lining it with a towel, and arranging instruments in the tray in the correct manner, e.g., hinged instruments in open position, ring-handled instruments on a spreader, heavy instruments on the bottom, delicate items prewrapped to prevent damage, blades and points properly covered. Strives for a compact, logically arranged package that will permit effective penetration of the sterilizing medium. Places devices in the tray, selects correct wrapping for the tray, and wraps and labels it. Selects correct sterilizing medium and cycles, and operates sterilizer. Aerates gas-sterilized items for correct period of time. Periodically monitors operation of sterilizer with prescribed tests. In emergencies, uses less than optimum techniques such as flash sterilizing or faster heat techniques which might tend to deteriorate the piece of equipment. Equipment and Tray Assembly and Packaging: Inspects the condition of operating room trays, instruments and needles for cleanliness and damage and replaces them as required. Assembles, wraps, dates, initials, and labels trays. Assembles and stocks all equipment for stations and case carts. Receives used and contaminated equipment such as bed frames, mattresses, and vacuum pumps. Disassembles equipment, removes gross contamination from the component parts, reassembles the equipment, and checks its functioning. Determines appropriate method for cleaning and sterilizing the equipment, operates sterilizers, and stores and issues the equipment. Advises medical personnel on the proper use of the equipment and on problems that arise in connection with its use. In addition: Receives periodic training in such areas as the use and functioning of new medical supplies, instruments, and equipment; new or improved sterilization practices; and developments in microbiology, bacteriology, and therapeutic practices as they affect the sterile supply operation. Periodically inventories medical supplies and equipment, keeping records and determining reordering needs. Removes outdated material from shelves for re-sterilization. Provides training and orientation to medical personnel on sterile supply techniques and procedures. Supply/Distribution: Receives sterilized trays, sets. and equipment from the sterilizer, checks for effectiveness of sterilization (color change on marker tapes, dampness of the packages), tags sterilized material indicating date of sterilization and expiration date, and stocks shelves with sterilized material. Assembles and loads ward and operating room carts according to schedules, and fills special and emergency request for supplies; Advises medical personnel on availability of supplies, possible substitutes, and effective use of equipment. Restock supply closets and carts located in the wards, operating rooms, laboratories, clinics, and storerooms. The supply closets and carts are inventoried daily and replenished with supplies and equipment. Distributes supplies and equipment based upon special requests and requisition tickets. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (3:00pm - 11:30pm); Weekends on call as necessary Telework: Not Suitable Virtual: Not a virtual position Functional Statement #: GS-03 FS# 00587F GS-04 FS# 00592F GS-05 FS# 00919F GS-06 FS# 00824F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Salary Ranges: GS-3 $44,443 - $57,769 GS-4 $49,888 - $64,862 GS-5 $55,815 - $72,553 GS-6 $62,219 - $80,882 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: 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: Medical supply Technicians (MSTs) must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j. Experience: Six (6) months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work. OR, Education: One (1) year above high school that included at least six (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. IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE, YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING GRADE REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION. Grade Determinations: GS-03 Entry Level: This is an entry level MST position. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04 Developmental Level: This is a developmental level MST position. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME). Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center. Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. Prepares operating room case carts. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. Experience: Six (6) 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 (2) years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation. In addition to the experience or education above, you must demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) below: Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order 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 Developmental Level: 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. Experience: One (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-04). OR, Education: Four (4) 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. In addition to the experience or education above, you must demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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 Full Performance Level: 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. Experience: One (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05). In addition to the experience or education above, you must demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) below: 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 regards to instrumentation. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures Certification VA Certified Registered Medical Supply Technician(CRMST) (Level 1 within 90 days and Level 2 within 1 year of employment). Foreign Education To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs. Preferred Experience: At least one year of Sterile Processing or surgical instrumentation experience. 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-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation); endoscope reprocessing room and in other SPS services areas throughout the medical facility/campus. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty and poorly or. brightly lighted. The work requires proper body mechanics when standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending, twisting and lifting of packages / instrument trays, transport bins, (weighing as much as 50 pounds). Transportation of RME between buildings and clinics requires the loading and unloading of soiled, clean and sterile RME. Requires the pushing and pulling of case carts and flatbed hand trucks weighing several hundred pounds. The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. 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 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.
