Medical Supply Tech (Sterile Processing)

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.

01Basic 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. 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 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).

02Grade Determinations

The following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-03 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) 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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below: 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 GS-05 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) 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 KSAs: 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.

03Preferred Experience

Experience in Sterile Processing as a Medial Supply Technician or Operating room experience. Preferred additional certification ( examples: Certified Registered Central Service, Certified Endoscope Reprocessing, Certified Instrument Specialist, Healthcare Sterile Processing Association) Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 6.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 3 to 6.

04Physical Requirements

This position requires long periods of standing, walking, bending, and lifting. The incumbent usually stands and moves from one part of the department to another. There is a frequent requirement for lifting containers of stainless-steel instruments weighing more than 25 pounds from floor level to chest level. Dexterity and strength are required for lifting and positioning RMD. The incumbent regularly pushes loaded carts weighing several hundred pounds and loads them into elevators and through entryways.

The incumbent must be capable of working effectively in stressful situations and be able to shift priorities based on needs.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) or MST (SP) in the Sterile Processing Service within the Marion, IL VA Health Care System. MST (SP) is responsible for decontaminating critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD). The MST (SP) receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RMD in the decontamination areas and may receive noncritical equipment as well.

The MST (SP) is responsible for disassembling the RMD, and determining 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. By way of the correct cleaning method, the MST (SP) removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluidsand other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing and scrubbing from the equipment.

The MST (SP) inspects, assembles and determines the correct method for packaging for sterilization, such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, and high-level disinfecting scope reprocessors. The incumbent disposes of broken and unusable items in accordance with established protocols and procedures. The MST (SP) visually and manually ensures acceptable condition of instruments and equipment by inspecting instruments for damage, deterioration, or imperfections.

The incumbent packages items or assembles sets or trays for wards and clinics as well as complex instrument sets for operating rooms. The MST (SP) performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. The incumbent receives guidance from more experienced staff members and SPS management. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 0900-1730 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized