The incumbent independently performs all reprocessing activities. The incumbent performs decontamination, preparation, high­ level disinfection, and sterilization of critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME). Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Perform decontamination, preparation, high­ level disinfection, and sterilization of critical and semi-critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME).
• Perform assembly of surgical case carts for the Operating Room, retrieval and delivery of RME and maintenance of the work environment in accordance with VHA Directive 1116(2).
• Complete Sterile Processing Services (SPS) Level I training within 90 days of hire and participate in continuing education (i.e., computer based training and in­ service education sessions) to maintain SPS Level I certification.
• Perform cleaning, decontamination, preparation, high-level disinfection, sterilization, and storage of the RME appropriate to this position.
• Utilize ultrasonic washers, washer-disinfectors, cart washers, chemical cleaning and decontamination agents in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions for use.
• Inspect, assemble, and determine the correct method of packaging and sterilization or high-level disinfection as applicable, to include steam, Sterrad, and ethylene oxide (ETO), Cidex OPA, automated endoscope reprocessor (AER) such as the Medivator Advantage Plus.
• Perform and document all required operational checks and procedures related to sterilization and high-level disinfection.
• Provide customers with accurate information according to established policies and procedures, handling conflicts and problems in a professional and constructive manner.

Work Schedule: Varied shifts, On-Call Coverage
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Must pass pre-employment physical.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/29/2019.
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:In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Basic requirements for appointment as a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Experience and/or Education: (1) Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or (2) 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 (3) 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-04 (Developmental Level): In addition to meeting the basic requirements; (a) 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 (b) 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. (c) 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 (Developmental Level): In addition to meeting the basic requirements; Posses one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-04; or (b) 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. (c) 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-6 (Full Performance Level): In Addition to meeting the basic requirements; Do you possess at least one year of creditable specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS -05 level in Federal service? Specialized Experience: Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical Reusable Medical Equipment (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 e.g. manual cleaning, ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions. Inspect, assemble and determine the correct method and packaging for sterilization i.e. steam, Sterrad, ETO, and high level disinfecting using chemical disinfecting agents (e.g. Cidex OPA) or mechanical disinfectors (automated endoscope and probe reprocessors). Perform and document operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment.

References: VA Handbook 5005/83, Part II, Appendix G47, Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Qualification Standard GS-622

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 4 to GS 6.

Physical Requirements:

1. Activity The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday with frequent bending and lifting of sterile packages and containers averaging 25 lbs. The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulation, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. Physical demands include bending, twisting, stooping, extending arms, lifting of heavy objects from shelf heights ranging from 8 inches above floor level up 18 inches below ceiling height. Pushing and pulling of loaded sterilizer carts, transport carts, and surgical case carts is required.
2. Physical Requirements: Tolerance

The incumbent must be able to tolerate standing for prolonged periods of time, wearing impervious personal protective equipment (PPE), and higher ambient temperatures in the presence of heat-generating equipment. The incumbent must be able to tolerate ambient noise from reprocessing equipment and activities, and odors from contaminated RME and reprocessing agents.

1. Physical Requirements: Exposure

On a regular basis the employee alternates between the clean, controlled environment of the preparation, sterilization, high-level disinfection, and sterile storage areas and the contaminated environment of the decontamination area. The incumbent must comply with attire and PPE requirements to protect RME undergoing preparation, high-level disinfection or sterilization from contaminants, and to protect oneself from biohazards such as blood, body fluids, and tissues. The incumbent must also comply with PPE requirements or other controls designed for protection against hot surfaces and chemical agents used during cleaning, decontamination, high-level disinfection, snd sterilization.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.