Clarification from the agency

All U.S Citizens Clarification from the agency This announcement is open to ALL U.S Citizens. 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference to external applicants for appointments made to shortage occupations.

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This is a position of the full performance level of RMD Coordinator, GS-7. Assumes all the duties and responsibilities of the higher graded position. Is fully functional in the role of a SPD GS-7 Lead Medical Technician and the SPD GS-6 Medical Supply Technician (MST) or below

Major Duties

• Responsible for researching all manufacturers IFUs of all the reusable RMD of the facility to ensure compliance in reprocessing of RMD.
• Creates and updates SPD SOPs for all RMD.
• Provides technical training to all MSTs necessary for accomplishing the work of the organizational unit.
• Tracks and ensures all replacement instruments are ordered.
• Maintains quality metrics and quality assurance measures as required for tray assembly, tray inspection, workflow sequence, SOPs, sterilization methods and deadlines have been met.
• RMD Coordinator will take On-Call status in rotation with other MSTs.

Decontamination and Processing

• Collects, receives, inspects, decontaminates, high-level disinfects and performs terminal sterilization of soiled supplies, instruments, equipment, and apparatus to include complex diagnostic equipment and medical apparatus.
• Completely and thoroughly dissembles and positions all parts of RMD to ensure the removal of bioburden, proper cleaning, and disinfection prior to sterilization.
• Performs leak tests on Endoscopes to ensure that the water tight integrity of the scope is intact before initiating the cleaning and high-level disinfection process or terminal sterilization.
• Performs appropriate and safe reprocessing for all RMD by strictly adhering to the Quality Management Program requirements.
• Operates decontamination equipment such as washer decontaminators, sonic washers, irrigators, automatic cart wash and tube dryers.
• Follows all manufacturers' instructions on cleaning of instrumentation and RMD using department SOPs based on manufacturer guidelines.

Preparation and Sterilization

• Inspects, assembles, packages, high-level disinfects and sterilizes all instruments, instrument sets, and packs for use throughout the medical center.
• Performs appropriate and safe reprocessing for all RMD by strictly adhering to the Quality Management Program (e.g., uses testers, bioburden checks and instrument integrity checks).
• Follows all manufacturers' instructions on packaging and sterilization of RMD using department SOPs based on manufacturer guidelines.
• Interprets mechanical printouts and biological indicators to validate that sterilization of RMD is within acceptable parameters.
• If sterilization parameters aren't met, articulates how to troubleshoot the sterilization load, determines the possible cause of the parameters not being met, and reports findings to the supervisor/lead technician.
• Performs high level disinfection using Revitalox or equivalent according to manufacturer guidelines; documents and validates that chemicals are tested and meet requirements to ensure that disinfection has occurred.

Quality Assurance Support and Reports

• Performs quality assurance activities including but not limited to monitoring biological and chemical indicators and integrators, Bowie Dick tests, time, and temperature logs, and ensures appropriate RMD checks are documented after sterilization or reprocessing.
• Performs other quality assurance activities including verifying accuracy of labeling, contents, cleanliness, working order and sterilization parameters.
• Evaluates gathered data and based upon findings, makes recommendations to improve effectiveness or processes.
• Follows local SOPs which are written in accordance with the manufacturers' written recommendations for reprocessing RMD.
• Maintains documentation of training in the setup, reprocessing and maintenance of specific equipment. Initial validation of competency will be performed, and minimally thereafter, on an annual basis.
• Understands of the criticality in reprocessing of RMD according to manufacturer guidelines and the significant impact on our Veteran population through the risk of infectious disease

CUSTOMER SERVICE REQUIREMENT

• Communicates and treats customers (patients, visitors, volunteers, and all medical center staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner.
• Provides the customers with consistent information according to established policies and procedures.
• Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.
• Implements practices with good customer service in all
  work activities, treating patients, their families/representatives, visitors, and other MSTs in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 7 AM - 3:30 PM, rotating call on weekends, weekdays and holidays.
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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.
• 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).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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.
• MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part.
• Certification. None.

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.
c. 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).

Grade Determinations: GS-07 (Advanced Level) - Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - RME Coordinator

(a) Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1.Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
2. Ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets.
3. In-depth knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in order to convey information and thoughts to others.
5. Ability to interact with individuals of varying backgrounds in order to assess the needs of the department.
6. Ability to coordinate work in order to complete duties in an accurate and timely fashion.
7. Ability to interpret and apply sterile processing/infection prevention regulations and policies.
8. Ability to evaluate new products and equipment.
9. Ability to initiate and lead interdisciplinary groups in carrying out sterile processing functions.

Preferred Experience:

Experience with Sterile Processing Procedures.
Experience with the development of stand practice procedures and policies
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and web based applications.
Dependable transportation

References: : VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47, Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) GS-0622-07

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07.

Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, lifting 30 pounds or more and pushing. Required to stand and move from one part of the room to another in performance of assigned duties and is also required to travel throughout the medical center observing the processes in placed in different services. Transferring objects may be required. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts, and operation of pre-sterilizing equipment. Use of ultrasonic equipment may require use of hearing protection. The RMD Coordinator is exposed, on a regular and recurring basis, to the residuals of the high-level disinfectant peracetic acid which has strong vinegar odor. Peracetic acid can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritant. Prolonged contact with skin may result in delayed burns. Breathing high concentrations of peracetic acid may cause nausea, vomiting, and irritation of nose, throat, and lungs. The MST/RMD COORDINATOR is subject to burns from accidentally touching hot items, to cuts from both sterile and contaminated instruments, knife blades, sharps, and needles and dermatitis from frequent contact with cleaning agents.

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, resume, 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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.