Clarification from the agency

Open to current all US Citizens. Veterans' preference does not apply. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

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. Provides technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the organizational unit.

• Oversees the collection, receipt, and decontamination of all critical and semi-critical RME. Decontamination processing requires strict adherence to the device specific instructions for use (IFU), manufacturer's guidelines, VHA Directive 1116, IAHCSMM and AAMI standards. Sterile Preparation/Processing and Assembly: Manages the meticulous inspection, assembly, packaging and terminal sterilization of all medical, dental, and surgical instrumentation, implantable devices and instruments used throughout the Health Care System. Sterile Preparation follows strict adherence to the device specific instructions for use (IFU) manufacture's guidelines, VHA Directive 1116, HSPA and AAMI standards. Troubleshoots the sterilizers and interpretation of biological testing which is of utmost importance.
• Manages the proper storage, transport and delivery of sterile instrumentation and environmental factors that may impact sterility GI Scope Reprocessing: Manages the complete reprocessing of endoscopes for the Gastroenterology (GI) clinic, Pulmonary area, Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)) area, as well as the Operating Room.
• Oversees the operation of equipment for reprocessing, manual cleaning per manufacturer's instructions, bioburden testing and storage. HLD: Oversees the high-level disinfection of devices requiring low temperature reprocessing. Assures quality tests are performed and strict adherence to standards is carried out.
• The incumbent performs the administrative and daily personnel management functions for the SPS Decontamination, Endoscope Reprocessing, Preparation and Sterilization, and Quality Assurance in conjunction with the SPS Chief. He/she oversees the training, orientation and employee training development program and associated continuing education credits. Collaborates with other services within the Health Care System to address areas of concern, plans work, sets and adjusts short-term priorities, and prepares schedules for completion of work, ensures that work priority and sequences, procedures, methods and deadlines have been met for the cleaning, reprocessing and distribution of critical and semi critical reusable medical equipment (RME) and surgical instrumentations.
• The incumbent plans, develops, directs, and maintains a Quality Assurance program ensuring product quality assurance through random sampling, biological testing, and product assessment. He/she assures the patient's needs are the driving force, places the emphasis on process management and undertaking improvement efforts. The incumbent assists the Chief, SPS with management of the Equipment Inventory Listing (EIL) to ensure that all equipment is accounted for. When necessary, also prepares 2237 requests for turn in of equipment or procurement of supplies. Reviews the Temperature and Humidity and air flow to ensure that they are maintained as required per Veterans Health Administration (VHA) policy and directives. Coordinates with the Chief of Sterile Processing, Infection Control and in the initiation of new or revised policies and procedures to govern Sterile Processing and Decontamination operations.
• The individual participates as a member of, or in an advisory capacity on committees such as: RME Committee, Infection Control, Environment of Care and Surgical Staff.
• Incumbent provides supervision directly to employees performing a variety of duties supporting the Sterile Processing Service. Responsibilities include: Developing/reviewing performance standards, Evaluating work performance, Hearing/resolving complaints, Approving leave, Identifying developments and training needs of employees.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Functional Statement #: 623-52230-0
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.
• 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

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. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part.
• Experience and/or Education
  • 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).

Grade Determinations:

GS-08 Supervisory 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. Ability to manage, interact and deal with individuals of varying backgrounds.
  • 2. Ability to direct staff and manage tasks to be completed.
  • 3. Ability to oversee and supervise all aspects of decontamination, preparation, sterilization, monitoring, and distribution of RME.
  • 4. Ability to perform a full range of supervisory duties, including assigning, planning and evaluating work, recommending awards, approving leave, identifying training needs, and resolving staff issues.

Preferred Experience: Experience in Sterile Processing or Scrub Tech, National Certification and Supervisor/leadership 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-8.

Physical Requirements: The employee usually stands and moves from one part of the room to another while performing duties. There is frequent requirement for lifting individual instruments or instrument trays weighing up to 45 pounds from just above the floor to waist level and occasional requirements for similarly lifting baskets weighing up to fifty pounds. The technician transports trays and equipment on carts that may weigh up to 300 pounds when full. Employee must be acutely aware of safety requirements when moving these carts over slight rises such as door sills. Tension and stress are induced by
the critical nature of producing work results on a preestablished time frame as well as in emergent situations. He/she must be able to read, write, and organize written material. Near vision correctable at 13 to 16 inches to a Jaeger 1 to 4. Far vision correctable in one eye 20/20 and 20/40 in the other. Full spectrum of color vision. Bilateral dexterity with the use of both hands. Reaching above shoulders, bending, twisting, stooping, squatting, lifting, pushing, pulling and unencumbered ambulation are required of this position

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.