Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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Duties include, but may not be limited to the following:

• Completes set up of decontamination equipment readiness, verification of chemicals needed, any required quality assurance testing (to include validation of cart wash, ultrasonic washers, washer disinfectors, RO Critical Water), and changing of water in sinks and ultrasonic washers.
• Collects, receives, sorts, disassembles, and inspects all items for damage. Decontaminates RMD using the prescribed chemicals, equipment and techniques to successfully render items safe for further processing (all manual and mechanical cleaning). Removes all gross contaminants by appropriate methods following Area 2 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and High Risk Protocols (HRPs).
• Completely and accurately reassembles equipment and updates the ITS CensiTrac location records, and prioritizes work load according to end user and department needs. Performs quality assurance as required by manufacturer IFUs, Area 2 SOP, and department policy (to include leak test and residual soil testing of flexible scopes).
• Completes all required documentation in the ITS CensiTrac, to include equipment and RO Critical Water quality assurance testing, area cleaning, endoscope reprocessing, probe reprocessing via TROPHON, and location tracking. Completes daily cleaning of area. Completes all standard work as assigned.
• Demonstrates a knowledge of RMD including identification, general use, and specific characteristics. Completes set up assembly area, necessary supplies, containment system(s), and sealant and quality assurance equipment (i.e. insulation tester and Borescope).
• Completes daily cleaning of area. Completes all required documentation in the ITS CensiTrac, to include area cleaning, location tracking, and assembly count sheet completion. Completes all standard work as assigned.
• Completes set up of high level disinfection areas, equipment readiness, verification of chemicals needed, any required quality assurance testing (to include endoscope Channel Checks, Revital-Ox MEC, and TROPHON discs).
• Demonstrates a knowledge of RMD including identification, general use, and specific characteristics. Completes set
  up of Area 4 Sterilization, equipment readiness, verification of disposables needed, any required quality assurance
  testing (to include validation of sterilization equipment i.e. Bowie Dick and Biological).
• Able to operate
  all equipment used in Area 5 Storage and Area 6 Distribution to include computer, scanner, printer, scale to weigh
  instruments, and temperature gun.
• Employee utilizes all VA computer programs and systems as required to comply with all local, VISN, regional and
  national policies and procedures in carrying out SPS duties and responsibilities.
• Performs other duties assigned.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Work Schedule: Required to work Days and Evenings
Telework: Not available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.
Functional Statement #: 13641A
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.
• 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

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.
• 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 healthcare 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..

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).

For the GS-06 Grade (Full Performance), you must meet the following requirements:

• One year of experience equivalent to the newt lower grade level (GS-05) which includes, but not limited to: Removing soil, blood, tissue fragments. body fluids, and other contaminants 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 re-processor; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • 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.

Preferred Experience: 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 re-processors. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

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.