Clarification from the agency

All US citizens who are qualified are encouraged to 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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Medical Supply Aide and Technician:

The Medical Supply Technician (SPS) is responsible for the collection of all used/soiled, semi-critical and critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RMD) throughout the medical center. The incumbent utilizes proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection prevention procedures to prevent cross-contamination of other equipment and personnel during the collection and transport of the soiled RMD. The MST is responsible for the systematic manual cleaning and disinfection of semi-critical and critical clinical equipment according to selected methods and strict manufacturer instructions. Major duties include, but may not be limited to:

• Following all safety and infection prevention rules, regulations and requirements within the decontamination and sterile preparation area.
• Demonstrates an advanced knowledge of aseptic techniques and understands how to implement procedures to prevent the spread of infection per VHA Infection Prevention guidelines.
• Independently performs cleaning and disinfection procedures within scope of their position.
• Disassembles and determines correct cleaning methods as determined by manufacturer instructions.
• Advanced knowledge of facility approved cleaning/disinfectant solution, and procedures.
• Vast knowledge of sterilization and decontamination techniques.
• Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization, such as, but not limited to steam, low-temperature sterilization, Steris, and high-level disinfecting scope reprocesses.
• Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers, such as steam or low temperature (hydrogen peroxide) and high-level disinfecting endoscope re-processor.
• Processes, assembles and performs all phases of sterilization for intricate surgical trays and microsurgery instruments for the operating room (trays contain large numbers of unique, non-interchangeable, specialized surgical instruments of similar appearance, with minor variations in size, conformation, and nomenclature, but with major variation in application. - Preparation of Ambulatory Surgery Unit case carts using the daily surgery schedule.
• Maintains a higher-level of functional awareness of facility policies and procedures; often providing guidance to entry or developmental staff.
• Research and applies the JCAHO, OSHA and FDA standards as they pertain to sterile processing and the distribution of medical supplies.
• Pick-up and deliver RMD throughout the facility.
• Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment.
• Performs other duties as directed.

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.

• 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.

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;

• 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;

• Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.

• Removing soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing;
• Inspecting packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembling basic sets and trays used throughout a medical facility including those used in the operating room;
• Preparing, loading, and operating sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and a high level disinfecting scope reprocessor;
• Prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule.

• 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.

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.