Clarification from the agency

"OPEN TO HINES VA CURRENT PERMANENT EMPLOYEES ONLY" NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Videos

Planning:
Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the goals and function of Sterile Processing, and the role an effective tracking system contributes to a successful department. Uses knowledge to demonstrate excellent customer services to internal or external customers. Develops and reviews policies and procedures that impact the IMS. Presents improvements of the system to the Manager, seek approvals for changing SOPs. Recommend amendments for procedures as new technology creates change. Performs data entry for new instrument sets, equipment, and procedural trays. Uses a consistent format and naming nomenclature for instrumentation and containers. Tracks additions, modifications and deletions made to instrument set count sheets.

Changes should be trended to see who is requesting the change, the reason for the change, and if there are any repetitions over time. Assists in the development of a disaster plan downtime procedures for the IMS, sterilization equipment, and other systems related to the data that is captured in the tracking system. Run routine administrative reports and provide to the Chief and Assistant Chief SPS and the Reusable Medical Device Coordinator, relating to New users added to the system, changes in access level for current user; Date of last log on; Unsuccessful log on attempts (identifying potential for PW hacking or use of another's profile).

Assists in developing staff competencies for the effective and proper use of the tracking system Serves as department hardware/software support representative by identifying department needs and by ensuring highest level of performance. Works with Facility IT and Biomed to create a middle layer of troubleshooting administration, unless hardware related. Works with Censis Technologies, Inc in troubleshooting documentation issues or system performance issues. Attend the CtUC annual conferences as budget allows. Attendance at the conference should be no less than every other year.

Directs and Organizes:
In collaboration with the Manager, directs the overall activities of Censitrac. Assists the department Educator for orientation, training and ongoing changes as new features are added. Collaborate with other departments to ensure the appropriate professional standards are consistently applied in the Sterile Processing department. E.g. OSHA, JCAHO, CDC, AAMI, etc. Maintains systems competency as required to perform duties. Train and manage staff assigned to instrument marking, substitute approvals and data entry to the system. Orient new employees to the department IMS and In-services all staff on proper function of instrumentation tracking. Research, plan and implement new functionality to all shifts, receives, analyzes and resolves all day-to-day user questions concerning system processing and performs system file maintenance, digital images for individual instruments or sets. Uploads media of all types for the enhancement of accuracy for set assembly, special testing, preventative maintenance. Maintains open and honest channel of communication with user departments, supervisor, peers and staff. Assists the Manager with the PI program related to the IMS. Actively troubleshoots system problems and accessory equipment. Reports problems to Information Services department and follows up with systems vendor for resolution.

Reusable Medical Devices (RMD):
The incumbent will have knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) as required by this position. The incumbent will be required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RMD appropriate to this position. The incumbent will be able to demonstrate their ability to utilize an acceptable
proficiency in the use of RMD appropriate to this position.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00am - 4:30pm) / (9:00am - 5:00pm); check with supervisor to solidify schedule.
Telework: Not available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 09484F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
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

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.

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. 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).

All MSTs that are employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) Employees grandfathered into the GS-622 occupational series as MSTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation.
(2) MSTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
(3) MSTs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.

In addition to the Basic Requirements provided in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47, paragraph 2, the following are the grade requirements.

GS-07 Requirements: (Censitrac Systems Administrator) Experience. One year experience at the GS-6 level or above.; or 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 Bachelor's degree.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
1. Develop instructional manual for IMS and keeps manual updated.
2. Reviews and monitors sterilization records and biological test results on an ongoing basis.
3. Develops and maintains system training and procedures and operating manual to ensure correct and complete utilization of Instrument Asset Management system.
4. Provides training and direction for user on the use of the Censitrac system and procedures.
5. Serve as a resource person for staff in the resolution of Censitrac issues.
6. Maintain effective lines of communication with staff, which is open, honest, and supportive in nature.
7. Review performance Censitrac problems/errors as they occur and suggest ways to prevent reoccurrence.
8. Communicate with Manager regarding Censitrac issues concerning noncompliance of IMS.
9. Gives recommendations in staff evaluations annually which include achievable goals and submit to the Manager.
10. Maintain current professional certifications (Laser Institute of America, Laser Safety Awareness Online Certification, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CRMST, other)
11. Oversees those responsible for approving instrument substitutes, proper usage of the loaner and maintenance modules in Censitrac, avoiding a backlog of old data.
12. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
13. Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets.
14. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
15. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
16. Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in the operating and clinic settings.
17. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility.
18. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
19. Knowledge of surgical instrumentation used in operating rooms and clinical settings.
20. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.
21. Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation.
22. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.
23. Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating room and clinic settings.
24. Ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets.
25. In-depth knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.

Ability to communicate both orally and in writing to convey information and thoughts to others.

Preferred Experience:
3-5 years MST utilizing the Instrument tracking system. Advanced hands on experience with Censitrac, including:

• Building and maintaining instrument sets.
• Managing count sheets and preference card integrations.
• Updating workflows, sterilization cycles, and container configurations.
• Running system audits, backups, and updates.
• Troubleshooting user access, scanners, printers, and documentation issues.
• Experience training and supporting SPD staff and OR teams on Censitrac workflows.
• Experience creating or modifying instrument tracking policies and procedures.

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-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7.

Physical Requirements:
This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation) and in other services and departments throughout the medical facility/campus. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, humid, cold, drafty and poorly lighted. The employee is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and other injuries from material handling equipment.

The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment.

The employee wears special clothing, hair covers, personal protective equipment and shoe covers that can be uncomfortably warm. The employee wears Laser protective goggles and ensures that the Laser room is closed and that signage is properly displayed on the door outside the Laser room. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts and operation of pre-sterilizing equipment.

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.