Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all U.S. Citizens.

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The selectee will be assigned to the Sterile Processing Service (decontamination, preparation, and sterile storage) within Patient Care Service (PCS). The selectees will be responsible for the following:

Medical Supply Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) receive contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME) in the decontamination area. Disassembles RME and determines the correct cleaning method, such as, but not limited to, ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washer-disinfectors, cart washer 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 sterilization, low temperature gaseous sterilization, and high-level disinfecting scope reprocessor. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment.
Employees are scheduled to tours of duty within and outside of administrative hours, not limited to weekends and on-call.

This position is integral to the safe use of reusable medical equipment as they are the first line of defense in protecting patients from hospital acquired infections. The purpose of the work is to reprocess critical and semi- critical RME like surgical instruments and Endoscopes an operate sterilizers and Automated Endoscope Preprocessors. This job has become more technically demanding and technically sophisticated, the requirements to maintain and update their skills is mandatory. Also entails moderate administrative functions and data entry skills. The work has significant effect on the accuracy and reliability of further treatment. Lead MST is responsible for the overall technical management of the Endoscopes and complicated surgical instruments that are used in surgical services and other specialty care clinics. Technical skills vary from simple cleaning of instruments to a high level of competency in the function and operation of endoscopic instruments. The technician must be able to adapt quickly to unusual and often emergent situations or special request of the physicians in operating room for the safe completion of the procedures.

In the performance of official duties, the selectee has regular access to printed and electronic files containing sensitive data which must be protected under the provision of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, Federal regulations, VA Statues and policy, and VHA policy.

A thorough knowledge of medical and surgical terminology, human anatomy, and physiology is required so the selectee is able to select the right instrument sets, packs, and specialized instruments to do the procedure with only the diagnosis or name of the operation to be performed available to him/her.

Work Schedule: 1530-2400 May be required to work weekends, holidays, overtime during the week, and rotating on call, but must be able to change schedule to accommodate the needs of the service.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Relocation/Recruitment Incentive: Not authorized
Telework: Not authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible
to recruit qualified citizens.
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
Licensure or Certification. None.
Grandfathering Provision. 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.
Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs.
Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
English Language Proficiency. Lead Medical Supply Technicians (Sterile Processing) must be proficient in spoken and
written English

Grade Determinations:
GS-07
To meet the requirements for the GS-07 grade level Lead MST (Sterile Processing) applicant must possess at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Ability to instruct staff on the correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments.
2. Skill in communicating with staff to ensure compliance with written directives, rules and regulations.
3. Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers.
4. Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures.
5. Ability to lead individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments.

Assignment. The Lead MST works in support of the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) management team. Distributes and prioritizes workload among employees in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations. Assures an even workflow and distribution of the workload. Revises work schedules to meet anticipated and unanticipated changes in the workload. Assigns work to staff based on experience and training needs. Monitors and reports on the status of work. Ensures SOPs and SPS mandates are followed during the performance of workflow. Reviews work in progress or spot checks work not requiring review to ensure completed work meets supervisors' instructions on such things as work sequence, procedures, methods, and deadlines. Assesses the quality and quantity of work by reviewing the cleaning, reprocessing, and distribution of technical medical equipment, material and instrumentation. Provides information to management officials concerning performance issues, assignment changes and task completion. Instructs employees on work-related activities, policies, procedures and goals.

Preferred Experience:
3 years SPS experience
Previous Lead Tech experience
IAHCSMM certification


References. July 8, 2015 VA HANDBOOK 5005/83 PART II APPENDIX G47

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

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, résumé, 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.