Clarification from the agency

This position is a critical need position and Veterans Preference will NOT be taken into account for selection.

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Duties include but are not limited to:

• Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RMD in decontamination area.
• Disassembles the RMD 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 manufacturers' instructions.
• Inspects, prepares, assembles, and determines the correct packaging and method of sterilization, to include but not limited to the following: steam, low temperature sterilization, and high-level disinfection.
• Manually removes debris, soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, brushing, flushing, and scrubbing.
• Performs quality audits on critical and semi-critical RMD for indications of proper cleaning, assembly, and sterilization. Assembles RMD sets and trays used throughout the facility, including those used in the operating room and clinics.
• Operates equipment in all areas of sterile processing.
• Performs and documents daily operational checks on all sterilization and decontamination equipment.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skill in assembly of trays and peel packs, to include identification of contents, internal chemical indicators, lot control numbers, wrapping, labeling and methods of sterilization.
• Monitors and documents all required information for each sterilization and disinfection load and sterilizer.
• Participates in the department Quality Improvement Plan, as needed. Quality Improvement responsibilities include but are not limited to, biological spore testing, efficacy testing, and documenting results of all sterilization and high-level disinfection methods and testing.
• Appropriately handles and transports all sterilized items when placing them in storage and identifies any breaks in the integrity of the package.
• Re-stocks shelves in sterile storage and other areas to maintain defined PAR levels of all supplies, instrument trays, and other items maintained in inventory.
• Uses proper procedure to assemble case carts according to surgical schedule and procedure specific preference cards.
• Transports clean and soiled case carts between procedural areas and Sterile Processing.
• Transports additional instrumentation as needed. Maintains cleanliness and appropriate supply levels at workstations in all areas of department.
• Participates in orientation of new sterile processing personnel.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, Hours to be determined
Compressed/Flexible:Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000

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 identification 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:Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Regulations.

Grade Determinations: GS-6

Experience: Must have at least one year of experience at the next lower grade (GS-5). Specialized experience may include: Experience with contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area. Ability to 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, and high level disinfecting scope reprocessors.

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:

• Endoscope experience.
• CRCST or CBSPD certification.
• Instrument tracking 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-6.

Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile Supply, and in other services throughout the medical facility that SPS supports. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, 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 uses insulated gloves to remove carts from sterilizers. The employee Is subject to burns from accidentally touching hot items. The hazards of working around minute quantities of sterilizing gasses are unknown. The employee often works around body fluids, mucous, excretions and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling, Strong, unpleasant odors are encountered while decontaminating bloody or grossly contaminated instrumentation or reusable medical equipment. 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.