Clarification from the agency

This is open to members of the public. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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The Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (MST) functions as a first-level supervisor responsible for the oversight of a group of MSTs, with administrative responsibility for planning and directing work. Specific duties to include but not limited to: Oversees attendance and leave, including approval of sick and annual leave, and vacation schedules. Informs higher level management of anticipated vacancies or increases in workload. Recommends promotions, reassignments, recognition of superior performance, retention or release of probationary employees, or other changes of assigned personal. Holds corrective interviews with employees, referring disciplinary problems to higher levels of management. Resolves informal complaints of employees and deals with union representatives on personal matters. Provides technical supervision and hands on instruction necessary for accomplishing the work of the organization. This position requires flexibility in scheduling and assignments, as this department supports patient care operations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Other duties may be assigned when necessary to support organizational and patient care demands.

• Supervises a team of MSTs who provide decontamination, preparation, sterilization and distribution support of critical and semi-critical RMD for the Medical Center. The term RMD as used in this functional statement refers to reusable items for patient care including basic instrumentation, equipment, instrument trays/sets, and various other items that could be processed or assembled through the decontamination and preparation areas of SPS.
• The Supervisory MST will have in depth knowledge of the processes for RMD as required by this position. The Supervisory MST will be required to learn and maintain current knowledge of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, preparation and sterilization of RMD appropriate for this position. Employee reviews work of MSTs through observation and competency assessments.
• Completes training coursework and VA SPS Certification as required for a Supervisory MST position in the VA. Maintain certification by completing approved, annual Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and annual in-service hours.
• In-depth knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. Operates the full range of mechanical cleaning equipment per manufacturer's guidelines and VHA Directive 1116 and AAMI. Extended knowledge in use of Steam, VPro, Steris and High-Level Disinfecting Scope reprocessors.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in order to convey information and thoughts to others. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. Provides information and reports to Chief, SPS and Assistant Chief, SPS. Requests assistance in resolving non-routine problems. Prepares production reports as requested, reports work backlog, and reports observed safety hazards as required.
• Ability to operate and control CensiTrac Instrument Management System (IMS), record receipt and decontamination process of all trays and equipment. Record sterilizer activities, produce count sheets for instrument trays and equipment preparation and the prep process of all trays and equipment.
• Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. Ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets.
• Expanded knowledge of event-related packaging regarding sterility principles to instruct staff on decontamination procedures and processes. The MST-Supervisor provides support to Dallas, Bonham, Ft Worth Outpatient Clinic (FWOPC), Garland and Tyler Outpatient Clinic.
• The incumbent will work as a team member and Supervisor of other MSTs of varying experience to carry out the daily work utilizing written standard operating procedures and/or manufacturer's instructions for use; in accordance with instructions, policies, procedures, directives, memoranda, previous training, or accepted/standard practices.
• Holds corrective interviews with employees, referring disciplinary problems to higher levels of management. Resolves informal complaints of employees and deals with union representatives on personal matters.
• Assisting the Subject Matter Experts in obtaining and completing market research, salient and technical specifications, and sole source justifications if indicated.
• Submit monthly/ quarterly reports to the Administrative Officer (AO) of the equipment, instrument, and supply expenses to track the budget.

Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm or 3:30 pm - 12:00 midnight, with rotating weekends/holidays
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Available:
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 identification 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

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. 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; (Transcript required) 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).

Grade Determinations: 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.

• Grade Determinations: GS 08: Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)(a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 07)(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:1. Ability to manage, interact and deal with individuals of varying backgrounds.2. Ability to direct staff and manage tasks to be completed.3. Ability to oversee and supervise all aspects of decontamination, preparation, sterilization, monitoring, and distribution of RME.4. Ability to perform a full range of supervisory duties, including assigning, planning and evaluating work, recommending awards, approving leave, identifying training needs, and resolving staff issues.

Preferred Experience:

• 3 years supervisory or management experience in Sterile Processing Services.
• Management experience within the last 5 years.
• 3 years lead experience (within the last 5 years) in Sterile Processing Services.
• 3 years preferred MST experience in Sterile Processing Services.
• 3 years flexible endoscope experience.
• Sterile Processing Services certification (National: CRCMST, CBSPD)

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-08.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds Light carrying, under 15 pounds Pulling hand over hand (8-12 hours) Pushing (8-12 hours) Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers Both hands required Walking ( 8-12hours) Standing (8-12 hours) Kneeling (8-12 hours) Repeated bending (8-12hours) Climbing, legs only (8-12 hours) Climbing, use of legs and arms, Both legs required, Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, Ability to distinguish basic colors Hearing (aid may be permitted) Distant vision (Snellen): without corrective lenses: right 20 left 20; with corrective lenses, if worn; right 20 left 20.

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.