Clarification from the agency

This job is open to current permanent employees of the facility/CBOCs where this vacancy is located Overton Brooks VA Medical Center. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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Duties include but are not limited to:

• Collect and transport reusable medical equipment from more than 15 locations throughout the facility three (3) times a day.
• Following manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU's), these items are sorted, cleaned, decontaminated, or disinfected in the decontamination section of SPS.
• Items requiring additional processing, packaging and sterilization are sent to the preparation and packaging section of SPS where they are inspected for cleanliness, functionality, and quantity.
• Following IFU's, these items are then assembled, packaged, and sterilized accordingly.
• After sterilization items are returned to the user areas or stored in sterile storage within SPS.
• Removes gross contamination by soaking in appropriate detergent solutions, washing with detergent blood solvent, scrubbing with a brush, rinsing in tap, and then distilled water or washing in an ultrasonic unit and/or washer sterilizer.
• Decontaminates all reusable supplies and equipment in a manner rendering all decontaminated items safe for handling. MST (Advanced) determines proper methods and processes to follow SOP's and manufacturer's instructions for use to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration decontaminate instruments and equipment.
• When required, properly disassembles surgical instruments avoiding damage to equipment. In the performance of the duties the MST (Advanced) will have the responsibility involved with one, or all, the following functions pertaining to re-usable medical equipment (RMD) cleaning, high level disinfection, sterilization, and preparation of equipment to full readiness for its subsequent use.
• Medical equipment designed by the manufacturer to be re-used for multiple patients that are accompanied by reprocessing instructions provided by the manufacturer is considered RMD.
• Ensure the best possible product is delivered, the right item, at the right time, in the right condition, ready for use.
• Attend training on either one, or all, the procedures associated with the set-up, use, reprocessing and maintenance of new equipment prior to its initial use that leads to his/her initial competence and validation of that competency on a recurring basis.
• Removes items from washers and pass-through and determines type of tray or set to assemble based on recognition of key items and the operating room or clinic schedules.
• Examines items to ensure that gross contamination has been removed; if items remain contaminated, they are sent back to decontamination for complete reprocessing.
• Assembles sets and trays by selecting appropriate tray, lining it with a towel, and arranging instruments in the tray in the correct manner.
• Strives for a logically arranged package that will permit effective penetration of the sterilizing medium and ease of use by end user. Visually examines items for damage, deterioration, or Imperfections such as rust, pitting, and cracks.
• Operates medical equipment to determine whether it operates correctly after re-assembly.
• Sends malfunctioning or damaged equipment to repair or salvage unit MST (Advanced) examines all types of reusable supplies and equipment.
• Selects the correct wrapping for the tray and wraps and labels tray.
• Monitors operation of sterilizer with prescribed tests. Determines appropriate method of sterilization and attaches chemical indicator tape to package.
• Sterilizes items referencing SOP's, Special Parameters list and or STERIS V-Pro authorized list to determine that correct parameters (e.g., time, temperature, and pressure) were obtained. Completes proper documentation.
• Distributes items according to established requirements, special requests or as requisitioned.
• Fills requests for items based on daily schedules of needs or on individual requisitions.
• Consults with the Operating Room staff and our clinic customers on items in short supply or out of stock, recommending possible substitutions.
• Rotates stock in accordance with the FIFO (First in, first out) system.
• Assists with the inventory of supplies needed for our production as well as our end users. Performs other related duties as assigned. Oversee the work of lower-grade employees.

Work Schedule: 11:30am - 8:00pm including on call, subject to change based on the needs of the service.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00101F
Relocation 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 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.
• Must be able to independently operate Government Vehicle.
• Must provide clean driving record report from the DMV during the pre-employment process.

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.
• Certification. None.
• 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.
• English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part.

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:
GS-07 Advanced Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
2. Ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets.
3. In-depth knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in order to convey information and thoughts to others.

Preferred Experience: Approved VHA Leadership Development training. SPS Certification.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS07.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

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.