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Summary The incumbent will serve as a Sterile Processing Service, Medical Supply Technician (MST). In this position, the incumbent will provide critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME), decontamination, preparation, assembly, sterilization and distribution support for the Medical Center. The incumbent will have knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as required by this position. Responsibilities Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: - Knowledge of surgical instruments used in the operating room, clinic settings and dental operatories. - 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 regard to instrumentation. - Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures - Knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty Operating Room, Clinic and Dental instrument sets. - Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. - Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. - During initial orientation, all new SPS employees must complete the SPS Level 1 training program within 90 days of hire. This training is conducted through the VHA online learning management system or VHA printed SPS Level 1 training program packet when an online learning management system is not readily accessible. A certificate is received upon successful completion of all of the modules. - Complete training coursework and VA SPS certification as required for a Sterile Processing Technician position in the VA Maintain certification by completing approved, annual Continuing Education Units (CEU) and annual in-service hours. - Maintain Continuing education units (CEU). CEU's are credits received for completing training and attending seminars directly related to a profession. One CEU is generally given for each hour of training or seminar attendance. SPS employees who are certified by a national organization must obtain annual CEU as set forth by their certifying body. All other SPS employees must obtain a minimum of 12 educational hours annually. - Knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as required by this position. The incumbent will be required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Competencies which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME appropriate to this position. The incumbent will be able to demonstrate their ability to utilize an acceptable proficiency in the use of RME appropriate to this position. - Maintains review the medical facility's disaster plan, fire plan, and other policies and procedures for hazard communication upon initial employment and annually thereafter. - Knowledge of Attire. Each area within SPS has a dress code that must be strictly adhered to. The purpose of the dress code is to prevent cross-contamination and to protect the employee. Monitoring of proper work attire is a fundamental element of the SPS quality assurance program. The attire for the Preparation and Sterile Storage Areas consists of: Scrub suits. When working in the Preparation Area, a jacket with cuffs down to the wrists must be worn if short-sleeved scrub suits are provided. The jacket can be reusable (same material as scrub suits) or disposable and must be kept closed. Fleece or other lint shedding jackets may not be worn. When leaving the SPS area lab coats are optional. Scrub suits and jackets are not to be worn outside of the medical facility, nor can they be laundered at home. Clean attire must be worn daily. The attire must be laundered at the medical facility or off-site laundry service supporting the medical facility. Approved head and hair covering must be worn. A disposable bouffant cap must be worn to cover both ears completely. Disposable surgical hoods that cover side hair, ears, and the nape of the neck can also be worn. Head/hair covering must be removed upon exiting the area. Skull caps (surgical caps that cover only the top of the head) are not to be worn. Reusable head coverings are not to be worn. Facial hair must be covered at all times when in the Preparation Area. Shoes worn in the SPS environment must be clean. If shoe covers are used, they should be removed prior to exiting SPS. Shoes that are worn only in this area may help to reduce contamination of the SPS environment. Shoes must have closed toes and backs as well as non-skid soles. Work Schedule: Monday -Friday 0900-1730 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. 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). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov 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. 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: The following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-03 (Entry Level) (a) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignment. This is an entry level MST position. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. GS-04 (Developmental Level) (a) Experience. Six months experience as a MST, operating room or surgical technician or other position that demonstrated knowledge of sterile processing in a clinical setting; or (b) Education. Two years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation. NOTE: Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or nursing assistants obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces, the U.S. Maritime Service, or hospitals under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to 6 months of experience. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below: 1. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. 2. Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets. 3. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. 4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. GS-05 (Developmental Level) (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; or (b) 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 a Bachelor's degree. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 2. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility. 3. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. GS-06 (Full Performance Level) (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 2. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. 3. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures. 4. Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation. 5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/76 PART II APPENDIX G47 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. 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 and cold. The employee is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and other injuries from material handling equipment. The work requires standing, walking/moving during the entire workday, frequent bending, twisting, turning and lifting of packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity to inspect RME and lift baskets and containers weighing 25 to 50 pounds from floor level to chest level. Employee regularly pushes loaded carts weighting several hundred pounds. Necessity for dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. Work requires depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and ability to hear equipment sounds, equipment and safety alarm devices. On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a carefully controlled clean environment and contaminated environment. The employee wears special clothing, face shield, hair/beard/facial 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 work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts and operation of pre-sterilizing equipment. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.