The incumbent will be required maintain knowledge of the department's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for the cleaning, decontamination, preparation, high-level disinfection, sterilization, and storage of the Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) appropriate to this position. The incumbent will be required to maintain competency in all reprocessing activities. Medical Supply Technician GS-0622-05 Assignment: This is a developmental level position in Sterile Processing Services as a Medical Supply Technician (MST). In this position, incumbent performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization, high-level disinfection, and inspection of critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME). The incumbent completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center, operates equipment involved in decontamination, sterilization, and high-level disinfection processes, and prepares operating room case carts. MSTs at this level receive guidance from experienced staff members at the GS-06 grade level and higher and require frequent and direct supervision. The MST is required to complete Sterile Processing Services (SPS) Level 1 training within 90 days of hire and participate. Tasks include: (1) Manual decontamination processes to remove soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing, and may include use of other cleaning methods such as ultrasonic washers, washer-disinfectors, cart washers, chemical cleaning and decontamination agents in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions for use. (2) Inspection of packages for indication of proper sterilization and integrity. (3) Assembly of basic instrument sets and trays used throughout the medical center. (4) Loading and operation of sterilizers to include steam, Sterrad, and ethylene oxide(ETO). (5) Utilization of high-level disinfection processes to include Cidex OPA and automated endoscope reprocessor (AER) such as the Medivator Advantage Plus. (6) Daily preparation of surgical case carts for the Operating Room using the surgical schedule. Medical Supply Technician GS-0622-06 Assignment: This is a full performance level position in Sterile Processing Services as a Medical Supply Technician (MST). In this position, incumbent independently performs all reprocessing activities. The incumbent receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area, disassembles the RME, determines and utilizes the correct cleaning method to include manual cleaning procedures and the use of ultrasonic washers, washer-disinfectors, cart washers, chemical cleaning and decontamination agents in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions for use. The incumbent inspects, assembles, and determines the correct method of packaging and sterilization or high-level disinfection as applicable, to include steam, Sterrad, and ethylene oxide (ETO), Cidex OPA, automated endoscope reprocessor(AER) such as the Medivator Advantage Plus. The incumbent performs and documents all required operational checks and procedures related to sterilization and high-level disinfection. MSTs at this level by virtue of their knowledge and experience require minimal supervisory guidance to perform normal operations and are expected to provide guidance and mentoring to new-hire orientees and lower grade MSTs. Customer Service Requirements: The incumbent will meet the needs of customers while supporting the VA mission. This requires treating customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. The incumbent will provide customers with accurate information according to established policies and procedures, handling conflicts and problems in a professional and constructive manner. Computer Security Requirements: The incumbent must comply with the Security of VA Information - Rules of Behavior policy to include protecting printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy. Data must be protected from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. The incumbent will follow applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the Rules of Behavior recertification that the employee completes annually. Work Schedule: The Tour of Duty is scheduled shift work to include Sunday through Saturday and holidays. The shifts available for the GS - 05 target GS - 6 are: 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
