Medical Supply Tech (Sterile Processing)

Summary

Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) within the VA Central Iowa Health Care System where the incumbent will provide sterilization, preparation, supply items and decontamination support for the medical center.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

06/21/2024 to 07/01/2024

• Salary

$38,847 - $70,703 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 00

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Des Moines, IA

• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent

• Work schedule

Full-time

• Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

6

• Job family (Series)

0622 Medical Supply Aide And Technician

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Other

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBSY-12450063-24-JH

• Control number

796407900

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This job is open to

• Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current, permanent Facility employees of the Central Iowa Health Care System (CIHCS) and CIHS Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) only.

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Duties

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Major Duties include:

• The employee will work as a team member with other Medical Supply Technicians of various experience to carry out the daily work utilizing the written standard operating procedures and/or manufacturers written instructions in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, or accepted/standard practices.

• Provide sterilization, preparation, supply items and decontamination support for the medical center.

• Knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as required by this position.

• Will be required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME appropriate to the position.

• Demonstrate their ability to utilize an acceptable proficiency in the use of RME appropriate to this position.

• Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner.

• Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other gross contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing, and use of ultrasonic equipment. Loads and operates automated washer-disinfectors.

• Maintains an orderly work environment, sustains a work free of expired or damaged supplies. Monitors the environment and reports variations from prescribed temperature, humidity, and air flow as appropriate.

• Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room.

• Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers such as steam and hydrogen peroxide, and automated endoscope re-processors.

• Applies the Joint Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Federal Drug Administration standards as they pertain to sterile processing and the distribution of reusable medical equipment.

Work Schedule: 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM; Monday- Friday

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

This occupation is currently approved for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive through September 30, 2027. Candidates may be eligible for a lump sum CSI for a pro-rated amount if onboard prior to the CSI expiration date. Eligible candidates will be required to sign a service agreement agreeing to an obligated service period and failure to complete the obligated service period may result in a debt for the unearned portion of the CSI.

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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.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3g.)

• Experience and/or Education

• 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; or

• Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.

• Certification. None.

• 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:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

• English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part.

GRADE DETERMINATIONS:GS-03 (Entry Level)

• Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-04 (Developmental Level)

• 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

• 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.

• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:

• Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.

• Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets.

• Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.

• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

GS-05 (Developmental Level)

• Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Examples of experience include but may not be limited to; knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination, basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets, basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment, and ability to communicate both orally and in writing; or

• 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.

• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.

• Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility.

• Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.

GS-06 (Full Performance Level)

• Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Experience includes but is not limited to basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings, basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility, knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.

• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS03 to GS06.

Preferred Experience: Prefer sterile processing experience

Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

References: VA Handbook 5005/83, Part II, Appendix G47.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

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.

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• Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window

Learn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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.