Summary

The Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing Service) is a direct report to the Chief of SPS of the Central Virginia VA Health Care System - Fredericksburg Health Care Center.

Qualifications

GS6 - 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: Must have at least one year of experience at the next lower grade (GS-5). Specialized experience may include: experience in processing - assembling - troubleshooting - preparing - sterilizing - storing - and knowledge of decontamination - cleaning - preparation - sterilization - and storage procedures; knowledge of aseptic techniques; and skill in operating various equipment such as - washer-sterilizer - ultrasonic instrument cleaners and steam sterilizers - automatic endoscope reprocessors - etc. 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. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Regulations. Preferred Education/Experience: Experience processing endoscopes and SPS certification from either Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). 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. May be required to work in areas which may be hot - humid - cold - drafty - and/or poorly lighted. The employee is subject to the possibility of falls - scrapes - cuts - bruises - and other injuries from material handling equipment. The work requires pushing - pulling - standing - and walking during the entire workday - and frequent bending and lifting of packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating - disassembling - and assembling of various devices and instrumentation. On a regular and recurring basis - the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. The employee wears hospital issued scrubs - and personal protective equipment that can become uncomfortably warm. The employee uses insulated gloves to remove carts from sterilizers and mechanical cleaning machines. The employee is subject to burns from accidental contact with hot items. The hazards of working around minute quantities of sterilizing vapors are unknown. The employee may frequently be exposed to body fluids - mucous - excretions - and bits of tissue - some of which may be foul smelling. Strong - unpleasant odors are encountered while decontaminating bloody or grossly contaminated instrumentation or reusable medical devices. The work area is noisy - due to the clatter of metal instruments - rumbling of carts and operation of sterilizing and decontamination equipment.

Duties

• The Medical Supply Technician (MST) receives contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD) in the decontamination area
• Disassembles RMD and determines the correct cleaning method - such as (but not limited to) ultrasonic cleaners - mechanical washers/disinfectors - cart washers and chemical cleaning and decontamination agents - as determined by manufacturer instructions
• In Preparation area the incumbent inspects - assembles - and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization - to include but not limited to the following: steam - low temperature sterilization - and high-level disinfection
• Processes critical and semi-critical RMD according to manufacturer's instructions - standard operating procedures - and directions from the Office of Sterile Processing
• Receives items and correctly organizes them on shelves - ensuring that rotation of stock using First In - First Out (FIFO) method
• Transports RMD as necessary throughout the facility
• Must also have a working knowledge of microbiology - quality control - and distinguishing between various reusable medical devices
• Performs other directly related duties as assigned
• This position may require travel away from the incumbent's primary duty station to support SPS during periods of required coverage
• Additionally - this position may be selected to attend VHA- sponsored educational training or certification courses
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Driver's License to operate a government vehicle
• Work Schedule: The position is subject to work rotating shifts - weekends - holidays - and on-call - based upon patient care and departmental needs
• Telework: Not Available Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized