Summary

Serves as a sterile processing trainer in the Sterile Processing Services (SPS) Section at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center (MGVAMC). Develops formal and informal written plans for the SPS training program and facilitates training of SPS staff through educational programs and job specific instruction. Serves as a Medical Supply (Sterile Processing) Technician - performs a wide area of duties - including various cleaning - decontamination - assembly - sterilization and distribution processes.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

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.) English Language Proficiency
• MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3j - this part
• 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
• (Supporting documentation required if qualifying via education) OR Experience/Education Combination
• Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable
• (Supporting documentation required if qualifying via education) 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
• 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 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Trainer Experience
• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs)
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1
• Knowledge of SPS and Infection Prevention regulations
• 2
• Knowledge of procedures and/or operations in training developed for - and operations of SPS functions for both new and existing staff
• 3
• Ability to manage integrated training programs as it relates to sterile processing procedures
• 4
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word - Excel or other software programs in order to complete reports and develop skills
• 5
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and management officials in regards to sterile processing procedures
• Preferred Experience: Sterile processing experience preferred
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: Work includes moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.) - pulling hand over hand - pushing - reaching above shoulder - use of fingers - walking - standing - repeated bending - excessive noise - intermittent - working closely with others - and working alone.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional MST Trainer Duties (75%) Responsible for developing formal and informal written plans for the SPS training program - in compliance with accreditation organizations and VHA-specific requirements as well as medical center policies and procedures for SPS and related staff
• Trains new and existing staff on SPS procedures and operations of SPS functions
• Facilitates training of SPS staff through educational programs and job specific instruction
• Manages integrated training programs as it relates to sterile processing procedures
• Improves SPS processes by facilitating the application for new technology of reusable medical devices by training all new and existing staff
• Develops - monitors - and revises SPS educational programs for both new and existing staff
• Documents and assesses staff's training - to identify areas of strength and need
• Develops an education plan (literature review - continuing education - in-services - certification and/or formal education) to maintain and improve knowledge in specialized areas of processing reusable medical devices
• Participates in tracking - trending and analyzing education data
• Identifies opportunities for improvement - makes recommendations and/or prepares reports based on findings
• Uses Microsoft Word - Excel or other software programs in order to complete reports and develop skills
• Develops and conducts the annual review of the SPS preceptor program
• Communicates effectively with staff and management officials in regards to sterile processing procedures
• Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Duties (25%) Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area and receives noncritical equipment in the decontamination area as well
• Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method - such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners - mechanical washers - cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents - as determined by manufacturer instructions
• Inspects - assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam - Sterrad - Steris - ETO - and high-level disinfecting scope re-processors
• Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment
• Rotates among the assigned duties in the Decontamination - Preparation - High Level Disinfection (HLD) - Sterilization - and Sterile/Clean Storage Areas
• Adheres to quality control procedures throughout the decontamination and sterile preparation/processing areas
• Processes and inventories medical devices and assumes continuous training in support of the reprocessing of RME in support of numerous services and activities
• Maintains a working knowledge of medical terminology - anatomy and physiology - microbiology - medical conditions and procedures
• Maintains knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination - as well as knowledge of sterility principles in-regards to instrumentation
• Maintains knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings
• The incumbent may be assigned to any shift and to pull call on weekends and holidays
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 8 am - 4:30 pm Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year).Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized