Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Job Title

Duties

Examining and Inspection of Condition of Instrumentation, Supplies and RMD

Responsible for the collection and receipt of all used, soiled reusable critical and semi-critical RMD, utilizing proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and infection control procedures to prevent cross-contamination of other equipment and personnel during the collection and transport of soiled RMD.

Responsible for the proper disassembly of technical medical instrumentation and equipment, where internal parts may become contaminated, which requires dexterity, skill, careful positioning of parts, and the elimination of any bioburden.

Cleaning Surgical Instrumentation and RMD

Responsible for the systematic manual and automated cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of instrumentation and equipment according to strict Manufacturer Instructions for Use (MIFU). Must use knowledge of instrumentation to differentiate by sight items that can require differing methods to accomplish cleaning and disinfection of complex, expensive medical instrumentation.

Responsible for the manual cleaning, high-level disinfection and/or sterilization of endoscopes, to include both upper and lower GI endoscopes, Cysto-Uretero Fiberscopes, video intubation scopes, transesophageal transducers and various ultrasound probes classified as semi-critical reusable medical equipment.

Quality Assurance

Independently operate a variety of high- and low-temperature sterilization equipment, to include steam, and hydrogen peroxide plasma. Responsible for ensuring that quality assurance testing of the effectiveness of the equipment operation is completed and documented to include mechanical, chemical and biological monitoring.

Independently prepare the full range of trays and sets necessary for use in various areas of the medical center, to include multiple clinic areas listed above. Reassemble surgical instrument sets as required for use by ophthalmic, urological, orthopedic, podiatry, and dental specialties, among others. Consider patient procedure scheduling in clinical areas to determine need for instrument tray turn-around and make recommendations to management for purchase of additional items.

Assembling, Packaging, Wrapping and Sterilizing Instrumentation for End Users

During instrument assembly, the technician is responsible for determining proper instrument selection, instrument function/operation, need for instrument protection, and arrangement of items to ensure effective penetration of the sterilant. Some instruments, due to size, delicacy, sharpness, and/or cost, require specialized handling and additional protective actions to ensure they are not damaged.

Independently determine proper packaging method, based upon size, number and weight of the assembled items, and labels these items appropriately.

Effectively process and sterilize a wide variety of implant devices in accordance with the MIFU, and ensure non-biologic implants are not released for use until the biological challenge device has completed the incubation process and determine whether the sterilization method was effective.

Operations

Utilize computer programs, to include Microsoft Office components, to perform record keeping, tracking operations, maintain quality assurance records, and communicate with other personnel, both internal and external to the Medical Center.

Perform peer training for new employees, as well as user training and instructions to others, both internal and external to the service, regarding the correct operating and preventative maintenance procedures of medical instrumentation and equipment. Identify trends, recommend solutions, and implement quality improvement initiatives and programs related to program effectiveness.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 0600-1430 or 1000-1830

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): 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)

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.

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