Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Summary

The Syracuse VAMC is recruiting for a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing). The incumbent provides hospital facilities with reusable and disposable medical supplies, instruments and equipment. The incumbent specializes in but is not limited to inventory management, decontamination, packaging, sterilization and distribution of supplies, instruments and equipment which provide total supply support to all clinical areas of the medical center.

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Duties

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Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Major Duties:

Disassembles Supply Items

Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. Properly disassembles supply items avoiding damage or unnecessary wear. Independently determines appropriate methods, avoiding damage or undue wear. Properly disassembles equipment, supply items and instruments avoiding damage or unnecessary wear following established procedures. Provides guidance to lesser experienced staff and keeps the lead tech and SPD chief informed of their progress.

Cleans Supply Items

Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. Removes gross contamination by soaking in a germicide, washing with a detergent-blood solvent, scrubbing with a brush, rinsing in tap water or washing in a washer-decontaminator or ultrasonic unit. Decontaminates the full range of reusable medical supplies and equipment according to established procedures. Uses selected methods for removing gross contamination.

Examines Condition of Supply Items

Visually examines items for damage, deterioration, or imperfections such as rust, pitting, and cracks. Operates medical equipment to determine whether it operates correctly after re-assembly. Sends malfunctioning or damaged equipment to the equipment technician for repair. Examines the full range of reusable medical supplies and equipment according to established procedures. Uses selected methods to test or visually inspect items for damage or wear.

Assembles/Packages/Wraps/Sterilizes Supply Items

Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and medical conditions and procedures in order to package individual items or assemble items into sets or trays. Attaches chemical indicator tape and sterilizes according to guidelines. Sterilizes items comparing control tests to determine that correct parameters (e.g. time, temperature, and pressure) were obtained. Reads and interprets written instruction and procedures to prepare the full range of trays and sets. Removes trays of instruments from pre-sterilizing equipment, inspects items to be sure that gross contamination has been removed. Sorts the instruments by size and type, and re-assembles trays and sets based on recognition of key items or inventory needs. Uses care in packing to protect points, cutting edges and delicate instruments and to insure effective penetration of sterilizing medium. Monitors and documents the operation of the sterilizers with prescribed tests and reports any unusual readings to lead tech and chief of SPD. Removes carts and packages from the sterilizers when the cycle is completed. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization. Aerates gas-sterilized packages for appropriate times. Labels items to show date of sterilization and shelf-life. Provides medical supply items to users. Monitors and documents biological indicators, chemical indicators, bowie dick tests and examines equipment printouts to assure that all sterilization parameters have been met prior to release to end user.

Distributes Supply Items to Wards, Clinic Units or Operating Rooms

Distributes items according to established requirements, special requests or as requested. Fills requests for items based on daily schedules of needs or on individual requisitions. Performs daily inventories of wards or units supply areas and replenishes to appropriate stock levels. Consults with customers on items in short supply or out of stock, recommending possible substitutions keeping the inventory management staff informed. Assembles and sends case carts to the operating room utilizing picking tickets and checklists. Reports outages and deficiencies to lead tech and SPD chief. Gathers and reports QA data to Chief of SPD. Assists with quarterly and annual inventory.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule : Day Shift

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases

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.

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 # : 13641-A

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements :

• United States Citizenship : Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• 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.

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).

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: (1) 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. (2) 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. (3) 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.

Grade Determinations : The following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

GS-03 (Entry Level)

Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

Assignment. This is an entry level MST position. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision.

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:

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

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

3. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.

4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

Assignment. This is a developmental level MST position. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME). Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center. Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. Prepares operating room case carts. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision.

GS-05 (Developmental Level)

Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level;

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:

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

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

3. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.

Assignment : This is a developmental level MST position. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing. 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.

GS-06 (Full Performance Level)

Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

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

1. Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.

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

3. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.

4. Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation.

5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.

Assignment. This is the full performance level for the occupation. Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area and may receive 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.

Preferred Experience: One year of SPS experience

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6.

See Physical Requirements and Work Environment Below:

Education

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive 5019. The employee can either stand and moves from one part of the room to another while performing duties, or move throughout the medical center pushing carts full of medical supplies; frequent requirement for lifting baskets of stainless-steel instruments weighing 25 pounds from floor level to chest level and occasional requirements for similarly lifting baskets weighing 50 pounds, bending, stretching and reaching is frequently required. Dexterity and strength are required in lifting wire baskets weighing ten pounds and positioning them on a conveyor system or inserting small rods into needle like openings or precisely aligning component parts while reassembling medical instruments and equipment. The employee regularly pushes loaded carts weighing several hundred pounds, aligns them on tracks leading to automatic transport systems in sometimes crowded quarters, and works them over slight rises such as doorsills. Tension and stress are induced by the critical nature of producing work results critical to patient care on pre-established time frames and in emergent situations. Workdays can be lengthened without notice by emergency surgery instrumentation needs.

Work Environment: On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. In both, the employee wears special clothing, hair covers, and shoe covers which can be uncomfortably warm. While handling contaminated medical supplies, the employee also uses the appropriate personal protective apparel. The work area is often hot and humid. The employee must take care when removing carts from sterilizers and trays from the carts. The employee often works around body fluids, mucus excretions, and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts, and operation of equipment. Work is also performed in various areas of patient care and non-patient care areas which involves moderate risk or discomfort and may require special safety precautions. Some work is performed in an office setting or in a warehouse setting.

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: 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:

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

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.

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.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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