Summary The Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) is assigned to the Sterile Processing Service at the Pittsburgh VAMC, Pittsburgh, PA. The Incumbent is responsible for the receipt of contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical device (RME) and for the decontamination and sterilization of this RME. The duties require basic knowledge of sterile techniques within the SPS department. Responsibilities CRITICAL SKILLS INCENTIVE: This occupation is currently approved for a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive (CSI). Candidates may be eligible for 15% of their salary as a lump sum CSI. The amount of lump sum CSI will be pro-rated determined by the appointment date and the end date of the CSI. 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. Major Duties: GS-3 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) This is an entry level Medical Supply Technician (MST) position. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization, and inspection of reusable medical devices (RMD). Prepares operating room case carts. Will assist in quality assurance, clinic/loaner inventory and Censitrac. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. GS-4 This is a developmental level Medical Supply Technician (MST) position. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization, and inspection of reusable medical devices (RMD). 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. Will assist in quality assurance, clinic/loaner inventory, and Censitrac. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. GS-5 Developmental level. This is a developmental level Medical Supply Technician (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 as steam, Sterrad, and a high-level disinfecting scope reprocessor; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule. Will assist in quality assurance, clinic/loaner inventory and Censitrac. GS-6 Full performance level. This is the full performance level for the occupation. Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical device (RMD) in the decontamination area, and may receive noncritical equipment as well. Disassembles the RMD and determines the correct cleaning method, such as, but not limited to, ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers/disinfectors, 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, and high level disinfecting scope reprocessors. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment. Reusable Medical Device: Reusable Medical Device (RMD) is any medical equipment designed by the manufacturer to be reused for multiple patients. All personnel who are involved in the reprocessing of RMD are responsible for knowing what reusable instruments, equipment, medical devices or supplies are used (inventory) in their clinical area. Work Schedule: Rotating shifts to include: on-call, weekend, and Holidays Telework: Not Available Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Approved Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. 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 This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis (every 2 weeks). 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. 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. 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. 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. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty and poorly lighted. The employee is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and other injuries from material handling equipment. The work requires 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, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. 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-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. 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. GS-06 (Full Performance Level) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. References: Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Qualification Standard, VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47. 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. 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: 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 or 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. 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.