Summary The Phoenix VA Health Care System is recruiting for Medical Supply Technicians, in the Sterile Processing Service.

The vacancies are located at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. As a Medical Supply Technician, you are responsible for the decontamination, sterilization, and inspection of Reusable Medical Devices.

The positions start as a GS-03 and can range to GS-06, depending on experience. Recruitment / Relocation may be available.

Responsibilities The VA Phoenix Health Care System is one of the leading health care systems serving Veterans in the VA Desert Pacific Network.

We're an innovative care center within the Veterans Integrated Service Network 22 (VISN 22). VISN 22 includes medical centers and clinics in Arizona, Southern California, and New Mexico.

The Medical Supply Technician (MST) possesses the knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Devices (RMD). As an MST, you are required to maintain current knowledge of the processes, and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and preparation of Reusable Medical Devices (RMD).

The major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to : Uses insulated gloves to remove carts from sterilizers.

Decontaminates, and sterilizes reusable instrumentation and devices for the Phoenix VA Health Care System. Assembles basic sets and surgical trays for procedures at the Phoenix VA Health Care System.

Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Resolves conflicts and problems dealing with the customers, constructively, and appropriately.

Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids and other contaminants 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. Disassembles the RMD and determines the correct cleaning method to utilized, such as ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning / decontamination agents.

Performs duties pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization, and inspection of RMD. Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes.

Performs, and documents, daily operational checks, and records for all sterilization equipment. Work Schedule : Tours include Monday - Friday : 6 : 00 am-2 : 30 pm;

8 : 00 am-4 : 30 pm, 9 : 00 am-5 : 30 pm,3 : 30 pm-12 : 00 am, 9 : 00 pm-5 : 30 am; on Saturday - Sunday : 7 : 00 am-3 : 30pm.

On- Call. Holidays. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus) : Recruitment / Relocation Incentive may be available for highly qualified candidates at service discretion.

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 existing pay, 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.

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 Financial Disclosure Report : Not required 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 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.

Education and / or Experience : Experience : Six (6) months of experience of associated with Medical Supply Technician responsibilities.

OR, Education : At least 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.

Transcripts are required.) OR, Combination of Education and / or Experience : An equivalent combination of experience and education.

Note : Experience satisfying this requirement may be paid / non-paid employment as a Medical Supply Technician. Please make sure that your experience is evident in your resume, and hours worked per week for each work experience entry is included, or your resume will be considered incomplete, and you will be considered "ineligible" for the position 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-3 Experience and / 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-4 Experience and / or Education : Experience : Six months experience as a Medical Supply Technician, operating room or surgical technician or other position that demonstrated knowledge of sterile processing in a clinical setting.

In addition, to education and experience must demonstrate that the following are met : a) Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.

b) Basic knowledge of medical terminology to assemble specialty operating room / clinic instrument sets. c) Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.

d) Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. OR, Education : Completion of at least two (2) years above high school to include at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation.

Transcripts are required.) In addition, to education and experience must be able to demonstrate the following are met : a) Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.

b) Basic knowledge of medical terminology to assemble specialty operating room / clinic instrument sets. c) Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.

d) 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-5 Experience and / or Education : Experience : At least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment.

In addition, must demonstrate the following are met : a) Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.

b) Basic knowledge of event-related packaging regarding sterility. c) Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.

OR, Education : Completion of a 4-year course 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.

Transcripts are required). In addition, demonstrate the following are met : a) Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.

b) Basic knowledge of event-related packaging regarding sterility. c) 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 as steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and a high-level disinfecting scope re-processor;

prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex tasks and require direct supervision on new assignments.

GS-6 Experience : Experience : At least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment.

In addition, must demonstrate the following are met : a) Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.

b) Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. c) Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions, and procedures.

d) Knowledge of sterility principles regarding instrumentation. e) 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.

Preferred Experience : At least one (1) year experience as a Medical Supply Technician, or related occupation. Certified by International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM), Certified by Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

References : VA Handbook 5005 / 83, Part II, Appendix G47. 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.

Physical Requirements : his work is performed in various settings : decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply 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, Needle Sticks, and other injuries from handling equipment.

The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of sterile products and packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds).

The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment.

The employee wears special clothing, hair covers, personal protective equipment and shoe covers that can be uncomfortably warm.

The employee uses insulated gloves to remove carts from sterilizers. The hazards of working around minute quantities of sterilizing gasses are unknown.

The employee often works around body fluids, mucous, excretions and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling 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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.

e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.

The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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.

Last updated : 2024-02-23