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Veterans Health Administration is Hiring a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Near Seattle, WA

Qualifications:

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

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.
• 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;
  • OR
  • Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
• Certification: None.

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 (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-4 (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 (KSAs). 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.

GS-5 (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 (KSAs). 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.

GS-6 (Full Performance Level).
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 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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/83 Part II Appendix G47, July 8, 2015

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.

Physical Requirements: This work requires moderate lifting/carrying (15-44lbs), pushing (2 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (2 hours), standing (4 hours), repeated bending (1 hours), both legs required, ability to distinguish basic colors, and ability to distinguish shades of color. The environmental factors of this position are working outside and inside, excessive heat, excessive cold, constant noise, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working around machinery with moving parts, working with hands in water, and working alone.

Responsibilities:

Duties will vary based on grade. At the GS-6 level, duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Removes gross contamination by soaking in appropriate Detergent Solutions, washing with a detergent blood solvent, scrubbing with a brush, rinsing in tap and then distilled water or washing in an ultrasonic unit and/or washer-sterilizer.
• Decontaminates all reusable supplies and equipment in a manner rendering all decontaminated items safe for handling.
• Determines proper methods and processes to follow per SOP's and Manufacturer's Instructions for Use to decontaminate instruments and equipment. When required, properly disassembles Surgical Instruments avoiding damage or unnecessary wear. Uses seasoned judgment to ensure minimum potential for damage to equipment.
• Have responsibility involved with one, or all, the following functions pertaining to Re-Usable Medical Equipment (RME) cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of equipment to full readiness for its subsequent use. Medical equipment designed by the manufacturer to be re-used for multiple patients that are accompanied by reprocessing instructions provided by the manufacturer is considered RME. The result of these duties and responsibilities are to ensure the best possible product is delivered, the right item, at the right time, in the right condition, ready for use.
• Attend training on either one, or all, the procedures associated with the set-up, use, reprocessing and maintenance of new equipment prior to its initial use that leads to his/her initial competency and, validation of that competency on a recurring basis. Removes items from washers and pass-through and determines type of tray or set to assemble based on recognition of key items and the operating room or clinic schedules.
• Examines items to ensure that gross contamination has been removed; if items remain contaminated they are sent back to decontamination for complete reprocessing.
• Assembles sets and trays by selecting appropriate tray, lining it with a towel, and arranging instruments in the tray in the correct manner.
• Strives for a logically arranged package that will permit effective penetration of the sterilizing medium and ease of use by end user. 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 repair or salvage unit.
• Examines all types of reusable supplies and equipment. Selects correct wrapping for the tray, and wraps and labels tray. MST(FPL) monitors operation of sterilizer with prescribed tests. Determines appropriate method of sterilization and attaches chemical indicator tape to package.
• Sterilizes items referencing SOP's, Special Parameters list and or STERIS V-Pro/ETO authorized list to determine that correct parameters (e.g. time, temperature, and pressure) were obtained.
• Aerates gas-sterilized items for correct period and completes proper documentation.
• Distributes items according to established requirements, special requests or as requisitioned. Fills requests for items based on daily schedules of needs or on individual requisitions. Consults with the Operating Room staff and our clinic customers on items in short supply or out of stock, recommending possible substitutions.
• Rotates stock in accordance with the FIFO (First in, First out) system.
• Assists with inventory of supplies needed for our production as well as our end users. Performs other related duties as assigned. Oversees the work of lower-grade employees.

Work Schedule: 3 different shift options: Monday thru Friday with rotating weekends; 7am-3:30pm or 1pm-9:30pm or 11pm-7:30am
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Job Summary