Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - RME Coordinator

The Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) Coordinator is competent as an Medical Supply Technician within SPS functions as a member subject matter expert of the SPS and provides support for all matters of concern relating to procedures for the decontamination, high-level disinfection (HLD), and/or sterilization of critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices and equipment storage of items reprocessed at Beckley VA Medical Center (BVAMC) facility.

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.
• 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:
GS 7 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) RME Coordinator
Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures. Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.

GS 7 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) RME Coordinator
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

1. Ability to interact with individuals of varying backgrounds in order to assess the needs of the department.
2. Ability to coordinate work in order to complete duties in an accurate and timely fashion.
3. Ability to interpret and apply sterile processing/infection prevention regulations and policies.
4. Ability to evaluate new products and equipment.
5. Ability to initiate and lead interdisciplinary groups in carrying out sterile processing functions.


Preferred Experience:

• Sterile Processing Experience
• Experience in drafting policies and protocols
• Computer Skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-7.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service

Responsibilities:

Major Duties Include:

• The RME Coordinator is responsible for researching all manufacturers IFUs of all the reusable RME of the facility to ensure compliance in reprocessing of RME.
• Provides technical training to all MST's necessary for accomplishing the work of the organizational unit.
• Checks in/out the loaner instruments from different vendors.
• Reviews procedural schedules of departments throughout the facility to ensure needed instruments are available and ready for use in a timely manner.
• Inspects, assembles, packages, high-level disinfects and sterilizes all instruments, instrument sets, and packs for use throughout the medical center.
• Performs appropriate safe reprocessing for all RME by strictly adhering to the Quality Management Program(e.g., uses testers, bioburden checks and instrument integrity checks.
• Operates all sterilization that pertains to sterilization processes such as Steam Sterilizers, Sterrad NX, heat sealers, and incubators.
• Performs quality assurance activities including but not limited to monitoring biological and chemical indicators and integrators, Bowie Dick tests, time, and temperature logs, ensures appropriate RME checks are documented after sterilization or reprocessing.
• Performs other quality assurance activities including verifying accuracy of labeling, contents, cleanliness, working order and sterilization parameters.
• Evaluates gathered data and based upon findings, makes recommendations to improve effectiveness or processes.
• Follows local SOP's which are written in accordance with the manufacturers written recommendations for reprocessing RME.
• Consults SPS Supervisor(s) when clarification of written instructions is needed; reprocessing of RME is never based on vendors verbal instructions , as this not an adequate practice.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional


Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8-hour tours with rotational tours to meet patient care needs and rotational call weekdays, weekends, and Holidays.
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
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.
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 #: 517-26912-F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Salary : $417