The Quality Assurance (QA) Medical Supply Technician in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) serves as the monitoring and compliance specialist for all activities in SPS, which includes the operating room case cart management. The QA Medical Supply Technician is a subject matter expert and must have experience with highly complex processes to determine effectiveness of the work produced. 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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph3j, VA Handbook 5005/83 Part II, Appendix G47. 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-0622 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-07 Quality Assurance Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-06, which includes: 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 reprocessors. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. In addition to the experience above, you must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). If the experience is not detailed in your resume, then it is recommended to update your resume and/or include a separate document that speaks to the below list of KSAs. Knowledge of fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work processes. Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to correct quality control problems. Knowledge of sterile processing operations, infection control procedures, and Joint Commission requirements to assess compliance during quality assurance reviews. Ability to compile information, evaluate facts, document findings and prepare reports. Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques to maintain quality control. Ability to effectively communicate with technical and professional staff on the proper use of delicate instruments and equipment, and resolve problems that may occur. Assignment. The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician serves as the monitoring specialist for all activities of SPS, which includes the operating room case cart management system. Monitors the process of cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME. This includes following the use of bacteriological controls, principles and methods of sterilization, packaging, and assembly of simple to more complex items for therapeutic and surgical procedures. Develops procedures to evaluate the quality of work performance and outcomes as it relates to the quality assurance program. Maintains a system of internal and external reviews ensuring overall compliance of all critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME used within the medical center. Tracks and analyzes required documentation pertaining to critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME within the scope of SPS for quality control purposes. Utilizes qualitative analysis tools to prepare reports for trending, evaluate operations and facilitate improvements in workflow and quality processes. Troubleshoots computer programs related to SPS operations and trains staff on the inputting of data associated with the cleaning and sterilization of equipment, biological processing, and quality assurance programs. Collaborates with SPS management when deviations occur. Validates SPS policies on cleaning and sterilization as it relates to manufacturer information for use, standards and mandates. Updates the quality assurance program annually or when manufacturer information and guidelines are changed. This GS-7 vacancy is above the full-performance level. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47 Physical Requirements: The position requires long periods of standing, walking, bending and lifting. The employee usually stands and moves from one part of the department to another. There is a frequent requirement for lifting baskets of stainless steel instruments weighing in excess of 25 pounds from floor level to chest level. Dexterity and strength are required for lifting and positioning RME. The employee regularly pushes loaded carts weights several hundred pounds and loads them into elevators and through entryways. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and be able to shift priorities based on needs. ["The Quality Assurance (QA) Medical Supply Technician in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) serves as the monitoring and compliance specialist for all activities in SPS, which includes the operating room case cart management. The QA Medical Supply Technician must be well versed in all of the duties performed in SPS, as well as standard operating procedures and manufacturers' guidelines. The QA Medical Supply Technician is a subject matter expert and must have experience with highly complex processes to determine effectiveness of the work produced. Duties include: Monitors the process of cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of critical, and semi-critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME). This includes following the use of bacteriological controls, principles and methods of sterilization, packaging, and assembly of simple to more complex items for therapeutic and surgical procedures. Develops procedures to evaluate the quality of work performance and outcomes as it relates to quality assurance. Maintains a system of internal and external reviews ensuring overall compliance of all critical, semi-critical, and non-critical RME used within the facility. Tracks and analyzes required documentation and results pertaining to processing of RME with the scope of quality control purposes for SPS. Utilizes qualitative analysis tools to prepare reports for trending, evaluate operations and facilitate improvements in workflow and quality processes. Troubleshoots computer programs related to SPS operations and trains staff on the inputting of data associated with the cleaning and sterilization of RME, biological processing, and quality assurance programs. Collaborates with SPS management to correct deviations. Works closely with RME coordinator to validate SPS policies on cleaning and sterilization as it relates to the manufacturer's guidelines, standards, and mandates. Determines the appropriate method for decontamination. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids and other gross contaminants before proceeding with cleaning. Utilizes the appropriate equipment to process items. Reassembles RME, including highly complex equipment and items which require skill, careful assembly, and attention to detail. Assembles sets and trays according to standard of practice, lining with drapes and towels as appropriate, arranging instruments in the correct manner (hinged instruments open, ring handled on a spreader, etc.), heavy instruments on the bottom. Pre-wraps delicate items. Strives for a compact, logically arrange packages that will allow for the most effective penetration of the sterilization medium. Receives the sterile items from sterilizer. Reviews the effectiveness of sterilization based upon indicators used. Places tags or labels indicating date of sterilization expiration and restocks shelves. Alternates between contaminated and sterile environments regularly throughout their tours. Employee must be the expert in determining the right personal protective equipment that is necessary in all areas, and ensure compliance of staff with those requirements. Work Schedule: Full time. Rotating shifts to include days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Schedule is subject to change based on the needs of the health-care system. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required."]

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