The Medical Supply Technician (MST) Trainer in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) is responsible for developing formal and informal written training plans for SPS in compliance with accreditation organizations, VHA-specific requirements, and medical center policies and procedures. The MST Trainer facilitates the training of SPS staff and associated areas that conduct sterile processing actions through education programs and job-specific instruction. 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 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Trainer 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. AND, 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 SPS and Infection Prevention regulations. Knowledge of procedures and/or operations in training developed for, and operations of SPS functions for both new and existing staff. Ability to manage integrated training programs as it relates to sterile processing procedures. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel or other software programs in order to complete reports and develop skills. Ability to communicate effectively with staff and management officials in regards to sterile processing procedures. Assignment. The MST Trainer is responsible for developing formal and informal written plans for the SPS training program, in compliance with accreditation organizations and VHA-specific requirements as well as medical center policies and procedures for SPS and related staff. Facilitates training of SPS staff through educational programs and job specific instruction. Improves SPS processes by facilitating the application for new technology of reusable medical devices by training all new and existing staff. Develops, monitors, and revises SPS educational programs for both new and existing staff. Documents and assesses staff's training, to identify areas of strength and need. Develops an education plan (literature review, continuing education, in-services, certification and/or formal education) to maintain and improve knowledge in specialized areas of processing reusable medical devices. Participates in tracking, trending and analyzing education data. Identifies opportunities for improvement, makes recommendations and/or prepares reports based on findings. Develops and conducts the annual review of the SPS preceptor program. 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 Medical Supply Technician (MST) Trainer in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) is responsible for developing formal and informal written training plans for SPS in compliance with accreditation organizations, VHA-specific requirements, and medical center policies and procedures. The MST Trainer facilitates training of SPS staff and associated areas that conduct sterile processing actions through education programs and job-specific instruction. The MST Trainer must be well-versed in all of the duties performed in SPS, as well as standard operating procedures and manufacturers guidelines. The MST Trainer is a subject matter expert and must have experience with highly complex processes to provide education and training for the staff within SPS and associated areas. Duties include: Demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of SPS and Infection Prevention standards, policies, guidelines and regulations to develop clear training and ongoing education for new as well as existing staff. Demonstrate the ability to work with various Microsoft and other programs in order to complete work products, and training programs. Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff to include management officials in regard to sterile processing procedures and training. Improves SPS processes by facilitating the application of new technology of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) by training all new and existing staff. Documents and assesses staff's training to identify areas of strength and areas that require additional support and education. Develops an educational plan (literature review, continuing education, in-services, certification and/or formal education) to maintain and improve knowledge in processing RME. Participates in tracking, trending, and analyzing education and performance data. Identifies opportunities for improvement, makes recommendations and prepares reports and action plans based on findings. Develops and conducts an annual review of preceptors in SPS and associated areas. Receives, disassembles, and inspects RME for damage. 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. Reassemble RME, including highly complex equipment and items which require skill, careful assembly, and attention to detail. Determines the type of tray or set to assemble based on procedure, operating room requests, or standard practice. 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. Strive for a compact, logically arrange packages that will allow for the most effective penetration of the sterilization medium. Selects the correct wrapping, and prepares it for sterilization. Determines the appropriate sterilization technique based on standard operating policy, and manufacturer guidelines. Following all guidelines for the sterilization. Receives the sterile items from sterilizer. Reviewed the effectiveness of sterilization based upon indicators used. Places tags or labels indicating date of sterilization expiration and restocks shelves. Assembles case carts for the operating room utilizing case sheets containing all necessary items. Communicate any deficiencies. And proposes potential substitutions for missing items. Incumbent 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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