The position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), VA Medical Center, in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS), Charlotte, VA Health Care Centers. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME). 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: (1) Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or (2) 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 (3) 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). Grade Determinations: Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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 regard to instrumentation. 5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47. Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing). GS-622. Dated: July 8, 2015 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation) 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, and other injuries from material handling equipment. The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. ["Duties include but are not limited to: a. Responsible for sterile preparation which is accomplished through inspection, assembly, packaging, and terminal sterilization of all trays, sets, and packs for use throughout the facility. Assemblies range from simple sets of four or five instruments to very complex sets of up to ninety instruments such as Total joint sets, femoral vascular, radical nephrectomy, abdominal vascular, chest sets, thoracic, orthopedic implant sets, carotid vascular, general surgery sets, etc. Assembles delicate micro-surgical sets such as micro-surgical ear set. ENT plastic set for procedures requiring plastic surgery, microsurgical eye instruments, and other surgical specialties. These sets contain stainless steel instruments, titanium staples, screws, plates, and other prostheses which require expert care and careful attention. The incumbent assembles and selects the correct sterilizing method for a variety of costly and delicate equipment such as flexible resectoscopes and other flexible and rigid endoscopes. Tests instruments for functionality and assembles instruments in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines. Selects appropriate methods for sterilizing, balancing time constraints with possible detrimental effects of quicker methods. Arranging instruments in the tray in the correct manner, i.e., hinged instruments in open position, ring-handled instruments on a spreader, heavy instruments on the bottom, delicate items pre-wrapped to prevent damage, blades and points properly covered. Strives for a compact, logically arranged package that will permit effective penetration of the required sterilizing medium. Places devices in the tray, selects correct wrapping and labels appropriately. b. Independently prepares the full range of trays and sets necessary to be used in the wards, clinic areas, dental clinic and surgery. Updates trays and count sheets as needed. Considers surgery schedules and Clinic schedules along with considering time factors for processing order to determine how many items to stock based on the turnaround time for processing, preparation and frequency of use. c. Effectively processes and sterilizes a wide variety of implant devices in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations, and ensure that they are held for the required time post sterilization per regulations. Responsible for the quarantine of implantable devices for 48 hours or upon signature for early release by the Chief of Staff, not less than 4 hours after cooling phase of sterilization. In an emergent situation, proper written authorization is required for implant release. d. Responsible for the collection and receipt of all used soiled supplies, instruments, or equipment. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing and use of ultrasonic equipment. Decontamination processing requires the knowledge to determine what specific means are utilized to accomplish cleaning, disinfecting, or pre-sterilization of complex diagnostic equipment where the internal parts may become contaminated, and requires skill, careful positioning of parts and the complete elimination of particles. Testing the operation of the equipment and obtaining any needed repair requires knowledge of equipment functions. Uses approved/recommended germicidal detergent to clean items that cannot be submerged. e. Assumes leadership responsibilities to perform peer training as well as provide user training and instruction pertaining to correct operating and preventative maintenance procedures of medical equipment. f. Identifies trends, recommends solutions, and implements quality improvement initiatives and program related activities related to program effectiveness. Work Schedule: 9:30AM - 6:00PM, Monday - Friday Telework: Not eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Available for highly eligible applicants Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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