The incumbent will provide sterilization, preparation, supply items, decontamination and distribution support for the medical center and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). The term "supply item" as used in this functional statement refers to reusable items for patient care including instrumentation (scissors, forceps, retractors, etc.), surgical and dental trays, scopes and various other items that could be processed or assembled through the Preparation and Decontamination areas of SPS. 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 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. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs. English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-03 (Entry Level) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04 (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. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below: Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. GS-05 (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. 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-06 (Full Performance Level) 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: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/76 Part II Appendix G47 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, clean sterile supply (preparation) and in other departments throughout the medical facility/campus. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty and poorly lighted. The incumbent 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. The work involves repetitive motion at times during the manual cleaning process of RME. ["This is an OPEN CONTINOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. We are accepting applications on an ongoing basis; applicants will be reviewed on a weekly basis, until the position is filled. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Performs work pertaining to the cleaning, decontamination, inspection and assembly of trays and sterilization or High-Level disinfection of RME. Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in decontamination area. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids and other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing and scrubbing. 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 manufactures instructions. In clean preparation area, inspects instruments for proper function, prepares and assembles: basic trays, flexible and rigid scopes, complex trays, loaner trays and implant trays used in Operating Room, clinics and CBOCs. All trays will have a second check prior to sterilization. Prepares, loads, and operates all sterilizers such as Steam, Steris V-Pro, EtO and a High-Level Disinfecting Scope Reprocessor. Upon load completion completes all paperwork, biological monitoring, package integrity inspection and cooling protocols prior to issuing to end user. Processes and sterilizes a wide variety of implant devices in accordance with manufacture recommendations. Ensure quarantine until final spore test results indicate a negative reading. In an emergent situation, proper written authorization is required as well as chief notification. Incumbent will perform all quality assurance tests prior to use of any equipment Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. Incumbent will provide and maintain a safe, functional and effective environment as outlined with the service and medical center policies and report any equipment malfunctions. Incumbent will utilize Censitrac- Instrument tracking system through all steps of reprocessing RME. Receive and check-in loaner sets, assuring appropriate documents are on file, and document in Censitrac. MST may receive guidance from more experienced staff members and SPS management. Incumbent maintains current knowledge of policies, directives, IAHCSMM guidelines as well as knowledge of AAMI and AORN Standards. Complete training coursework and competencies as required by VHA. Incumbent will adhere to all VHA Directives and Memorandums. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 1100-1930 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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