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This position is located within the Sterile Processing Service. In this position, the incumbent will provide sterilization, preparation, supply items and reusable medical equipment decontamination and distribution support for the medical center. 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 and/or Education: Experience: Six (6) months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or, Education: One (1) year above high school that included at least six (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. 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. 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. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: Medical Supply Technician (MSTs) must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. Grade Determinations: GS-06 (Full Performance Level): (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (b) 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 regards to instrumentation.5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. Preferred Experience: National Certification from (IAHCSMM), (HSPA), or (CBSPD), preferred. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Qualification Standard GS-0622 VHA. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: This position may require shift work and or rotation of tour assignments. Routinely requires heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over), heavy carrying (45 lbs. and over), straight pulling and pushing (up to 8 hrs.), walking (8 hrs.), standing (8 hrs.), kneeling (8 hrs.), repeated bending (8 hrs.), both legs required, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing aid permitted, and ability to operate transportation equipment. Creditable Experience: Knowledge of Current Medical Supply Technician (MST) Practices: To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with Medical Supply Technician (MST) responsibilities. Experience satisfying this requirement may be paid/non-paid employment as a Medical Supply Technician (MST). Quality of Experience: Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to Medical Supply Technician (MST) experience at the next lower grade level of the position being filled. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Part-Time Experience: Part-time experience as a Medical Supply Technician (MST) is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a Medical Supply Technician (MST) employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service. ["Major Duties, but not limited to: Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area and may receive noncritical equipment in the decontamination area as well. Disassembles complex 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. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing. Assembles instruments; including the most complex sets, and other surgical items, by selecting appropriate items, trays, instruments, etc. and assembles them in the correct manner to ensure appropriate sterilization. Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, hydrogen peroxide, ETO, and high- level disinfecting scope re-processors. Labels all sterilized items correctly according to AAMI and VHA Directive 1116(2) standards. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. Builds the full complement of Operating Room case carts to include RME, implants, and disposable. Identifies suitable replacement if requested item is not available. Utilizes advanced functions of instrument tracking system. Provides guidance and training to staff members with less experience. Work Schedule: 3:00 pm to 11:30 pm. (This position may require shift work and/or rotation of tour assignments). Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #: 40545F Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required."]

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