Medical Supply Technician (Advanced) - SPS

Veterans Health Administration • Saint Louis, MO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Supply Technician (Advanced) in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) is above the full performance level. The AMST must be familiar with all duties performed in SPS, as well as the standard operating procedures and manufacturing guidelines. The GS-7 is a subject matter expert and has experience with the most complex processes. The reprocessing of RME is in support of all clinical services provided within the two divisions, both in the surgical suites and outpatient areas. Care and attention to detail are critical at this level of performance. This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments, as this is a 24/7 hospital. The incumbent must be poised and articulate in communicating with people of varied educational levels and varied ethnic backgrounds. Willing to work cooperatively to lead a team and as a member of a team in all assignments.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents ).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; OR
• 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
• Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
• Ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets.
• In-depth knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in order to convey information and thoughts to others.

Nice To Haves

• The GS-7 is a subject matter expert and has experience with the most complex processes.
• Care and attention to detail are critical at this level of performance.
• This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments, as this is a 24/7 hospital.
• The incumbent must be poised and articulate in communicating with people of varied educational levels and varied ethnic backgrounds.
• Willing to work cooperatively to lead a team and as a member of a team in all assignments.

Responsibilities

• Assembles highly complex instrument sets including, but not limited to, open heart, major orthopedic total joint, cardiovascular, craniotomy, robotic, and complex endoscopic instrumentation.
• Processes all complex endoscopic instrumentation to include those medical devices used in the gastroenterology laboratory, bronchoscopy laboratory, urology and operating room.
• Reviews manufacturer guidelines to ensure the correct methods and parameters are followed when cleaning, decontaminating, and sterilizing Reusable Medical Equipment (RME).
• Troubleshoots and analyzes mechanical failures and makes necessary adjustments to complex decontamination and sterilization equipment, including the interpretation of alarm conditions that may occur while operating the equipment.
• Demonstrates expert knowledge of operating room sets and the assembly of highly complex instruments and trays for procedures.
• Determines the appropriate sterilization technique based on standard operating policy, and manufacturer guidelines.
• Performs a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of sterilization based upon indicators used.
• Assembles case carts for the operating room utilizing case sheets containing all necessary items.
• Informs management and healthcare staff when cleaning or processing standard operating procedures or instructions have been changed or updated to assure the changes have been validated to meet all guidelines.
• Incumbent must be the expert in recognizing the correct personal protective equipment that is necessary in all areas and ensures compliance of staff with those requirements.

Benefits

• 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
• After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66 .
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED