Medical Supply Tech (Sterile Processing)

Veterans Health Administration • Portland, OR

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Supply Technician provides sterilization, preparation, supply-item, reusable medical device decontamination, and distribution support for the medical center. Supply items include disposable and reusable patient-care items such as instruments, reusable medical devices, surgical trays and sets, and other items processed or assembled in Sterile Processing Service preparation and decontamination areas. The technician must understand the required processes for reusable medical devices, maintain current knowledge of applicable Standard Operating Procedures for cleaning, disinfection, and preparation, and demonstrate proficiency in using the devices relevant to the position.

The position is with the VA Portland Health Care System, a multi-site medical system serving outpatient, inpatient, residential, and community settings. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 3:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. PST. Telework and virtual work are not authorized.

The position may be filled at GS-03 through GS-06. The full-performance level is GS-06. Qualification pathways vary by grade and include specified combinations of experience and education, along with grade-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities. The position has physical requirements including moderate lifting and carrying, pushing, reaching, use of fingers, walking, standing, and repeated bending. Work environment factors include indoor and outdoor settings, slippery or uneven surfaces, heat and cold, moving machinery, constant noise, and working with hands in water.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet the experience and/or education requirements for the grade sought. Basic qualification pathways include six months of relevant experience, one year of education above high school including at least six semester hours in health-care-related courses, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• For GS-04, meet the applicable additional pathway: six months of relevant experience or two years of education above high school including at least 12 semester hours related to the occupation; demonstrate knowledge of universal precautions, basic medical terminology, sterilization and cleaning equipment, and oral and written communication ability.
• For GS-05, meet the applicable additional pathway: one year of experience equivalent to GS-04 or four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with at least 12 related semester hours, or a bachelor's degree; demonstrate basic knowledge of surgical instruments, event-related packaging, and sterilization and cleaning equipment.
• For GS-06, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 and demonstrate knowledge of surgical instruments, universal precautions, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures, and sterility principles, plus the ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable Standard Operating Procedures and demonstrate proficiency in using reusable medical devices appropriate to the position.
• Meet the position's physical requirements, including moderate lifting and carrying of 15–44 pounds, pushing, reaching above the shoulders, use of fingers, walking, standing, and repeated bending.
• Comply with applicable pre-employment requirements, including drug screening for selected applicants in testing-designated positions, background/security investigation, onboarding, and seasonal influenza vaccination.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.
• For males born after December 31, 1959, meet Selective Service registration requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide sterilization, preparation, supply-item, reusable medical device decontamination, and distribution support for the medical center.
• Clean, disinfect, prepare, inspect, and process reusable medical devices in accordance with applicable procedures and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Assemble or process patient-care items, including instruments, reusable medical devices, surgical trays and sets, and other items handled in Sterile Processing Service areas.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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