Medical Supply Technician (SPS)

Veterans Health Administration • Saint Louis, MO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) position is located at the John Cochran Division of the VA St. Louis Health Care System in St. Louis, Missouri. The technician reprocesses a full range of reusable medical devices (RMD), from simple surgical-grade stainless-steel items to complex devices, including titanium, robotics, and microsurgical equipment. This work requires knowledge of device identification, labeling, use, function, troubleshooting, testing, maintenance, and appropriate reprocessing methods.

The technician supports clinical services across both divisions, including surgical suites and outpatient areas. The work includes decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, inventory support, and documentation. The incumbent follows standard operating procedures and manufacturers’ instructions, uses appropriate judgment to prevent equipment damage, and maintains familiarity with SPS duties and procedures. The full performance level is GS-06; selection may be at GS-03 through GS-06.

Requirements

• Meet the U.S. citizenship requirement, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Meet one of the basic qualification pathways: six months of relevant experience; one year of education above high school including at least six semester hours of health-care-related courses; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• For GS-04, have six months of relevant experience or two years of post-high-school education including at least 12 semester hours related to the occupation, plus the specified knowledge and abilities.
• For GS-05, have one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade or the specified education pathway, plus the specified knowledge and abilities.
• For GS-06, have one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade and the specified knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Demonstrate knowledge of surgical instruments, universal precautions and cross-contamination prevention, medical terminology, sterilization and cleaning equipment, and sterility principles, as applicable to the grade and assignment.
• Be able to communicate orally and in writing, read and interpret written instructions and procedures, and assemble instrument sets as applicable to the grade and assignment.
• Pass the pre-employment physical evaluation and any applicable drug testing; complete required background/security and onboarding processes.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Meet the physical demands of prolonged standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing carts, and positioning reusable medical equipment.
• Be able to work effectively in stressful situations and shift priorities based on needs.

Responsibilities

• Reprocess reusable medical devices in support of clinical services in surgical suites and outpatient areas.
• Provide inventory support and physically maintain stock at secondary SPS inventory locations.
• Provide sterilization, preparation, and decontamination support for the medical center.
• Disassemble supply items carefully to avoid damage or unnecessary wear.
• Follow standard operating procedures and manufacturer instructions when troubleshooting equipment, using judgment to minimize potential damage.
• Remove gross contamination, pre-sterilize biological contamination, and decontaminate reusable supplies and equipment.
• Visually inspect items for damage, deterioration, rust, pitting, cracks, or other imperfections.
• Operate medical equipment to verify correct operation after reassembly.
• Package individual items or assemble items into sets or trays.
• Determine the appropriate sterilization method and attach chemical indicator tape to packages.
• Receive new supplies and check deliveries for quality and quantity.
• Store items in accordance with the inventory system.
• Perform and document daily operational checks and records for sterilization equipment.
• Prepare operating-room case carts as required by the applicable assignment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster-care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed