Medical Supply Tech (Sterile Processing)

Veterans Health Administration•Portland, OR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Supply Technician provides sterilization, preparation, supply-item, and 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 the Sterile Processing Service. The technician must know and follow the applicable processes for reusable medical devices, maintain current knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures for cleaning, disinfection, and preparation, and demonstrate proficiency in using the devices appropriate to the position. The position is with the VA Portland Health Care System, a multi-site medical system providing care in outpatient, inpatient, residential, and community settings. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Telework is not authorized, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated exception under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Meet the basic experience and/or education requirement: six months of qualifying experience; one year of post-high-school education 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 qualification through six months of relevant experience or two years of post-high-school education including at least 12 semester hours related to the occupation, and demonstrate knowledge of universal precautions, basic medical terminology, sterilization and cleaning equipment, and oral and written communication.
For GS-05, meet the applicable additional qualification through one year of experience equivalent to GS-04 or qualifying education, and demonstrate basic knowledge of surgical instruments, event-related packaging and sterility, 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, sterility principles, and the ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.
Subject to background and security investigation and, if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position, pre-appointment urinalysis.
Must complete the required online onboarding and application documentation; acceptable identification is required for pre-employment requirements.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.
Physical demands include moderate lifting and carrying of 15–44 pounds, pushing, reaching above shoulders, use of fingers, walking, standing, repeated bending, and use of both hands and both legs; ability to distinguish basic colors and color shades is required.
Work environment may involve outside and inside areas, slippery or uneven surfaces, excessive heat or cold, machinery with moving parts, constant noise, and working with hands in water.

Responsibilities

Provide sterilization, preparation, supply-item, and reusable medical device decontamination and distribution support for the medical center.
Process or assemble disposable and reusable patient-care items, including instruments, reusable medical devices, and surgical trays and sets.
Follow applicable processes and current Standard Operating Procedures for reusable medical device cleaning, disinfection, and preparation.
Demonstrate proficiency in the use of reusable medical devices appropriate to the position.