Medical Supply Tech (Sterile Processing)

Veterans Health Administration • Sioux Falls, SD

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) supports the Sterile Processing Service at the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System. The role provides sterilization, preparation, supply-item handling, and reusable medical equipment (RME) decontamination and distribution support for the Medical Center. The technician follows applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and preparation of RME and demonstrates proficiency using equipment and processes appropriate to the position. More complex tasks receive guidance from experienced staff, and new assignments require direct supervision.

The position is GS-6, the full performance level. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Telework is not authorized, and the position is not virtual. Relocation, recruitment incentives, and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for appointments when recruiting qualified citizens is not possible under VA policy.
• Six months of qualifying experience; or 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 the GS-6 level, one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
• Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross-contamination.
• Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions, and procedures.
• Knowledge of sterility principles related to instrumentation.
• Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet applicable background/security investigation, onboarding, identification, drug-testing, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Complete a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

• HSPA certification.

Responsibilities

• Remove soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing.
• Assemble basic sets, trays, and peel packs used throughout the Medical Center, including items used in the operating room.
• Inspect packages for proper sterilization and packaging, and for signs of unsterile products.
• Prepare operating-room case carts according to the daily surgery schedule.
• Operate steam, hydrogen peroxide, and ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilizers.
• Perform high-level disinfection using soaking processes and scope reprocessors.
• Document testing procedures and maintain legal data logs.
• Clean, disinfect, sterilize, prepare, and handle reusable medical equipment according to applicable SOPs.
• Distribute supplies and reusable medical equipment in support of the Medical Center.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits and eligibility depend on the position and the employee's circumstances.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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