Medical Supply Tech (Sterile Processing)

Veterans Health Administration • Tucson, AZ

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The VA Southern Arizona Healthcare Network is recruiting a Medical Supply Technician assigned to the Sterile Processing Service (SPS). The technician provides sterilization, preparation, supply-item, and decontamination support for the medical center. The role involves reprocessing reusable medical equipment (RME) in accordance with local standard operating procedures and manufacturers’ written instructions, and maintaining competency in reprocessing activities. The technician completes SPS Level 1 training within 90 days of hire and participates in continuing education to maintain Level 1 certification.

The position follows a Monday through Friday schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It is not eligible for telework and is not a virtual position. Work takes place across clean preparation, sterilization, high-level disinfection, and sterile-storage areas as well as the contaminated decontamination area. The work involves prolonged standing and walking, handling equipment and chemicals, wearing required protective equipment, and exposure to heat, noise, and odors.

Applicants must meet the applicable VA qualifications. Entry-level qualification may be met through six months of relevant experience, one year of post-high-school education including at least six semester hours in healthcare-related courses, or an equivalent combination. For the GS-06 full-performance level, one year of experience equivalent to GS-05 is required, along with specified knowledge and abilities concerning surgical instruments, safety precautions, medical terminology and related subjects, sterility principles, and interpreting written procedures. The position requires U.S. citizenship, English proficiency, a background/security investigation, a pre-employment physical, and participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program. A one- or two-year trial period applies.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for appointments when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Meet basic qualification through six months of relevant experience, one year of post-high-school education including at least six semester hours in healthcare-related courses, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• For the GS-06 full-performance level, one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05).
• 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.
• Complete a background/security investigation, pre-employment physical examination, and online onboarding requirements.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Meet the physical demands of prolonged standing and walking, bending, lifting, reaching, pushing and pulling carts, and handling sterile packages and containers averaging 25 pounds.
• Tolerate required personal protective equipment, higher ambient temperatures, equipment noise, and odors from contaminated equipment and reprocessing agents.

Responsibilities

• Complete Sterile Processing Service Level 1 training within 90 days of hire.
• Participate in continuing education, including computer-based training and in-service education, to maintain SPS Level 1 certification.
• Maintain knowledge of departmental standard operating procedures for cleaning, decontamination, preparation, high-level disinfection, sterilization, and storage of reusable medical equipment.
• Maintain competency in all reprocessing activities.
• Receive contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment in the decontamination area, and potentially receive noncritical equipment.
• Disassemble reusable medical equipment and determine the appropriate cleaning method based on manufacturer instructions.
• Inspect and assemble equipment, and determine the appropriate sterilization method and packaging.
• Perform and document daily operational checks and records for processes and equipment.
• Follow applicable local standard operating procedures and manufacturers’ written recommendations when reprocessing equipment.
• Suspend reuse of reusable medical equipment when there is reason to suspect it was not properly cleaned, disinfected, or sterilized.
• Comply with attire and personal protective equipment requirements to protect equipment from contamination and oneself from biohazards, hot surfaces, and chemical agents.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to eligible employees and their families.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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