Medical Supply Tech (Sterile Processing)

Veterans Health Administration • Asheville, NC

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing Service) works for the Veterans Health Administration at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, North Carolina. The technician inspects and assembles reusable medical equipment and instruments, determines appropriate packaging and sterilization or disinfection methods, and performs and documents daily operational checks for sterile-processing equipment and processes. The role includes delivering and collecting critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment throughout the facility and processing it according to manufacturers’ instructions, standard operating procedures, and direction from the National Office of Sterile Processing.

Work takes place in decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply areas, and other facility departments. The position requires customer service that supports VA missions, including courteous, tactful, respectful communication with Veterans, their representatives, visitors, and VA staff; providing consistent information in accordance with established policies and procedures; and handling conflicts and customer problems constructively.

The posting describes exposure to varied environmental conditions and workplace hazards, including hot or cold and poorly lighted areas, contaminated materials and bodily fluids, unpleasant odors, noise, sterilizing equipment and gases, hot items, and material-handling risks. Work may involve standing and walking, bending, lifting packages, and handling instruments with dexterity and visual acuity. The technician alternates between contaminated and controlled clean environments and wears protective clothing and equipment.

The position has variable shifts and is not eligible for telework or virtual work. Applicants must meet federal employment conditions, including U.S. citizenship (subject to stated VA exceptions), English proficiency, background and security investigation, pre-employment physical examination, and applicable testing and onboarding requirements. A one- or two-year trial period is required. The position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Six months of qualifying experience demonstrating the ability to perform or understand the work; or one year of education above high school that included at least six semester hours in health-care-related courses; or an equivalent combination of qualifying education and experience.
• For current federal employees subject to time-in-grade requirements: 52 weeks at GS-05 for a GS-06 position, with supporting SF-50 documentation.
• Current VHA employees may qualify under the stated grandfathering provision if they meet its criteria.
• Successful completion of required application steps and online assessment.
• Successful background/security investigation and, for tentatively selected applicants in testing-designated positions, pre-appointment urinalysis screening.
• Successful pre-employment physical examination and completion of online onboarding requirements.
• Participation in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Ability to meet the physical and work-environment conditions described, including walking and standing, bending, occasional lifting of packages that may weigh up to 50 pounds, instrument handling, and use of protective clothing and equipment.
• Service of a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• One year of experience in sterile processing.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and assemble instruments and reusable medical equipment in the preparation area.
• Determine appropriate sterilization packaging and processing methods, including steam, Sterrad, Steris, and high-level disinfection scope reprocessors.
• Perform and document daily operational checks and records for processes and equipment used in sterile processing.
• Deliver and pick up critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment throughout the facility.
• Process reusable medical equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions, standard operating procedures, and direction from the National Office of Sterile Processing.
• Provide courteous, tactful, and respectful service to Veterans, their representatives, visitors, and VA staff.
• Provide consistent customer information in accordance with established policies and procedures, and address conflicts and problems constructively.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits are available to the employee and family; specific eligibility depends on the type of position and the agency should be contacted for details.
• Selected applicants may qualify to request credit for prior work or military service when determining annual leave accrual; approval is required and is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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