Medical Supply Techician (Sterile Processing)

Veterans Health Administration • Iron Mountain, MI

9d • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as a Medical Supply Technician (MST) with the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center (OGJVAMC), Sterile Processing Service (SPS). The incumbent reprocesses reusable medical devices (RMDs) to support the medical center, following VHA directives, department standard operating procedures (SOPs), and manufacturers’ instructions for use (MIFU). Duties include decontamination, cleaning, disinfection, preparation, sterilization, transport, and storage of RMDs. The full performance level is GS-06; selection may be at GS-03 through GS-06.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizen appointments when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet the basic experience 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. Grandfathering may apply to qualifying current VHA employees.
• For GS-04, meet the applicable experience or education requirements and demonstrate knowledge of universal precautions and cross-contamination prevention, basic medical terminology, basic sterilization and cleaning equipment, and oral and written communication.
• For GS-05, meet the applicable experience or education requirements and demonstrate basic knowledge of surgical instruments, event-related packaging and sterility, and sterilization and cleaning equipment.
• For GS-06, meet the applicable experience requirements and demonstrate knowledge of surgical instruments, universal precautions and cross-contamination prevention, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures, and sterility principles, as well as the ability to interpret written instructions and procedures.
• Pass the pre-employment evaluation and applicable background/security investigation.
• Complete required onboarding and application documentation, provide acceptable identification, and meet pre-employment requirements.
• Submit to urinalysis if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Register for Selective Service if male and born after December 31, 1959.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to the conditions described in the posting.

Responsibilities

• Receive contaminated critical, semi-critical, and noncritical reusable medical devices.
• Identify and disassemble devices and determine appropriate cleaning methods, including manual washing, ultrasonic cleaning, cart washing, chemical cleaning, and mechanical washer/disinfector use.
• Conduct quality assurance and verification testing of cleaning and disinfection processes.
• Inspect, assemble, and perform functionality testing of devices in the preparation area.
• Determine appropriate packaging methods and package devices using containers, wraps, or peel packs.
• Follow SOPs and manufacturers’ instructions to sterilize or high-level disinfect devices using steam sterilization, low-temperature chemical sterilization, and automatic endoscope reprocessors.
• Use an instrument tracking system to document reprocessing activities.
• Perform and document daily operational checks, validation processes, verification testing, and records for sterilization equipment and processes.
• Clean reprocessing areas and device storage areas daily, weekly, and monthly.
• Transport devices from soiled utility rooms to SPS and from SPS to device storage areas according to department SOPs.
• Successfully complete and maintain competency in department processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; eligibility depends on position type and other factors, and applicants are directed to contact the hiring agency for specifics.

What This Job Offers

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