Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)
About The Position
The Medical Supply Technician (MST) in Sterile Processing works as a member of the Sterile Processing Service at the Beckley VA Medical Center. The role supports procedures for decontamination, high-level disinfection, and sterilization of critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMDs), as well as storage of reprocessed items. The technician also works with single-use disposable medical devices. The position is full-time, with eight-hour tours Monday through Friday. Tours rotate and may include weekdays, weekends, and holidays to meet patient-care needs. MSTs share on-call status in rotation with other MSTs. Telework and virtual work are not available. The full performance level is GS-06; selection may be at GS-03 through GS-06. The position is in the Excepted Service and requires a one- or two-year trial period. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.
Requirements
- U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- For basic qualification, six months of relevant 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.
- Meet the experience or education requirements for the selected grade level: GS-03 has no requirements beyond the basic requirements; GS-04 requires qualifying experience or education; GS-05 requires one year of experience at the next lower grade or qualifying education; GS-06 requires one year of experience at the next lower grade.
- For GS-04, demonstrate knowledge of universal precautions and prevention of cross-contamination, basic medical terminology, basic sterilization and cleaning equipment, and oral and written communication skills.
- For GS-05, demonstrate basic knowledge of surgical instruments, event-related packaging and sterility, and sterilization and cleaning equipment.
- For GS-06, demonstrate knowledge of surgical instruments, universal precautions and cross-contamination prevention, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures, sterility principles, and the ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.
- Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and, if tentatively selected, submit to urinalysis for illegal drug use and a background/security investigation.
- Complete the online onboarding process and application requirements, provide acceptable identification, and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to the stated evaluation and written certification requirements.
- Meet the position's physical requirements, including visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity; prolonged or repeated walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, lifting 10 pounds or more, pushing, moving around rooms and the medical center, and transferring objects may be required.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in Sterile Processing.
Responsibilities
- Collect, receive, inspect, decontaminate, high-level disinfect, and terminally sterilize soiled supplies, instruments, equipment, and apparatus, including complex diagnostic equipment and medical apparatus.
- Disassemble and position all parts of reusable medical devices to support removal of bioburden and proper cleaning and disinfection before sterilization.
- Inspect, assemble, package, high-level disinfect, and sterilize instruments, instrument sets, and packs for use throughout the medical center.
- Reprocess reusable medical devices safely by adhering to the Quality Management Program, including using testers, conducting bioburden checks, and checking instrument integrity.
- Perform quality assurance activities, including monitoring biological and chemical indicators and integrators, Bowie-Dick tests, and time and temperature logs; document appropriate checks after sterilization or reprocessing.
- Verify labeling accuracy, contents, cleanliness, working order, and sterilization parameters.
- Evaluate gathered data and recommend improvements to processes or their effectiveness.
- Participate in rotating on-call coverage with other Medical Supply Technicians.
- Perform other duties related to the occupation as assigned to meet agency, department, facility, or service needs.
Benefits
- Federal employee benefits package, with benefits available to the employee and family; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
