Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Veterans Health Administration•Omaha, NE

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The incumbent serves as a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) in the Sterile Processing service line at the Omaha VA Medical Center. The role covers decontamination, preparation and assembly, inspection, sterilization, and high-level disinfection of endoscopes, transducers, probes, supply items, and critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMDs). The technician also packages and labels peel-pouch items and supports distribution, including RMD pickup and delivery for the medical center. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives, as well as permanent change of station, are not authorized. The full performance level is GS-6; selection may be at GS-3 through GS-6. The position requires U.S. citizenship, proficiency in written and spoken English, and compliance with applicable pre-employment screening, background investigation, onboarding, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements. The selected employee must serve a one- or two-year trial period.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
At least six months of qualifying experience demonstrating the ability to perform the work or an understanding of it, or qualifying education or an equivalent combination of experience and education as described in the posting.
For GS-4, six months of relevant experience or two years of post-high-school education with at least 12 semester hours related to the occupation, plus the specified knowledge and abilities.
For GS-5, one year of experience equivalent to GS-4 or four academic years of post-high-school education leading to a bachelor's degree with at least 12 related semester hours, or a bachelor's degree, plus the specified knowledge and abilities.
For GS-6, one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, plus the specified knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross-contamination.
Knowledge of sterilization, cleaning equipment, and sterility principles regarding instrumentation.
Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions, and procedures.
Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.
For GS-4, ability to communicate orally and in writing, and basic knowledge of medical terminology and sterilization and cleaning equipment.
For GS-5, basic knowledge of surgical instruments, event-related packaging and sterility, and sterilization and cleaning equipment.
Completion of required application materials, pre-employment screening and onboarding, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Selected employee must serve a one- or two-year trial period.

Responsibilities

Receive, disassemble, and clean contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices using ultrasonic, mechanical, and chemical methods.
Prepare, assemble, and inspect reusable medical devices and instrument sets.
Sterilize devices and perform high-level disinfection of endoscopes, transducers, and probes.
Select appropriate packaging and sterilization methods.
Package and label peel-pouch items.
Complete and document daily operational checks on sterilization equipment.
Support distribution, including reusable medical device pickup and delivery for the medical center.