Supervisory Medical Supply Tech (Sterile Processing)

Veterans Health Administration • Tucson, AZ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (MST), serving as the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) Shift Supervisor, is a first-level supervisor responsible for planning, directing, assessing, and overseeing the work of a group of MSTs. The supervisor provides technical guidance and workload assistance, reviews work for technical soundness and compliance with departmental standard operating procedures (SOPs), and ensures staff accountability for performance and adherence to facility and agency policies.

The position oversees reprocessing of reusable medical equipment (RME), including decontamination, preparation, high-level disinfection, and sterilization of critical and semi-critical devices. It also oversees surgical case cart assembly, RME retrieval and delivery, and maintenance of the work environment in accordance with applicable Veterans Health Administration directives and memoranda. The incumbent must be competent in reprocessing tasks and able to assist with workload and assess work quality.

The supervisor manages attendance and leave, coordinates leave and vacation schedules, advises higher-level management of anticipated vacancies or workload increases, and recommends personnel actions and recognition. The position also provides corrective guidance, may conduct interviews to investigate workplace irregularities, refers disciplinary matters to higher-level management, resolves informal employee complaints, and deals with union representatives on personnel matters.

The incumbent must complete SPS Level 1 training within 90 days of hire and participate in continuing education to maintain Level 1 certification. The position is directly supervised by the Chief and Assistant Chief of Sterile Processing Service, who assign work and provide guidance. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Telework is unavailable, and the position is not virtual.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Six months of qualifying 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. Grandfathering provisions may apply to qualifying current VHA employees.
• One year of experience equivalent to the GS-07 level for the GS-08 grade determination.
• Ability to manage, interact, and deal with individuals from varying backgrounds.
• Ability to direct staff and manage tasks to be completed.
• Ability to oversee decontamination, preparation, sterilization, monitoring, and distribution of reusable medical equipment.
• Ability to perform supervisory duties, including assigning, planning, and evaluating work; recommending awards; approving leave; identifying training needs; and resolving staff issues.
• Complete SPS Level 1 training within 90 days of hire and participate in continuing education to maintain SPS Level 1 certification.
• Maintain competency in all reprocessing activities and knowledge of applicable departmental SOPs.
• Meet applicable background/security investigation, pre-employment drug-screening, physical-evaluation, onboarding, identification, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Serve a 1- or 2-year trial period, as applicable.
• Meet the physical demands of prolonged standing and walking, frequent bending and lifting, manual dexterity and visual acuity, and pushing and pulling loaded carts; tolerate required PPE, heat, noise, and odors; and comply with PPE and safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

• SPS Level II certification.
• Certification in sterile processing from a professional organization.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, assess, and oversee the work of a group of Medical Supply Technicians.
• Oversee decontamination, preparation, high-level disinfection, and sterilization of critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment.
• Oversee assembly of surgical case carts, retrieval and delivery of reusable medical equipment, and maintenance of the work environment.
• Perform reprocessing tasks, assist with workload, assess work quality, and provide technical supervision and guidance to staff.
• Review work for technical soundness and compliance with departmental SOPs, facility policies, and agency policies.
• Monitor attendance and leave, ensure employees are in assigned work areas, and ensure break and meal periods do not exceed allotted time.
• Approve sick and annual leave requested during the shift and collaborate with service chiefs on upcoming leave requests and vacation schedules.
• Inform higher-level management of anticipated vacancies or increases in workload.
• Recommend personnel actions, including promotions, reassignments, recognition of superior performance, and retention or release of probationary employees.
• Provide corrective guidance and conduct employee interviews when appropriate to investigate workplace irregularities; refer disciplinary problems to higher-level management.
• Resolve informal employee complaints, deal with union representatives on personnel matters, and promptly report formal complaints.
• Complete SPS Level 1 training within 90 days of hire and participate in continuing education to maintain certification.
• Maintain knowledge of departmental SOPs and competency in all reprocessing activities.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits are available to the employee and family; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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