Supervisory Medical Support Technician- Sterile Processing

Veterans Health Administration•Cincinnati, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Supervisor, Sterile Processing Service (SPS) serves as the Supervisory Medical Supply Technician and assists the Chief and Assistant Chief, SPS, in directing SPS activities. The position shares responsibility for implementing Veterans Health Administration (VHA) directives and guidance related to processing sterile instrumentation and equipment. This first-level supervisor oversees a group of Medical Supply Technicians and provides technical supervision and administrative direction for their work. The supervisor guides staff on SPS requirements, monitors training and compliance, evaluates performance and training needs, and oversees responses to equipment and sterilization-process failures. The role also supports operating instructions and performance standards, implements practice changes following product recalls and safety alerts, and coordinates with Healthcare Industry Representatives to ensure facility supply, equipment, and instrumentation needs are met. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. This is a permanent federal position with a two-year trial period. The full performance level is GS-08.

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.
Meet the basic Medical Supply Technician qualification through one of the following: six months of relevant 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.
For GS-08, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, including experience distributing and prioritizing workloads, assigning work, monitoring staff work, and assessing the quality and quantity of work involving medical equipment, materials, or instrumentation.
Ability to manage and interact with individuals of varying backgrounds.
Ability to direct staff and manage tasks.
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.
Pass a pre-employment physical examination and applicable background/security investigation.
Selected applicants are subject to pre-appointment drug screening and must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Complete the required online onboarding and application documentation and provide acceptable employment-identification documents.
Serve a two-year trial period, with continued employment contingent on written certification that it advances the public interest.
Meet the physical requirements, including normal hearing and visual acuity, efficient hand-eye coordination, physical and mental ability, and ability to wear protective attire and perform prolonged walking, standing, lifting, and recurring strenuous exertion.
There is no educational substitution at the GS-08 grade level.

Responsibilities

Assist the Chief and Assistant Chief, Sterile Processing Service, in directing service activities and implementing applicable VHA directives and guidance.
Provide technical, administrative, and professional guidance to Medical Supply Technicians.
Interpret SPS requirements from VHA and other regulatory agencies and direct staff in their implementation.
Monitor and conduct staff training; evaluate training needs and provide orientation for newly assigned staff.
Direct responses to equipment and sterilization-process failures, coordinate notifications, and ensure corrective actions are taken.
Evaluate subordinate performance and provide input for performance evaluation reviews.
Determine new staff progress and assist with action plans to improve performance.
Provide input into operating instructions and performance standards and monitor compliance.
Oversee decontamination, preparation, sterilization, monitoring, and distribution of reusable medical equipment (RME).
Implement practice changes based on product recalls and health and safety alerts or warnings from manufacturers.
Coordinate with Healthcare Industry Representatives to ensure facility supply, equipment, and instrumentation needs are met and assist in evaluating follow-up support.
Plan and direct staff work; distribute and prioritize workloads, adjust schedules, monitor work status, and assess work quality and quantity.
Oversee attendance and leave, recommend personnel actions and recognition, address informal complaints, conduct corrective interviews, and refer disciplinary matters to higher management.
Inform higher-level management of anticipated vacancies or workload increases and interact with union representatives on personnel matters.