Sterile Processing Technician Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizen appointments when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• 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 qualifying education and experience. Grandfathering provisions may apply to eligible current VHA employees.
• For GS-7, one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
• Ability to assemble specialty operating-room and clinic instrument sets.
• In-depth knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
• Ability to communicate information and thoughts orally and in writing.
• Must hold and maintain CRCST, CER, and CIS certifications at the GS-7 advanced level; failure to maintain them results in demotion to the next lower grade level.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and applicable background/security investigation.
• Applicants tentatively selected for a testing-designated position are subject to pre-employment urinalysis; refusing testing results in denial of employment.
• Must meet Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable.
• Must complete required onboarding and application documentation and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a two-year trial period; continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Physical capacity for prolonged standing and walking, frequent bending and lifting packages occasionally weighing up to 50 pounds, and the dexterity and visual acuity needed to manipulate, disassemble, and assemble instruments.
• Ability to work in contaminated and clean-controlled areas and tolerate specified workplace hazards and conditions, including PPE, heat, odors, noise, and potential exposure to body fluids and sterilizing gases.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience in VA Sterile Processing Services.
• HSPA certifications: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER), and Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS).

Responsibilities

• Assemble highly complex instrument sets, including major orthopedic, major surgical, and complex endoscopic instrumentation.
• Process complex endoscopic instruments and devices used in gastroenterology, bronchoscopy, urology, and operating rooms.
• Review manufacturer guidelines and follow appropriate methods and parameters for cleaning, decontaminating, and sterilizing reusable medical equipment.
• Troubleshoot and analyze mechanical failures and make necessary adjustments to complex decontamination and sterilization equipment.
• Interpret alarm conditions that occur while operating decontamination and sterilization equipment.
• Inform management and healthcare staff when cleaning or processing standard operating procedures or instructions for use change, so updates can be validated against applicable guidelines.
• Provide sterilization, preparation, supply-item, reusable medical equipment decontamination, and distribution support for the medical center and Cape Girardeau Health Care Center.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available to employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type and other applicable conditions.