Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

SummaryThis Medical Supply Technician position completes reprocessing of critical and semi-critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and quality assurance tasks for the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) under the Nursing Service of the Alexandria VA Medical Center located in Alexandria, Louisiana.ResponsibilitiesPrimary duties of a Medical Supply Technician include but are not limited to: Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) in the decontamination area. Disassembles the RME and utilizes the correct cleaning methods according to manufacturer instructions. Correctly operates cleaning equipment such as ultrasonic irrigators, washer disinfectors and cart washers using the appropriate chemical/decontamination solution. Inspects, assembles and appropriately package instruments for sterilization per sterilization method determined by manufacturer. Accurately utilizes high-level disinfecting and sterilization equipment such as, but not limited to, steam, Sterrad, Steris, Ethylene Oxide (EtO) and automated endoscope reprocessors. When using sterilizers, selects the appropriate sterilization cycle. Accurately assembles case carts in support of the Operating Room (OR), clinical areas throughout the facility and outlying clinics, ensuring all instruments and sets are available per pull sheet/preference card. Accurately completes all required documentation associated with an instrument reprocessing department. Performs daily quality assurance testing for all reprocessing equipment as needed. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 11:30am - 8:00pmFinancial Disclosure Report: Not requiredRequirementsConditions of EmploymentQualificationsApplicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience and/or Education: Experience: Six months of experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or Education: One year above high school that included at least 6 semester hours in health care related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, and operating room and surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determination: Applicants must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05), which is directly related to the work of a Medical Supply Technician. Qualifying experience includes, but is not limited to: knowledge of sterilization equipment, removing soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments from instruments; inspecting packages for indications of proper sterilization; assembling basic sets and trays used in operating rooms; preparing, loading, and operating sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and disinfecting scope reprocessors; preparing operating room case carts using surgery schedules. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, you must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs):(a) Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.(b) Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.(c) Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.(d) Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation.(e) Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. Upon selection, you will be required to submit a written narrative demonstrating how you meet the KSAs. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47 Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (up to 44 pounds); moderate carrying (up to 44 pounds); straight pulling and pushing (6 hours); intermittent heavy pulling; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking and standing (8 hours); kneeling (1-4 hours); repeated bending (8 hours); both legs required; operation of motor vehicle; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable to 20/40 in each eye; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted) Environmental Factors: Sharp objects, foul odors, bodily fluids, excessive heat/cold, excessive humidity, noise, fumes or gases, uneven walking surfaces, moving objects/vehicles, working closely with others and alone in irregular hours of work.EducationIMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Additional InformationThis job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.