The Sterile Processing Coordinator serves as a subject matter expert within the Sterile Processing Service (SPS), responsible for coordinating, overseeing, and providing technical guidance for the decontamination, sterilization, preparation, and distribution of surgical instruments, medical devices, and supplies. The coordinator ensures compliance with VA policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements to support patient care and safety.Qualifications:Applicants 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:
- English Language Proficiency: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English
- 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 the applicant's 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.
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).
Must be able to Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:- Practical knowledge of conventional fact-finding or investigative techniques in order to evaluate internal work processes.
- Skill to develop, analyze and evaluate facts relative to unsatisfactory conditions or trends.
- Knowledge of and skill in applying various methods and techniques for investigating, analyzing and recommending corrective action on complex quality problems.
- Knowledge of the SPS policies and procedural manuals, infection control procedures, and accrediting agencies and quality assurance guidelines to assure appropriateness of work during quality assurance reviews.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and other software programs.
- Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques, which include sterilized operations, sterilizer mediums, and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging, storage, and shelf life.
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing to ensure staff compliance with written directives, rules and regulations.
Preferred Experience: Must have Sterile Processing experience; Incumbent must be knowledgeable of sterile processing areas, instrumentation, reprocessing equipment, and the instrument tracking system.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandard
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER