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Va Sterile Processing Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Va Sterile Processing information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a VA Sterile Processing Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a VA Sterile Processing Technician, you need knowledge of infection control, sterilization techniques, and medical device reprocessing, typically supported by a high school diploma and a Sterile Processing Technician certification (such as CRCST). Familiarity with autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, inventory management systems, and tracking software is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring accuracy and collaborating with healthcare staff. These skills and qualifications are crucial to prevent infections, maintain patient safety, and support efficient healthcare delivery.

What are VA Sterile Processing Technicians?

VA Sterile Processing Technicians are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing medical instruments and equipment in Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. Their work ensures that all surgical tools and devices are safe and free from contaminants, helping to prevent infections and support safe patient care. They play a crucial role in the operating room and other medical departments by maintaining strict standards of cleanliness and sterilization. These technicians must follow detailed protocols and often use specialized equipment to perform their duties. Working as a VA Sterile Processing Technician requires attention to detail, knowledge of infection control, and adherence to VA policies.

What is the difference between Va Sterile Processing vs Central Sterile Processing Technician?

AspectVa Sterile ProcessingCentral Sterile Processing Technician
CertificationsCPR, Sterile Processing CertificationCPR, Sterile Processing Certification
Work EnvironmentVeterans Affairs hospitals, clinicsHospitals, surgical centers
Employer & IndustryVeterans Affairs healthcare systemVarious healthcare facilities

Both roles involve sterilizing and processing surgical instruments, requiring similar certifications. Va Sterile Processing technicians work primarily within Veterans Affairs facilities, while Central Sterile Processing Technicians serve a broader range of healthcare settings. The core responsibilities and credentials overlap significantly, but the work environment and employer differ.

What are some common challenges faced by VA Sterile Processing Technicians, and how can new hires effectively manage them?

VA Sterile Processing Technicians often face the challenge of keeping up with a fast-paced workflow while maintaining strict adherence to infection control standards. New hires may initially find it demanding to learn the various types of surgical instruments and complex sterilization procedures required by VA protocols. To manage these challenges, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with surgical and nursing teams, and seek ongoing training. Leaning on experienced colleagues and utilizing available resources can also help new technicians build confidence and competence in their role.
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Va Sterile Processing jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Va Sterile Processing job openings:
Infographic showing various Va Sterile Processing job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution.

Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Ann Arbor, MI

$57K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) interprets and follows the policies and procedures of the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) to perform his/her daily functions within the established guidelines and demonstrates the ability to work effectively. The individual is accountable maintaining SPS standards for the practice of all services and care lines and contributes to the fulfillment of the mission of the clinical areas.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:
  • 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.
  • English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j of the qualification standard.
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).
Grandfathering Provision. All MSTs that are employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees grandfathered into the GS-0622 occupational series as MSTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation. (2) MSTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (3) MSTs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.
Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs.
Grade Determinations:
  • Creditable Experience. Knowledge of Current MST Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with MST responsibilities. Experience satisfying this requirement may be paid/non-paid employment as a MST.
  • Quality of Experience. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to MST experience at the next lower grade level of the position being filled. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.
  • Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a MST is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a MST employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service.
GS-07 Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing):
  • Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
    • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
      • Ability to instruct staff on the correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments.
      • Skill in communicating with staff to ensure compliance with written directives, rules and regulations.
      • Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers.
      • Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures.
      • Ability to lead individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments.
Assignment of the GS-7.
The Lead MST works in support of the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) management team. Distributes and prioritizes workload among employees in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations. Assures an even workflow and distribution of the workload. Revises work schedules to meet anticipated and unanticipated changes in the workload. Assigns work to staff based on experience and training needs. Monitors and reports on the status of work. Ensures SOPs and SPS mandates are followed during the performance of workflow. Reviews work in progress or spot checks work not requiring review to ensure completed work meets supervisors' instructions on such things as work sequence, procedures, methods, and deadlines. Assesses the quality and quantity of work by reviewing the cleaning, reprocessing, and distribution of technical medical equipment, material and instrumentation. Provides information to management officials concerning performance issues, assignment changes and task completion. Instructs employees on work-related activities, policies, procedures and goals.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is at the GS-07 level.
Physical Requirements: Recurring lifting up to 50 pounds, in the process of soiled instrumentation pickup, receiving, and issuing items. The employee regularly pushes loaded carts and carriers aligning the tracts leading to the sterilizer and washers. Employee can be required to push carts up to 600 pounds on/off elevators and to/from stock storage areas. Requires considerable stooping and bending. Uses a computer for data entry and instrument tracking. Conducting inventories of the supply storage areas will result in a high level of physical demands (bending, walking, stooping, prolonged standing, reaching, climbing, pushing, pulling, noise, lifting and exposure to varying temperature variations.Education:IMPORTANT: 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER