Summary
The Medical Supply Technician for Sterile Processing Service (SPS), Central Virginia VA Health Care System, is responsible for the decontamination, inspection, correct assembly, proper sterilization, and distribution of reusable medical devices (RMD) throughout the facility. This is the full performance level for the occupation.
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Duties
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Duties include but are not limited to:
- The Sterile Processing Technician in SPS interprets and follows the policies and procedures of the SPS including Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) inventory management areas to perform his/her daily functions within the established guidelines and demonstrates the ability to work effectively and efficiently.
- The incumbent is required to have a broad knowledge and skills in applying various sterilization modalities, high level disinfection, preparation, and decontamination techniques.
- The incumbent must also have a working knowledge of microbiology, quality control, and distinguishing between various reusable medical devices.
- The individual is accountable to maintain SPS standards for the practice of all services that contributes to the fulfillment to the mission. The position may require travel to any reprocessing location when necessary.
- Is subject to work rotating tours, weekends, holidays, and on-call, based on patient care needs.
- Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD) in the decontamination area and may receive non-critical equipment as well.
- Disassembles the RMD and determines manual and mechanical cleaning as determined by Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/manufacturer instructions for use (IFU).
- Inspects, assembles according to the instrument count sheets and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization or high-level disinfection, as determined by Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/manufacturer instructions for use (IFU).
- Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment.
- Receives items and correctly organizes them on shelves, ensuring that rotation of stock using First In- First Out (FIFO) method. Transport RMD as necessary.
- Certification in Sterile Processing and Endoscope reprocessing preferred.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Call/Holidays/Weekends)
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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.
- English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part.
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).
Grade Determinations: 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:
- Knowledge of SPS and Infection Prevention regulations.
- Knowledge of procedures and/or operations in training developed for, and operations of SPS functions for both new and existing staff
- Ability to manage integrated training programs as it relates to sterile processing procedures.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel or other software programs in order to complete reports and develop skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff and management officials in regards to sterile processing procedures.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47. Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing). GS-622. Dated: July 8, 2015The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7.
Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
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/.
Additional information
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
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.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
