The incumbent will serve as a Sterile Processing Service, Medical Supply Technician (MST). In this position, the incumbent will provide critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME), decontamination, preparation, assembly, sterilization and distribution support for the Medical Center. Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy English Language Proficiency: Medical Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Policy Experience: Six months of experience that demonstrates the 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. 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-622 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.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: GS-03 (Entry Level) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. This is an entry level MST position. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. GS-04 (Developmental Level) Experience. Six months experience as a MST, operating room or surgical technician or other position that demonstrated knowledge of sterile processing in a clinical setting; or Education. Two years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation. NOTE: Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or nursing assistants obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces, the U.S. Maritime Service, or hospitals under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to 6 months of experience. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:1. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.2. Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets.3. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Assignment. This is a developmental level MST position. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME). Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center. Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. Prepares operating room case carts. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. GS-05 (Developmental Level) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; or Education. Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation or a bachelor's degree. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:1. Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.2. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regard to sterility.3. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. Assignment: This is a developmental level MST position. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room. Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and a high-level disinfecting scope reprocessor; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex tasks and require direct supervision on new assignments. GS-06 (Full Performance Level) Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the full performance level (GS-5), which is directly related to the position to be filled. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room. Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and a high-level disinfecting scope reprocessor; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:1. Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.2. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.3. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.4. Knowledge of sterility principles in regard to instrumentation.5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47 Medical Supply Technician Sterile Processing Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-04. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting/carrying 15-44 lbs.; pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required; walking 2 hours; standing 6 hours; both legs required; ability to distinguish basic and shades of colors; hearing aid permitted. Environmental Factors: Working in dry atmosphere; exposed to fumes, smoke, or gases; working with hands in water; working closely with others; working alone. ["The incumbent will serve as a Sterile Processing Service, Medical Supply Technician (MST). In this position, the incumbent will provide critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME), decontamination, preparation, assembly, sterilization and distribution support for the Medical Center. The incumbent will have knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as required by this position. The incumbent will be required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), following the manufactures instructions or use and competencies which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME appropriate to this position. The incumbent will be able to demonstrate their ability to utilize an acceptable proficiency in the use of RME appropriate to this position.The incumbent understands event-related sterility as the shelf life of a packaged, sterile item is event-related and depends on the quality of the packaging material, the storage conditions, the amount of handling, and the conditions during transport. Sterilized packages are to be considered sterile unless the integrity of the packaging is compromised (damaged) or suspected of being compromised. Packages or containers must be visibly inspected for package integrity prior to distribution and prior to use. The MST is knowledgeable with the climate control (Air Flow, Minimum Air Changes (ACH), Temperature and Humidity) in areas where the reprocessing or storage of critical or semi-critical RME occurs. Knowledgeable with computer skills as is relates to the Censitrac System. Determines the criticality category of RME using the Spaulding Classification System to identify appropriate (and inappropriate) reprocessing methods of which are displayed in service's SOPs in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Major duties will include but will not be limited to: Knowledge of surgical instruments used in the operating room, clinic settings and dental operatories. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures. Knowledge of sterility principles in regard to instrumentation. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. Knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty Operating Room, Clinic and Dental instrument sets. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. During initial orientation, all new SPS employees must complete the SPS Level 1 training program within 90 days of hire. This training is conducted through the VHA online learning management system or VHA printed SPS Level 1 training program packet when an online learning management system is not readily accessible. A certificate is received upon successful completion of all of the modules. Complete training coursework and VA SPS certification as required for a Sterile Processing Technician position in the VA. Maintain certification by completing approved, annual Continuing Education Units (CEU) and annual in-service hours. Maintain Continuing education units (CEU). CEU's are credits received for completing training and attending seminars directly related to a profession. One CEU is generally given for each hour of training or seminar attendance. SPS employees who are certified by a national organization must obtain annual CEU as set forth by their certifying body. All other SPS employees must obtain a minimum of 12 educational hours annually. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-6:00pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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