Summary Serves as a Medical Supply Technician assigned to the Sterile Processing Service, Central Virginia VA Healthcare System, Richmond, VA Responsibilities The Medical Supply Technician (MST) receives contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD) in the decontamination area. Disassembles RMD and determines the correct cleaning method, such as (but not limited to) ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers/disinfectors, cart washers and chemical cleaning and decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions. In the preparation area the incumbent inspects, assembles, and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization, including but not limited to the following: steam, low-temperature and high- temperature sterilization, and high-level disinfection. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment. Processes critical and semi-critical RMD according to manufacturer's instructions, standard operating procedures, and directions from the Office of Sterile Processing. Receives items and correctly organizes them on shelves, ensuring that rotation of stock using First In - First Out (FIFO) method. Transports RMD as necessary throughout the facility. The incumbent must also have a working knowledge of microbiology, quality control, and distinguishing between various reusable medical devices. The individual is accountable for maintaining SPS standards for the practice of all services that contribute to the fulfillment of the mission. Perform other directly related duties as assigned. The position is subject to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and on- call, based upon patient care and departmental needs. Work Schedule: Rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and on- call, based upon patient care and departmental needs. Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications GS6 - 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: Must have at least one year of experience at the next lower grade (GS-5). Specialized experience may include: experience in processing, assembling, troubleshooting, preparing, sterilizing, storing, and knowledge of decontamination, cleaning, preparation, sterilization, and storage procedures; knowledge of aseptic techniques; and skill in operating various equipment such as, washer-sterilizer, ultrasonic instrument cleaners and steam sterilizers, automatic endoscope reprocessors, etc. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 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 regards to instrumentation. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Regulations. Preferred Education/Experience: Experience processing endoscopes and SPS certification from either Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile Supply, and in other services throughout the medical facility that SPS supports. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty and poorly lighted. The employee is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and other Injuries from material handling equipment. The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. The employee wears special clothing, hair covers, personal protective equipment and shoe covers that can be uncomfortably warm. The employee uses insulated gloves to remove carts from sterilizers. The employee Is subject to burns from accidentally touching hot items. The hazards of working around minute quantities of sterilizing gasses are unknown. The employee often works around body fluids, mucous, excretions and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling, Strong, unpleasant odors are encountered while decontaminating bloody or grossly contaminated instrumentation or reusable medical equipment. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts and operation of pre-sterilizing equipment. 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/. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.