Summary This position is located in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) section located under the Associate Director of Patient Care services of the Hudson Valley VA Medical Center. SPS is responsible for the reprocessing of all critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME). Responsibilities The Hudson Valley Medical Center is currently recruiting for a Medical Supply Technicians for the Sterile Processing Service. The incumbent will provide sterilization, preparation, supply items and semi-critical/critical reusable medical equipment decontamination for the medical center. The term "supply item" as used in this functional statement refers to reusable items for patient care including instrumentation (scissors, forceps, retractors, etc.), semi-critical equipment (such as ultrasound probes, flexible endoscopes, TEE's) and critical reusable medical equipment, surgical or clinic trays and sets and various other items that could be processed or assembled through the Preparation and Decontamination areas of Sterile Processing Service. Must be able to clean, assemble, sterilize, HLD simple and complex RMD. Reusable Medical Equipment (RME): 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) 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 handles contaminated critical and semi-critical RME that may include, but is not limited to, transporting and/or receiving into the decontamination area. Disassembles the semi-critical/critical RME and based on manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU) and any associated standard operating procedure determines the correct cleaning method, such as using the following to include but not limited to: ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents as determined by manufactures instructions. Inspects, prepares, assembles sets following prescribed guidelines and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization based on the manufacturer's instructions for use and associated reprocessing standard operating procedure (SOP) that includes but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, and high-level disinfecting that will include but not limited to Medivator Advantage Plus, Trophon and Cidex OPA; may prepare operating room case carts with instrument sets daily utilizing surgery schedule. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids and other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing and scrubbing following the manufacturers' instruction for use and any associated SOP. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including but not limited to those used in various clinics, the endoscopy department and operating room. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of semi-critical and critical 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 that includes any identified testing. May be required to prepare operating room case carts. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and SPS management. Performs other duties as assigned. The employee is under the direct supervision of the Supervisory Medical Supply Technician. The supervisor and/or Service Chief and/or Assistant Chief will assign work with standing instructions on objectives, priorities, and deadlines, and provide guidance for unusually involved situations. The employee will work as team member with other Medical Supply Technicians of various experience to carry out the daily work utilizing the written standard operating procedures and/or manufacturer's written instructions in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, or accepted/standard practices. Department leadership evaluates completed work for overall technical soundness and conformance to agency policies through competency assessment utilizing simulation, direct observation and verbal responses from the incumbent. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 12;00pm-8:30pm .Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 23747-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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 BASIC REQUIREMENTSCitizenship. Citizen of the United States. Experience and/or EducationExperience. 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. Certification. None. 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation) and in other services and departments throughout the medical facility/campus. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are may at times be warm/hot, drafty or varied light. 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 English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. GRADE REQUIREMENTS 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. In addition to the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also meet the Grade Determinations below: GS-06 (Full Performance Level)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: 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 regards to instrumentation.5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. Assignment. This is the full performance level for the occupation. Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area and may receive noncritical equipment in the decontamination area as well. Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions. Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and high level disinfecting scope reprocessors. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. Preferred Experience: 1-3 years of experience in field References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/83 PART II APPENDIX G47The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. 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 Receiving Service Credit or 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. 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. 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. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act (or the Act) prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from requesting applicant criminal history record information before extending a conditional or tentative offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S.C § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Act, may submit a written complaint within 30 calendar days of the date of the alleged non-compliance to VA at vacofairchanceact@va.gov. Applicant written complaints should include the following: - Administration name: Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - Office name, employee name and contact information or contractor who made contact (if known). - Date of contact.- Details regarding the job opportunity announcement applied to, and copies of any documents or other evidence related to the complaint.- Visit Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) for more information.