Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Summary

The Lead Medical Supply Technician (MST) works in support of the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) management team. The Lead MST distributes and prioritizes workload among employees in accordance with established workflow and / or job specifications. The incumbent assures workflow and distribution of workload. The Lead MST instructs staff on the correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments, assesses the quality and quantity of work, assignment changes, and task completion.

Duties

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Lead MST (SP)s perform all the functions of subordinate MSTs including, but not limited to :

• The Lead MST assesses the quality and quantity of work by reviewing the cleaning, reprocessing, and distribution of technical medical equipment, material, and instrumentation.
• 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.
• Conduct daily assessment of assigned area.
• Retrieve soil reusable medical equipment (RME) from operating rooms and outpatient surgical clinics to include Dental.
• Remove soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, brushing and scrubbing.
• Completion Level 1Training modules in TMS within 90 days of employment and obtain Level 2 certification within the year.
• Completion service specific orientation and staff in-service program of Sterile processing.
• Achieve competency in all areas of sterile processing (Decontamination, Prep and Assembly, Operating room and Endoscopy).
• Inspect packages for indications of proper sterilization.
• Assemble basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room.
• Prepare, load, and operate sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad.
• Knowledgeable in high level disinfecting (HLD) scope reprocessor such as the Medivator and Trophon.
• Prepare operating room case carts daily pull sheets and utilizing surgery schedule.
• MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex tasks and require direct supervision on new assignments.
• Inventory instrument trays in Censitrac for accountability of all instruments.
• Ensure instrument cleanliness and completeness as appropriate and deemed ready for sterilization.
• Monitor instrument sets through the sterilization process using CensiTrac and QA monitors.
• Deliver reprocessed instrument trays to clinics and Operating Room Core in a timely manner.
• Work as part of team of technicians to improve the throughput of surgical instruments through SPS.
• Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area and reprocess using standard operation procedures (SOP) and manufacture information for use (IFU). Note : 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, Steam, and / or high-level disinfecting scope reprocessors such as the Medivator.
• Performs and documents daily and weekly QA operational checks and records documentation for all sterilization and HLD equipment and processes.
• Assembles highly complex instrument sets including, but not limited to, open heart, major orthopedic total joint, cardiovascular, craniotomy and complex endoscopic instrumentation.
• May be called upon to assist Sterile Processing Technicians with reprocessing RME.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Work Schedule : 7 : 30am - 4 : 00pm (Monday - Friday)

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus) : Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance) : Not Authorized

Pay : Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA

Paid Time Off : 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

Parental Leave : After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave

Child Care Subsidy : After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66 .

Retirement : Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance : Federal health / vision / dental / term life / long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Telework : Not Available

Virtual : This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement # : 82589F

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not Authorized

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

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 :

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 :

GRADE DETERMINATION : GS-07, Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

(a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6).

(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below :

(c) Assignment . 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.

Preferred Experience : 5 years experience in Sterile Processing, Level 2 SPS Certification or equivalent (i.e. IAHCSMM Certification) and current driver's license. (Must complete Defensive Driver / Mini Fleet in TMS).

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).

References : Applicable VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47 dated July 8, 2015.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7.

Physical Requirements : Requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing fully loaded case carts that must be negotiated up inclines and declines. Lifting tote bins, baskets of instruments , or other boxes weighing in excess of 50 lbs. Transporting of trays and equipment on push carts for short distances that may weigh 400 lbs. May need to wear protective equipment when working in contaminated environment.

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 : 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 :

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.