Summary

This is the full performance level for the occupation. Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME) in the decontamination area. Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method - such as - but not limited to - ultrasonic cleaners - mechanical washers/disinfectors - cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents - as determined by manufacturer instructions.

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: Citizen of the United States
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Chapter 3 - Section A - paragraph 3g.) 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 (1) Experience
• Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work
• or (2) 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 (3) Experience/Education Combination
• Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable
• Certification
• None 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)
• 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
• 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
• Grade Determinations: GS-6: 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
• Preferred Experience: N/A Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of to GS-6. Physical Requirements: 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 hot - cold - drafty and poorly lighted.

Duties

• The Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) duties includes - but are not limited to the following: This is the full performance level for the occupation
• Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME) in the decontamination area
• Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method - such as - but not limited to - ultrasonic cleaners - mechanical washers/disinfectors - cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents - as determined by manufacturer instructions
• In Preparation area the incumbents inspect - assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization - such as - but not limited to steam - Sterrad - Steris - and high level disinfecting scope re-processors
• Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment in all areas pertaining to sterile processing
• Delivers and pick-ups critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment to areas in the facility
• Process the critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment according manufacturer's instructions - standard operating procedure and the direction of National Office of Sterile Processing
• Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized