This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2025. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled
BASIC REQUIREMENT. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens. 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 Licensure or Certification. None. 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Medical Supply Technicians (Sterile Processing) must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations: GS-03 to meet the requirements for the GS-03 grade level MST (Sterile Processing) applicant must possess at least six months of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the work or provide an understanding of the work. Education: Successfully completed 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, Education/Experience Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education that are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. GS-04To meet the requirements for the GS-04 grade level MST (Sterile Processing) applicant must possess at least 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: Successfully completed two years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation. 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. GS-05:To meet the requirements for the GS-05 grade level MST (Sterile Processing) applicant must possess at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; OR, Education: Successfully completed 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. 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 regards to sterility.3. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. GS-06To meet the requirements for the GS-06 grade level MST (Sterile Processing) applicant must possess at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. 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. References. July 8, 2015 VA HANDBOOK 5005/83 PART II APPENDIX G47The 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-06.
The selectee will be assigned to the Sterile Processing Service (decontamination, preparation, and sterile storage) within Patient Care Service (PCS). The selectees will be responsible for the following: Assembling a full range of sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room. Assemblies range from simple sets of four or five instruments to very complex sets of up to ninety instruments such as femoral vascular, abdominal vascular, etc. Assembles delicate micro-surgical sets such as micro-surgical ear set, ENT plastic set for procedures requiring plastic surgery, micro-surgical eye instruments, etc. These sets contain stainless steel instruments, titanium stapes, screws, plates, and other prostheses which require expert care and careful attention. Trays are clearly labeled for identification and initiated. Assembles and selects the correct sterilizing method for a variety of costly and delicate equipment such as flexible Bronchoscopes, Choledochoscope, Resectoscope, and other flexible and rigid endoscope. Receives contaminated supplies such as instruments, basins, syringes, needles, thermometers and equipment from wards, operating rooms and clinics and inspects these items for damage and ensures that they are in good working condition. The selectee determines correct method for cleaning and pre-sterilization. In the performance of official duties, the selectee has regular access to printed and electronic files containing sensitive data which must be protected under the provision of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, Federal regulations, VA Statues and policy, and VHA policy. A thorough knowledge of medical and surgical terminology, human anatomy, and physiology is required so the selectee is able to select the right instrument sets, packs, and specialized instruments to do the procedure with only the diagnosis or name of the operation to be performed available to him/her. Work Schedule: Day, Evening and Night Tours available. Selectee's specific tour will be determined by Supervisor/Manager upon hire, and will be based on the needs of the unit. May be required to work weekends, holidays during the week, and rotating on call, but must be able to change schedule to accommodate the needs of the service. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Relocation/Recruitment Incentive: Not authorized Telework: Not authorized Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Not authorized