Leads sterile processing technicians in cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing surgical, dental, and endoscopic instruments. Oversees workflow, assigns tasks, trains staff, enforces procedures, ensures instruments are ready for surgery, and monitors quality. Coordinates with clinical teams, manages inventory rotation, and communicates equipment needs to maintain safe and effective patient care in the South Texas Veterans Health Care System.
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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience and/or Education: Experience. 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. English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 Part II Chapter 2 Section D (5). 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). Grade Determination: GS-07 Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Experience should reflect the applicant performed the full range of sterile processing duties at the full performance level. Responsibilities included, but not limited to, receiving, disassembling, cleaning, inspecting, assembling, packaging, and sterilizing complex reusable medical equipment such as surgical sets, endoscopes, and dental instruments. Selected appropriate decontamination and sterilization methods based on manufacturer instructions and facility procedures. Conducted and documented quality assurance checks, monitored sterilization parameters, and ensured compliance with safety and infection control standards. Applied knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, microbiology, and infection prevention principles to support safe and effective equipment processing across clinical areas. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to instruct staff on the correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments. Skill in communicating with staff to ensure compliance with written directives, rules and regulations. Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers. Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures. Ability to lead individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments. Preferred Experience: Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination Demonstrated knowledge of cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and preparation of Reusable Medical Equipment and surgical instrumentation used in operating rooms and clinical settings Ability to read and interpret written procedures and select appropriate action in order to instruct staff in correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to ensure staff compliance with written directives, rules and regulations. Ability to lead individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments. Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. This vacancy is GS-07 (Advanced Level). Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over Straight pulling, 1 hour Pushing, 1 hour Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers Both hands required Walking, 2 hours Kneeling, 1 hour Repeated bending, 1 hour Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Depth perception Ability to distinguish basic colors Ability to distinguish shades of colors
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional This position is based in the Sterile Processing Service at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System and leads a team of medical supply technicians ranging from entry to senior level. The technician is responsible for overseeing the cleaning, high-level disinfection, and sterilization of surgical, dental, and endoscopic instruments. Major duties include assigning and rotating staff through various work areas, managing the daily surgical instrument schedule, ensuring all equipment is processed according to written procedures, and serving as a technical expert and trainer. The role involves direct coordination with surgical and clinical staff, monitoring quality standards, enforcing procedures, and managing inventory rotation. Occasional call or travel may be required to support outpatient clinics or urgent needs. This position plays a vital role in maintaining surgical readiness and ensuring patient safety across the facility. Work Schedule: Rotating shifts, nights/weekends/holidays Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. 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) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. 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. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized