This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT for position Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing Coordinator) for Nursing, Acute Care department at VAMC Birmingham AL. Position 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
GS-07: Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Coordinator (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Practical knowledge of conventional fact-finding or investigative techniques in order to evaluate internal work processes. 2. Skill to develop, analyze and evaluate facts relative to unsatisfactory conditions or trends. 3. Knowledge of and skill in applying various methods and techniques for investigating, analyzing and recommending corrective action on complex quality problems. 4. At least 2 years of working experience with Censitrac Tracking System. Assignment: The MST Coordinator monitors quality assurance in the cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of surgical instruments and technical medical equipment processed in SPS, ensuring proper procedures are followed and the items are safe for use. Ensures national sterile processing standards are followed in the process of cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of critical and/or semi-critical reusable medical equipment. Coordinates training that is well structured and includes appropriate materials. Ensures staff is competent for reprocessing critical and semi-critical RME by reviewing actual demonstration of tasks. Coordinates with hospital staff (e.g. operating room, emergency department and clinics) on critical and semi-critical medical equipment to ensure compliance with all national and local directives. Updates the Chief (or designee) on patient safety alerts and issues concerning reusable medical equipment. Establishes and maintains frequent contacts with interdisciplinary staff and outside vendors and manufacturers.
This is a position of the full performance level of RMD Coordinator, GS-7. Assumes all the duties and responsibilities of the higher graded position. Is fully functional in the role of a SPD GS-7 Lead Medical Technician and the SPD GS-6 Medical Supply Technician (MST) or below. Major Duties Responsible for researching all manufacturers IFUs of all the reusable RMD of the facility to ensure compliance in reprocessing of RMD. Creates and updates SPD SOPs for all RMD. Provides technical training to all MSTs necessary for accomplishing the work of the organizational unit. Tracks and ensures all replacement instruments are ordered. Maintains quality metrics and quality assurance measures as required for tray assembly, tray inspection, workflow sequence, SOPs, sterilization methods and deadlines have been met. RMD Coordinator will take On-Call status in rotation with other MSTs. Decontamination and Processing Collects, receives, inspects, decontaminates, high-level disinfects and performs terminal sterilization of soiled supplies, instruments, equipment, and apparatus to include complex diagnostic equipment and medical apparatus. Completely and thoroughly dissembles and positions all parts of RMD to ensure the removal of bioburden, proper cleaning, and disinfection prior to sterilization. Performs leak tests on Endoscopes to ensure that the water tight integrity of the scope is intact before initiating the cleaning and high-level disinfection process or terminal sterilization. Performs appropriate and safe reprocessing for all RMD by strictly adhering to the Quality Management Program requirements. Operates decontamination equipment such as washer decontaminators, sonic washers, irrigators, automatic cart wash and tube dryers. Follows all manufacturers' instructions on cleaning of instrumentation and RMD using department SOPs based on manufacturer guidelines. Preparation and Sterilization Inspects, assembles, packages, high-level disinfects and sterilizes all instruments, instrument sets, and packs for use throughout the medical center. Performs appropriate and safe reprocessing for all RMD by strictly adhering to the Quality Management Program (e.g., uses testers, bioburden checks and instrument integrity checks). Follows all manufacturers' instructions on packaging and sterilization of RMD using department SOPs based on manufacturer guidelines. Interprets mechanical printouts and biological indicators to validate that sterilization of RMD is within acceptable parameters. If sterilization parameters aren't met, articulates how to troubleshoot the sterilization load, determines the possible cause of the parameters not being met, and reports findings to the supervisor/lead technician. Performs high level disinfection using Revitalox or equivalent according to manufacturer guidelines; documents and validates that chemicals are tested and meet requirements to ensure that disinfection has occurred. Quality Assurance Support and Reports Performs quality assurance activities including but not limited to monitoring biological and chemical indicators and integrators, Bowie Dick tests, time, and temperature logs, and ensures appropriate RMD checks are documented after sterilization or reprocessing. Performs other quality assurance activities including verifying accuracy of labeling, contents, cleanliness, working order and sterilization parameters. Evaluates gathered data and based upon findings, makes recommendations to improve effectiveness or processes. Follows local SOPs which are written in accordance with the manufacturers' written recommendations for reprocessing RMD. Maintains documentation of training in the setup, reprocessing and maintenance of specific equipment. Initial validation of competency will be performed, and minimally thereafter, on an annual basis. Understands of the criticality in reprocessing of RMD according to manufacturer guidelines and the significant impact on our Veteran population through the risk of infectious disease. CUSTOMER SERVICE REQUIREMENT Communicates and treats customers (patients, visitors, volunteers, and all medical center staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customers with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Implements practices with good customer service in all work activities, treating patients, their families/representatives, visitors, and other MSTs in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:58704F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required