The position is within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), at the Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) in the Sterile Processing Services (SPS). The primary purpose of the technician is to clean, decontaminate, inspect, and perform quality assurance, inventory, prepare instruments for sterilization, and sterilize and/or disinfect medical instruments, surgical instruments, and other reusable medical devices (RMD).
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. Grandfathering Provision. 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). 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. English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Experience. 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: Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. Ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets. In-depth knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in order to convey information and thoughts to others. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. This vacancy is above full performance level (GS-06). Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties Include, but are not limited to: Assemble complex instrument sets, including open heart, major orthopedic, cardiovascular, craniotomy, and complex endoscopic instrumentation. Process complex endoscopic instrumentation used in various laboratories and operating rooms. Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning, decontaminating, and sterilizing reusable medical equipment (RME). Troubleshoot and adjust decontamination and sterilization equipment. Inform management and healthcare staff about updated standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cleaning and processing. Remove contaminants from instruments through wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing. Inspect packages for sterilization indicators and assemble sets and trays for medical center use. Prepare, load, and operate sterilizers, including steam, V-Pro, and high-level disinfecting scope reprocessors. Operate equipment involved in sterilization processes. Serve as preceptors and provide guidance to less experienced staff. Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control procedures for collecting and receiving used and soiled RMD. Perform manual and automated cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of medical equipment. Disassemble technical medical instrumentation and ensure elimination of bioburden. Operate automated cleaning and disinfection equipment, including washer/disinfectors and ultrasonic machines. Determine proper instrument selection, function, and arrangement during tray assembly. Independently determine proper packaging methods and sterilization techniques. Sterilize items and check control tests to confirm correct parameters of time, temperature, and pressure. Assemble sets and trays, ensuring effective penetration of the sterilizing medium. Monitor operation of sterilizers and perform prescribed tests. Oversee work of lower grade employees in preparation and decontamination areas. Inspect items for cleanliness, damage, and proper function according to quality assurance standards. Perform manual quality testing on endoscopes and instrumentation. Ensure compliance with safety and infection control rules in all work areas. Complete quality feedback and JPSR as indicated by circumstances. Distribute items according to established requirements, special requests, or specific requisitions. Pull consumable items and instrument sets for operating room preference cards. Consult with customers on substitutions for short supply items. Maintain records on stock levels and recommend revisions based on supply needs. Store items according to inventory system and storage guidelines. Assist with inventory management of RME and sterile supplies. Assemble and load operating room carts and handle special and emergency item requests. Inspect inventories and process check-ins of equipment and trays from medical vendors. Work Schedule: Full-time, All shifts are primarily Monday-Friday but may include rotating shifts on weekends and holidays. 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 (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). 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 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. Functional Statement #: 56362-A