The Quality Assurance/Trainer MST is a member of the Sterile Processing Services team at John Cochran. in the reprocessing of Reusable Medical Devices (RMD). The Quality Assurance/Trainer MST must be well versed in all of the duties performed in SPSO, as well as standard operating procedures and manufacturer's guidelines. The Quality Assurance/Trainer is a subject matter expert and must have experience with highly complex processes to provide education and training for staff within SPS.
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. 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 have provisions listed in VA Handbook 5005. 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: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, VA Handbook 5005. 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 Determinations: GS-07- Medical Supply Technician (Quality Assurance/Trainer) - Sterile Processing Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-07 you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level .(GS-06). Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: Receiving contaminated critical and semi-critical RMD in the decontamination area; disassembling the RMD and determining the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions; inspecting, assembling and determining the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and high level disinfecting scope reprocessors; performing and documenting daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, you 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. Assignment. The Medical Supply Technician(Quality Assurance/Trainer) assembles highly complex instrument sets including, but not limited to, open heart, major orthopedic total joint, cardiovascular, craniotomy and complex endoscopic instrumentation. Processes all complex endoscopic instrumentation to include those medical devices used in the gastroenterology laboratory, bronchoscopy laboratory, urology and operating room. Reviews manufacturer guidelines to ensure the correct methods and parameters are followed when cleaning, decontaminating and sterilizing RMD. Troubleshoots and analyzes mechanical failures and makes necessary adjustments to complex decontamination and sterilization equipment, as well as interprets alarm conditions which may occur while operating the equipment. Informs management and healthcare staff when cleaning and processing standard operating procedures (SOPs) or instruction for use have been changed or updated to assure the changes have been validated to meet all guidelines Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Preferred Experience: The position requires long periods of standing, walking, bending and lifting. The employee usually stands and moves from one part of the department to another. There is a frequent requirement for lifting baskets of stainless steel instruments weighing in excess of 25 pounds from floor level to chest level. Dexterity and strength are required for lifting and positioning RME. The employee regularly pushes loaded carts weights several hundred pounds and loads them into elevators and through entryways. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and be able to shift priorities based on needs. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 07.
The Quality Assurance/Trainer Medical Supply Technician (MST) at this grade level functions at the fullest performance level with respect to all aspects of sterile processing. The Quality Assurance/Trainer Medical Supply Technician in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) serves as the monitoring and compliance specialist for all activities in SPS, which includes the operating room, case cart management, monitoring of the process of cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of critical, and semi-critical Reusable Medical Devices (RMD). The duties for the Quality Assurance/Trainer MST are, but not limited to: - Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of SPS and Infection Prevention standards, policies, guidelines, and regulations. - Clear understanding of the operations and procedures in SPS and associated areas to develop clear training and ongoing education for new as well as existing staff. - Develop a consistent and logical annual training plan for staff. - Demonstrate a knowledge of fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work processes and develop a root cause analysis. - Ability to analyze collected data, identify trends, and deficiencies, and make recommendations to correct quality control process issues as well as recognize positive outcomes. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday to Friday: 0730-1600 Compressed/Flexible: 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.