Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Incumbent works on decontamination preparation and assembly inspection sterilization High-level Disinfection of endoscopes transducers probes supply items critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD) package and labeling peel pouch items and distribution support to include RMD pickup and delivery for the medical center. Incumbent should be familiar with guidelines consisting of Manufacturer Instructions for Use (MFI/IFU).

Major duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Decontamination preparation and assembly inspection sterilization High-level Disinfection of endoscopes transducers probes supply items critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD) package and labeling peel pouch items and distribution support to include RMD pickup and delivery for the medical center. The term supply item as used in this functional statement refers to disposable and reusable items for patient care including instrumentation (scissors forceps retractors etc.) any semi-critical and critical reusable medical devices surgical trays and sets and various other items that could be processed through the Decontamination and Preparation areas of SPS.
• Familiar with guidelines consisting of Manufacturer Instructions for Use (MFI/IFU) which list and illustrate various steps in the reprocessing of instruments and equipment.
• Operates equipment involved in all areas of SPS reprocessing and sterilization processes.
• MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members trainers educators and leads and require frequent and direct supervision.
• The incumbent will have knowledge of the processes for RMD as required by this position. The incumbent will be required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning disinfection preparation and assembly inspection and sterilization of RMD appropriate to this position. The incumbent will be able to demonstrate their ability to utilize a competency/SOP in the use of RMD appropriate to this position.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Qualifications

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.
• English Language Proficiency: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3 section A paragraph 3j this part.
• Experience and/or Education:
  • Experience: Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicants ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or
    • Creditable Experience
      • Knowledge of Current MST Practices. To be creditable the experience must have demonstrated the knowledge skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with MST responsibilities. Experience satisfying this requirement may be paid/non-paid employment as a MST.
      • Quality of Experience. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to MST experience at the next lower grade level of the position being filled. For all assignments above the full performance level the higher level duties must consist of significant scope administrative independence complexity (difficulty) and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.
      • Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a MST is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example a MST employed 20 hours a week or on a 1/2-time basis would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service.
  • 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

• Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements

• Experience: 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: Two years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation.
  • NOTE: Successful completion of a course for medical technicians hospital corpsmen medical service specialists or nursing assistants obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces the U.S. Maritime Service or hospitals under close medical and professional supervision may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to 6 months of experience.
• Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
  • Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
  • Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets.
  • Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
  • Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

• Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-4); or
• Education: Four academic years above high school leading to a Bachelors degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation or a Bachelors degree.
• Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
  • Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility.
  • Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.

• 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:
  • Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
  • Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
  • Working knowledge of medical terminology anatomy and physiology microbiology medical conditions and procedures.
  • Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation.
  • Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures