Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

The Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) works in support of the SPS Management team. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Distributes and prioritizes workload among employees in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations.
• Assures an even workflow and distribution of the workload.
• Revises work schedules to meet anticipated and unanticipated changes in the workload.
• Assigns work to staff based on experience and training needs.
• Monitors and reports on the status of work.
• Ensures SOPs and local and VHA mandates are followed during the performance of workflow.
• Monitors and reports on the status of work through the SPS Quality Assurance program.
• Reviews work in progress or spot checks work not requiring review to ensure completed work meets supervisors instructions on such things as work sequence procedures methods and deadlines.
• Assesses the quality and quantity of work by reviewing the cleaning reprocessing and distribution of technical reusable medical equipment.
• Provides information to management officials concerning performance issues assignment changes and task completion
• Instructs employees on work-related activities policies procedures and goals.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm 2nd shift 10:00am - 6:30pm or 6:30pm to 3:00am. Hours may change based on the needs of the service.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• To be considered for this position you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the 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 identification 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.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:

• 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.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Experience and/or Education
  • (1) Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicants ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; OR
  • (2) 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
  • (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
• English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3 section A paragraph 3j this part

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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

(a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-6) level. Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: Receiving contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area; disassembling the RME 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.

(b) 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: 3-5 years Sterile Processing experience VHA SPS Certification HSPA Certification

Reference: VA Handbook 5005/76 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) GS-622. For more information on this qualification standard please visit full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 Employee Occupational Health Services.