Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

MAJOR DUTIES

Duties of the Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) include but are not limited to:

• The technician will provide sterilization preparation supply items and reusable medical equipment decontamination and distribution support for the medical center. The term supply item as used for this position refers to disposable and reusable items for patient care including instrumentation (scissors forceps retractors etc.) Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) (suction machines infusion pumps etc.) surgical trays and sets and various other items that could be processed or assembled through the Preparation and Decontamination areas of Sterile Processing Service.
• MST position removes soil blood tissue fragments body fluids and other contaminants by wiping soaking rinsing and scrubbing. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room.
• Prepares loads and operates sterilizers such as steam vaporized hydrogen peroxide and a high-level disinfecting scope reprocess; may prepare operating room case carts daily utilizing surgery schedule.
• Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination sterilization and inspection of RMD.
• Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center.
• Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. May be required to prepare operating room case carts.
• Technician requires knowledge of the processes for RMD and maintains current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures which document the processes and procedures for cleaning disinfection sterilization and preparation of RMD appropriate to this position.
• Demonstrates the ability to utilize an acceptable proficiency in the use of RMD appropriate to this position.
• Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RMD in decontamination area(s) such as main decontamination and GI Scope decontamination.
• Receives noncritical case carts in the decontamination area for transport of RMD as well.
• Disassembles the RMD and determines the correct cleaning method such as but not limited to manual cleaning ultrasonic cleaners mechanical washers cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents as determined by manufactures instructions.
• Inspects prepares assembles and determines the correct method of packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to Steam Plasma (Sterrad) and high-level disinfection such as Cidex OPA bleach hydrogen peroxide and the Automated Equipment Reprocessor (AER).
• Prepares operating rooms trays and containers daily utilizing surgery schedule.
• Removes soil blood tissue fragments body fluids and other contaminants by wiping soaking rinsing and scrubbing. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the outpatient clinic including those used in the operating room.
• Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination sterilization and inspection of RMD.
• Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the outpatient clinic.
• Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes.
• Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment.

• 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
• You may be required to serve a probationary/trial period
• 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.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

Trial Period:
As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 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 probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest. If you do not receive certification for continued employment you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.

To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement 09/22/2026.

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:

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.

• Certification. None.
• 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.

• Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

• Specialized Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements to qualify for the GS-06 you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5). Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: Removing soil blood tissue fragments body fluids and other containments by wiping soaking rinsing and scrubbing; Inspecting packages for indications of proper sterilization assembling basic sets and trays used throughout a medical facility including those used in the operating room; preparing loading and operating sterilizers such as steam Sterrad Steris ETO and a high level disinfecting scope reprocessor; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule.

• Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

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

1. Experience in a Sterile Processing Department
2. Knowledge of cleaning high level disinfection and sterilization methods
3. Familiarity with reusable medical equipment and instruments