Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

• 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• 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.

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.
• English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3 section A paragraph 3j this part.
• Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicants 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.

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-03 (Entry Level) (a) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-04 (Developmental Level) (a)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 (b)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.

(c)Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:

1. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
2. Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets.
3. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

GS-05 (Developmental Level)(a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; or (b) 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.

(c) Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings
2. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility.
3. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.

GS-06 (Full Performance Level)(a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

(b) 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.

Preferred Experience:
1. Ability to instruct staff on the correct procedures and protocols or completing assignments.
2. Skill in communicating with staff to ensure compliance with written directives rules and regulation.
3. Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employee team leader and managers.
4. Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures.
5. Knowledge of reprocessing machines in all areas of Sterile Processing Area.
6. Ability to lead individuals manage priorities and schedule work assignments.
7. Able to meet the needs of customer while supporting VA Mission.
8. Able to maintain a courteous tactful and respectful attitude with customer(s).
9. Able to handle conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard please visit full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06.The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing lifting carrying sitting stooping bending puling and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted heated and ventilated. However the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.