Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD) in the decontamination area. Disassembles the RMD and determines the correct method for processing. Inspects, assembles, and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/30/2023. BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3g.) 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, the following provisions apply: Employees grandfathered into the GS-622 occupational series as MSTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation. MSTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. MSTs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. 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, this part. GRADE DETERMINATIONS: GS-03 (Entry Level) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04 (Developmental Level) 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. GS-05 (Developmental Level) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Examples of experience include but may not be limited to; 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, and ability to communicate both orally and in writing; or Education. Four academic years above high school leading to a Bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation or a Bachelor's 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. GS-06 (Full Performance Level) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Experience includes but is not limited to 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/83, Part II, Appendix G47, MEDICAL SUPPLY TECHNICIAN (STERILE PROCESSING) QUALIFICATION STANDARD, dated JULY 8, 2015. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS03 to GS06. ["Serves as a Medical Supply Technician (MST) and rotates among the various reprocessing areas, which may entail case cart assembly, instruments, and equipment reprocessing. Completes assignments within decontamination area, instrument preparation area, endoscope reprocessing areas and RMD storage areas. Uses knowledge of aseptic principles, surgical instruments used in sterile procedures and operating rooms and clinical settings, standard precautions for safety, and prevention of cross-contamination to complete various assignments and projects. Uses vast knowledge of medical and surgical terminology, human anatomy, and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions, and therapeutic procedures to complete assignments and provide advice to other staff. Assembles highly, complex instrument sets, which may include major orthopedic total joint, cardiovascular, and complex endoscopic instruments. Processes RMD devices in support of complex procedures completed in gastroenterology laboratory, bronchoscopy laboratory, urology, and operating room. Maintains an orderly work environment, sustains a work free of expired or damaged supplies. Monitors the environment and reports variations from prescribed temperature, humidity, and air flow as appropriate. Decontamination Area Uses an understanding of the chemical characteristics of a variety of cleaning and sterilization agents and techniques so that the proper agent is selected to process simple and complex RMD. Operates and instructs others in the operation of simple and complex SPS reprocessing equipment such as ultrasonic cleaners, washer disinfectors, and dental handpiece oiling units using written guidelines and/or SOP. Receives, disassembles, and inspects RMD in the decontamination area. Examines instruments visually for material imperfections such as rust, pitting, and cracks. Checks the functionality of the items to ensure they are not damaged or unusable. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other gross contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing, and use of ultrasonic equipment. Loads and operates automated washer-disinfectors. Endoscope Reprocessing Assess whether RMD requires extended processing due to excessive blood, bioburden, or delay in processing. Consistently performs all steps involved in the reprocessing of simple and complex flexible endoscopes using manual or automated methods, aseptic removal, rinsing, drying, and placing in environmentally compliant storage. Performs documentation for reprocessing. High-Level Disinfection (HLD) Ensures standard operating procedures are accessible, and specifically followed for all RMD to ensure adherence to safety and compliance requirements. Selects proper method of high-level disinfections for simple and complex semi-critical devices. Performs HLD processes using established protocols in accordance with the MIFU for the device. Preparation Area Uses established protocols and procedures to aseptically prepare RMD for sterilization. Inspects each instrument/device for cleanliness, functionality, and damage. Uses industry standards for testing and inspection. Differentiates various types and classes of instrumentation, many of which may appear identical. Assembles reusable medical device sets/instrument trays using a standardized method to include instrument inventory (manual or electronic), internal/external sterility indicators, as well as appropriate and intact packaging. Performs and interprets sterilizer quality assurance testing using established protocols and procedures. Selects appropriate method and cycle for RMD being sterilized. Inspects sterilized RMD to ensure external sterility indicators denote sterilization process has occurred. Sterile Storage Receives and inspects sterilized trays, sets, instruments, and equipment prior to placing in designated storage area. Distributes RMD per facility protocols for multiple services including surgery, clinics, dental service, and others. Removes compromised material from shelves for reprocessing or replacement. Preferred Experience: Sterile Processing CRMST, Surgical Scrub Tech CRCST Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 9:00 am-5:30 pm or 8:00 am-4:30 pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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