Advanced Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

RowanEDC Partnership; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

VA Salisbury Health Care System in Salisbury, NC seeks an Advanced Medical Supply Technician in Sterile Processing Services to coordinate OR trays and ensure reprocessed equipment readiness.

The role involves following IFUs, managing inventory, and coordinating with OR staff to meet daily surgical needs while upholding safety standards and SOPs.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Experience with sterile processing and OR liaison duties.
• Proficiency in English communication and teamwork.
• Ability to follow Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFU).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operating room trays and instruments for daily surgeries.
• Maintain inventory counts and ensure readiness of reprocessed equipment.
• Adhere to decontamination, disinfection and sterilization SOPs and IFUs.

Skills

Sterile processing

OR coordination

Communication

Inventory management

Tools

Sterilization equipment

IFU compliance

Job description

Summary

This position is in the Salisbury VA Health Care System, Salisbury NC in the Sterile Processing Service Department (SPS). The incumbent of this position serves as a knowledgeable Advanced Medical Supply Technician for Sterile Processing Services and all other areas in the facility where reprocessing of reusable medical equipment (RME) takes place.

Major Duties

Duties for this position include but are not limited to: The Advanced MST - SPS OR Coordinator will be responsible for communicating on a daily basis with all staff members associated with the OR, including the Charge Nurse, the Manager and Assistant Manager of the OR, and all surgical RNs and scrub technicians. The Liaison is responsible for providing communication with the OR to ensure that all trays and instruments required for daily surgeries are available. In addition, the SPS OR Coordinator will work with the key figures in the OR to coordinate the building and rearranging of trays to fit the physician's needs. The Liaison will make sure that all involved in surgical cases are aware of what trays are needed and the number of trays that are required for each surgery. The Liaison maintains a count of all trays that are part of Surgical Service's inventory. In addition, the Advanced MST - SPS OR Coordinator must knowledgeable of the workings of the SPS field beyond that of a lower grade MST. The Advanced MST is responsible for following Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFU's), ensuring items are sorted, cleaned, decontaminated, or disinfected in the Decontamination section of SPS. Items requiring additional processing, packaging and sterilization are sent to the Preparation and Packaging section of SPS where they are inspected for cleanliness, functionality, and quantity. Following IFU's, these items are then assembled, packaged, and sterilized accordingly. The Advanced MST decontaminates all reusable supplies and equipment in a manner rendering all decontaminated items safe for handling. The Advanced MST determines proper methods and processes to follow per SOP's and Manufacturer's Instructions for Use to decontaminate instruments and equipment. When required, properly disassembles Surgical Instruments avoiding damage or unnecessary wear. Uses seasoned judgment to ensure minimum potential for damage to equipment. In the performance of the duties the Advanced MST will have responsibility involved with one, or all, the following functions pertaining to Re-Usable Medical Equipment (RME) cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and preparation of equipment to full readiness for its subsequent use. Medical equipment designed by the manufacturer to be re-used for multiple patients that are accompanied by reprocessing instructions provided by the manufacturer is considered RME. The result of these duties and responsibilities are to ensure the best possible Product is delivered, the right item, at the right time, in the right condition, ready for use. The Advanced MST will attend training on either one, or all, the procedures associated with the set-up, use, reprocessing and maintenance of new equipment prior to its initial use that leads to his/her initial competency and, validation of that competency on a recurring basis. Removes items from washers and pass-through and determines type of tray or set to assemble based on recognition of key items and the operating room or clinic schedules. The Advanced MST examines items to ensure that gross contamination has been removed; if items remain contaminated, they are sent back to Decontamination for complete reprocessing. The Advanced MST assembles sets and trays by selecting appropriate tray, lining it with a towel, and arranging instruments in the tray in the correct manner. The Advanced MST strives for a logically arranged package that will permit effective penetration of the sterilizing medium and ease of use by end user. Visually examines items for damage, deterioration, or imperfections such as rust, pitting, and cracks. The Advanced MST medical equipment to determine whether it operates correctly after re-assembly. Sends malfunctioning or damaged equipment to repair or salvage unit The Advanced MST examines all types of reusable supplies and equipment. Selects correct wrapping for the tray and wraps and labels tray. The Advanced MST monitors operation of sterilizer with prescribed tests. Determines appropriate method of sterilization and attaches chemical indicator tape to package. The Advanced MST sterilizes items referencing SOP's to determine that correct parameters (e.g. time, temperature, and pressure) were obtained. The Advanced MST distributes items according to established requirements, special requests or as requisitioned. Fills requests for items based on daily schedules of needs or on individual requisitions. Consults with the Operating Room staff and our clinic customers on items in short supply or out of stock, recommending possible substitutions. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 5:30am - 2pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Requirements

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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification 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). 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 interest. In 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.

Evaluations

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position: Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Reading Comprehension Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Other Information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case‑by‑case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. During the application process you may have an option to opt‑in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health‑related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.