Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Veterans Health Administration; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Veterans Health Administration (Miami VA Healthcare System) is seeking a dynamic Lead MST to oversee the Sterile Processing Service. Ideal candidates will lead complex instrument preparation for high-precision surgeries and ensure compliance with SOPs for decontamination, prep, and packing across the OR suite.

The role requires at least 6 months of relevant experience or one year of related coursework, plus strong English communication skills.

Qualifications

• Reading and interpreting written procedures to instruct staff on correct protocols.
• Strong oral and written communication to ensure staff compliance with directives.
• Solid interpersonal skills for teamwork with employees, team leaders, and managers.
• Knowledge of sterility principles to guide decontamination procedures.
• Ability to lead, prioritize, and schedule work assignments.

Responsibilities

• Lead MST operations and supervise staff in sterile processing.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs and quality standards for decontamination, prep, and packing of instruments.
• Coordinate with surgical teams and maintain safety and quality in the sterile processing workflow.

Skills

Reading procedures

Written & oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Sterility principles

Staff leadership

Education

Health care related coursework

Tools

CensiTrac

DaVinci

Job description

PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET. The Miami VA Healthcare System's Sterile Processing Service is seeking an experienced and dynamic Lead MST. Ideal applicants are those who want to contribute to the achievement of quality care standards, as well as the growth and development of a VA academic hospital program.

To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement.

Basic Requirements

• All applicants must meet the following basic qualifications.
• United States Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen.
• Experience and/or Education Experience. Six (6) months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; - OR - Education. One (1) year above high school that included at least six (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.
• 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.

Grade Determination

The following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

• Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level. Examples of experience include, but is not limited to work in which you: assemble highly complex instrument sets including, but not limited to open heart, major orthopedic total joint, cardiovascular, craniotomy and complex endoscopic instrumentation; process all complex endoscopic instrumentation to include those medical devices used in the gastroenterology laboratory, bronchoscopy laboratory, urology and operating room; review manufacturer guidelines to ensure the correct methods and parameters are followed when cleaning, decontaminating and sterilizing RME; troubleshoot and analyze mechanical failures and make necessary adjustments to complex decontamination and sterilization equipment, as well as interpret alarm conditions which may occur while operating the equipment; inform management and healthcare staff when cleaning and processing standard operating procedures (SOPs) or instruction for use have been changed or updated to assure the changes have been validated to meet all guidelines.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
  • Ability to read and interpret written procedures and select appropriate action in order to instruct staff in correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments.
  • Ability to communicate orally and in writing to ensure staff 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

• Five (5) years minimum experience as Sterile Processing Services Lead Technician.
• Proficient in electronic instrument tracking system; preferably CensiTrac.
• Experience with DaVinci.
• Knowledgeable of sterility principles (proficient in decontamination, prep and pack, GI, HLD, and sterilization).
• Assembling complex trays (orthopedic, vascular, heart) and delicate trays (eyes).
• Certifications - Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD), IAHCHMM, or Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

Physical Requirements

Must pass a pre-employment physical examination/evaluation as required by VA Handbook 5019. This examination/evaluation is administered by VA Occupational Health.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.