Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated Medical Supply Technicians to join their Sterile Processing Service. This role involves crucial tasks such as decontaminating and sterilizing medical equipment, preparing operating room case carts, and ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. The position is ideal for individuals with a strong background in health care and a passion for supporting medical teams. Join a mission-driven organization that values your contributions and offers opportunities for growth and development in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience or education in health care related courses required.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Perform decontamination, sterilization, and inspection of reusable medical equipment.
• Prepare operating room case carts and assist in sterilization processes.

Skills

Knowledge of universal precautions

Basic knowledge of medical terminology

Ability to communicate orally and in writing

Experience in sterile processing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Courses in health care related fields

Tools

Sterilizers (steam, vaporized hydrogen peroxide)

Medical equipment for sterilization

Job description

Summary

The LTC Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center is recruiting to fill multiple Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) positions. The Medical Supply Technician (MST) will function in Sterile Processing Service.

Qualifications Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship: Citizen of the United States
• 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
• English Language Proficiency: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Grandfathering Provision: 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)
• 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.

Grade Determinations:

• 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: Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination, basic knowledge of medical terminology, basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment, ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

Assignment:

This is a developmental level MST position. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME). 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. Prepares operating room case carts. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision.

Physical Requirements:

This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation) and in other services and departments throughout the medical facility. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty and poorly lighted. The employee is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and other injuries from material handling equipment. The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation.

Duties:

• Medical Supply Aide and Technician duties include but are not limited to: providing sterilization, preparation, supply items and reusable medical equipment decontamination and distribution support for the medical center.
• The technician will remove 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 reprocessor.
• 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.