Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a forward-thinking health care organization as a Medical Supply Technician specializing in sterile processing. In this vital role, you will ensure the cleanliness and functionality of surgical instruments, playing a crucial part in patient safety and care. Your expertise in sterilization techniques and medical terminology will be essential as you prepare instruments for various medical procedures. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the health and well-being of veterans while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Six months of relevant experience or one year of health care related education.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Remove contaminants and prepare surgical instruments for use.
• Inspect sterilization packages and assemble medical trays.

Skills

Knowledge of surgical instruments

Knowledge of universal precautions

Medical terminology

Knowledge of sterility principles

Ability to read and interpret instructions

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Health care related courses

Job description

The Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) works in the Sterile Processing Service, VA Central Ohio Healthcare System, Chalmers P. Wylie Veterans Outpatient Clinic located in Columbus, Ohio.
Duties

Requirements

Qualifications
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.
• 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.

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: Grade Requirements:

GS-06

• Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Equivalent experience at the next lower level includes the following: Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments 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, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and a high level disinfecting scope reprocessor; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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.

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).

References: VA Handbook 5005, APPENDIX G47. MEDICAL SUPPLY TECHNICIAN (STERILE PROCESSING) QUALIFICATION STANDARD.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06.

Physical Requirements: The employee usually stands and moves from one part of the room to another while performing duties. There is frequent requirement for lifting instrument trays or baskets or instrument sets weighing up to 50 pounds from the floor to chest level. The incumbent transports trays and equipment on carts that may weigh up to 400 pounds when full. They may be pushed but are usually pulled due to height and visibility concerns.