Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Veterans Health Administration; Dublin (GA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Veterans Health Administration in Dublin, GA is seeking a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) to support decontamination, preparation, and sterile supply functions across the facility.

The role requires basic experience or education in sterile processing, understanding of surgical instrument handling, and ability to follow safety standards; candidates should communicate effectively and adapt to a dynamic clinical environment.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience in sterile processing or related clinical setting.
• Two years of education above high school with at least 12 semester hours in related courses.
• Equivalent combination of experience and education may qualify for entry level.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminate, prepare, and maintain sterile supply items.
• Assemble specialty instrument sets for operating rooms and clinics.
• Follow universal precautions and safety procedures to prevent contamination.
• Read and interpret written instructions and procedures accurately.

Skills

Universal precautions

Sterile instrument handling

Medical terminology

Written & spoken communication

Education

1 year of college with health care courses

2 years of college with health care courses

Bachelor's degree in health-related field

Job description

This position is located within the Sterile Processing Service in the Dublin, GA VA Healthcare System.

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: 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. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Regulations 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

GS-03 (Entry Level). Experience and Educations. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Grade (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:

1. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
2. Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets.
3. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

GS-05 (Developmental Level) Experience

One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-04); 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.

GS-05 (Developmental Level) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Ability

In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
2. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility.
3. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.

GS-06 (Full Performance Level) Experience

One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05).

GS-06 (Full Performance Level) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
2. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
3. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.
4. Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation.
5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.

Preferred Experience

PS, GI, Dental or Scrub Tech experience preferred or a Minimum of a bachelor degree education with no experience. Seeking critical thinker, strong work ethics, positive character with integrity and mission centered.

References

VA Handbook 5005/83, Part II, Appendix G47, Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Qualification Standard. Available in the Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06.

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/campus. 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 f