Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in New Orleans seeks a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) to receive contaminated devices in decontamination, sterilize, prepare, and distribute reusable equipment for the medical center.

The role involves working with sterile processing standards, basic surgical instrument knowledge, and adherence to universal precautions. Training and advancement are aligned with VA qualification standards, with potential progression from GS-3 to GS-6.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience demonstrating ability to perform MST work or understanding of the work.
• Education in health care related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, or operating room/surgical technician courses.
• Equivalent combination of experience and education acceptable for entry level.

Responsibilities

• Receive contaminated critical and semi-critical RMD in the decontamination area.
• Provide sterilization, preparation, supply items and decontamination and distribution support for the medical center.

Skills

Universal precautions

Medical terminology

Sterilization & cleaning equipment

Communication (oral & written)

Education

1 year above high school with health care courses

2 years above high school with related courses

Bachelor's degree related field

Job description

The Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing Technician) receives contaminated critical and semi-critical Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) in the decontamination area and may also receive noncritical equipment as well. They provide sterilization, preparation, supply items and reusable medical equipment decontamination and distribution support for the medical center.

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. 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.
• Certification. None.

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

Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

GS-03 (Entry Level)

Experience or Education.

None beyond the basic requirements.

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.

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; 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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

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:

Re-processing of medical instruments/devices certification

Reference:

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. .

Physical Requirements

Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.