Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Healthcare Supply Chain Association; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician for their Salem VA Medical Center. This position focuses on the decontamination and sterilization of reusable medical equipment, requiring both practical skills and a solid understanding of medical terminology and procedures. Ideal candidates will have relevant experience or education, and be skilled in physical tasks involved in medical cleaning processes.

Qualifications

• Must have 6 months of relevant experience or education.
• Proficiency in English is required.
• Knowledge of microbiology and surgical instruments is essential.

Responsibilities

• Receives and processes contaminated reusable medical equipment (RME).
• Disassembles and inspects RME for appropriate cleaning.
• Packages RME for sterilization and performs operational checks.

Skills

Ability to perform work

Understanding of sterilization processes

Knowledge of surgical instruments

Microbiology knowledge

Ability to interpret instructions

Physical capability for moderate lifting

Education

Six months experience or related education

Healthcare-related courses (e.g., sterile processing)

Job description

Summary

This position is in the Sterile Processing Service of the Salem VA Medical Center in Salem. It involves decontamination, sterilization, and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME). The role includes assembling basic sets and trays for use in the medical center and operating equipment involved in sterilization processes. Note: This is an instrument cleaning/sterilization position, not a supply ordering role.

Qualifications

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: (1) Six months of experience demonstrating ability to perform the work or understanding of the work, or (2) One year above high school including at least 6 semester hours in healthcare-related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, operating room, surgical technician courses, or related courses, or (3) an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Additional Qualifications: May qualify under the Grandfathering Provision if applicable.
• Grade Determination (GS-06): One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, demonstrating knowledge of surgical instruments, universal precautions, medical terminology, microbiology, sterility principles, and ability to interpret instructions.
• Physical Requirements: Includes moderate lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, use of fingers, walking, standing, kneeling, bending, climbing, and visual and auditory capabilities.

Duties

• Receives contaminated RME in the decontamination area.
• Disassembles RME and determines appropriate cleaning methods.
• Inspects, prepares, assembles, and packages for sterilization using various methods.
• Prepares operating room case carts as per surgery schedules.
• Performs and documents operational checks and records for processes and equipment.
• Performs segments of work related to decontamination, sterilization, and inspection of RME.

Work Schedule: 8:15 am - 5:00 pm

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required