Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Quality Assurance

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Amarillo (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Amarillo, TX seeks an advanced MST Trainer in Sterile Processing Service to support SPS management and QA oversight of cleaning, decontamination, sterilization, and distribution of reusable medical devices.

The role emphasizes ensuring aseptic procedures, Joint Commission standards, and accurate documentation; requires six months of experience or one year of healthcare education, and US citizenship.

Qualifications

• Six months experience or education as described in basic requirements.
• Education option requires transcripts if used for qualifying.
• Combination of experience and education acceptable with transcripts if using education to qualify.

Responsibilities

• Monitor cleaning, decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing and distribution of reusable medical devices.
• Support SPS management and perform QA reviews.
• Document daily operations and maintain records.

Skills

Fact-finding

Data analysis

Sterile processing knowledge

Infection control

Report writing

Education

One year above high school in healthcare or sterile processing courses

Tools

Instrument tracking systems

Job description

This is an advanced level MST Trainer position in Sterile Processing Service in Amarillo, TX. This position works in support of the Sterile Processing Service management team. The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician serves as the monitoring specialist for all activities of SPS. The incumbent with monitor all processes of cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of critical, semi-critical and non-critical Reusable Medical Devices (RMD).

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.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Experience and/or Education:
  • Experience - Six months of experience that demonstrates the 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; (TRANSCRIPT Required if using education to qualify) OR
  • Experience/Education Combination - Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. (TRANSCRIPT Required if using education to qualify)

Frequent/Occasional Travel

This position may offer occasional travel away from the duty station to assist with Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) support during periods of required coverage. In addition, this position may be selected to attend VHA sponsored educational training or certification courses. Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Texas and Federal Driver License to operate a Government vehicle.

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) - Quality Assurance - GS-0622-07

Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-07 you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6). Examples of specialized experience include but not limited to: Receiving contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area; disassembling the RME and determining the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions; inspecting, assembling and determining the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and high level disinfecting scope reprocessors; performing and documenting daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work process.
• Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to correct quality control problems.
• Knowledge of sterile processing operations, infection control procedures, and Joint Commission requirements to assess compliance during quality assurance reviews.
• Ability to compile information, evaluate facts, document findings and prepare reports.
• Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques to maintain quality control.
• Ability to effectively communicate with technical and professional staff on the proper use of delicate instruments and equipment and resolve problems that may occur.

Preferred Experience

• Two or more years hands on experience in sterile processing.
• Working knowledge of Instrument tracking systems and RMD tracibility.
• Working knowledge of Reusable Medical Devices and Infection Control Practices
• Level 2 VA Certification or Certification in Sterile Processing from outside entity
• Understanding of quality management, quality analysis, data capture, and creation of reports.
• Experience in project development and implementation.

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-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07.

Physical Requirements

Individuals who are required to operate a government owned or leased vehicle to successfully carry out their assigned duties must be medically cleared prior to appointment. Assessment must be made for any acute or chronic medical/physical condition or medication use which interferes with the ability operate the appropriate Government-owned or -leased vehicle safely and without undue risk to themselves or others. The following requirements must be met:

• distant vision 20/40 in one eye with or without correction,
• field of vision 70 degrees,
• ability to distinguish red, green and amber,
• whispered voice at five feet, or average hearing loss of not greater than 40 dbs. at 500, 1000 and 2,000 Hz.