Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (SPS)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Florida seeks a Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (MST) in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS).

The incumbent will supervise MSTs, oversee the RMD program, and support the Chief and Assistant Chief of SPS to advance the mission and goals of the VA. Qualified applicants may qualify under Grandfathering provisions for current VA employees and must meet KSAs related to supervision, instrument handling, sterilization, and data-driven quality control.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of surgical instrument handling used in ORs and clinics.
• Ability to assemble complex instrument sets for OR and clinics.
• Deep understanding of sterilization and decontamination processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of sterility principles to instruct staff on decontamination procedures.
• Ability to analyze data and recommend fixes for quality issues.
• Familiar with fact-finding and investigation to evaluate processes.

Responsibilities

• Supervise MSTs and oversee decontamination, preparation, sterilization, monitoring, and distribution of RME.
• Provide administrative planning and direction for MST group work.
• Approve leave, assign tasks, and address staff development needs.
• Communicate with higher management regarding workload and staffing.
• Carry out supervisory duties including performance evaluations and disciplinary considerations.

Skills

Surgical instruments knowledge

Instrument set assembly

Sterilization & decontamination

Oral & written communication

Sterility principles

Data analysis & quality improvement

Investigation techniques

Job description

The Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (MST) in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) supports the Chief and Assistant Chief of SPS and serves as the first-line supervisor for MSTs. The incumbent supervises MSTs supporting the Reusable Medical Device (RMD) program to accomplish the mission, vision, and goals of the organization.

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).

Preferred Experience

• Detail knowledge of complex surgical instrument used in the operating rooms and clinic settings.


• Ability assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets.


• In-depth knowledge of sterilization and decontamination


• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in order to convey information to others.


• Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures.


• Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to correct quality control problems.


• Knowledge of fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work processes.

Grade Determinations - GS-08

Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07).

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Ability to manage, interact and deal with individuals of varying backgrounds.


2. Ability to direct staff and manage tasks to be completed


3. Ability to oversee and supervise all aspects of decontamination, preparation, sterilization, monitoring, and distribution of RME.


4. Ability to perform a full range of supervisory duties, including assigning, planning and evaluating work, recommending awards, approving leave, identifying training needs, and resolving staff issues

Assignment

The Supervisory MST functions as a first-level supervisor responsible for the oversight of a group of MSTs, with administrative responsibility for planning and directing the work. Oversees attendance and leave, including approval of sick and annual leave and vacation schedules. Informs higher level management of anticipated vacancies or increases in workload. Recommends promotions, reassignments, recognition of superior performance, retention or release of probationary employees or other changes of assigned personnel. Holds corrective interviews with employees, referring disciplinary problems to higher levels of management. Resolves informal complaints of employees and deals with union representatives on personnel matters. Provides technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the organizational unit

References

VA Handbook 5005/83, Part II, Appendix G47

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.