Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Department of Veterans Affairs : Job Details

SummaryIncumbent works on decontamination, preparation and assembly, inspection, sterilization, High-level Disinfection of endoscopes, transducers, probes, supply items, critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD), package and labeling peel pouch items, and distribution support to include RMD pickup and delivery for the medical center. Incumbent should be familiar with guidelines consisting of Manufacturer Instructions for Use (MFI/IFU).Learn more about this agencyHelpOverview* Accepting applications* Open & closing dates12/06/2024 to 03/10/2025* Salary$33,906 - $57,354 per year* Pay scale & gradeGS 00 - 6* HelpLocation1 vacancy in the following location:* Grand Island, NE 1 vacancy* Remote jobNo* Telework eligibleNo* Travel RequiredNot required* Relocation expenses reimbursedNo* Appointment typePermanent* Work scheduleFull-time* ServiceExcepted* Promotion potential6* Job family (Series)* 0622 Medical Supply Aide And Technician* Supervisory statusNo* Security clearanceNot Required* Drug testYes* Position sensitivity and riskNon-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk* Trust determination process* Credentialing* Suitability/Fitness* Financial disclosureNo* Bargaining unit statusYes* Announcement numberCBSY-12633862-25-KF* Control number823153700HelpThis job is open to* The publicU.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.* Internal to an agencyCurrent federal employees of this agency.Clarification from the agencyThis job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens. Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: 1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility 2. All other VA employees 2. All other applicants.VideosHelpDutiesThis is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available.Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:* Decontamination, preparation and assembly, inspection, sterilization, High-level Disinfection of endoscopes, transducers, probes, supply items, critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD), package and labeling peel pouch items, and distribution support to include RMD pickup and delivery for the medical center. The term supply item as used in this functional statement refers to disposable and reusable items for patient care including instrumentation (scissors, forceps, retractors, etc.), any semi-critical and critical reusable medical devices, surgical trays and sets, and various other items that could be processed through the Decontamination and Preparation areas of SPS.* Familiar with guidelines consisting of Manufacturer Instructions for Use (MFI/IFU), which list and illustrate various steps in the reprocessing of instruments and equipment.* Operates equipment involved in all areas of SPS reprocessing and sterilization processes.* MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members, trainers, educators, and leads and require frequent and direct supervision.* The incumbent will have knowledge of the processes for RMD as required by this position. The incumbent will be required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, preparation and assembly, inspection, and sterilization of RMD appropriate to this position. The incumbent will be able to demonstrate their ability to utilize a competency/SOP in the use of RMD appropriate to this position.Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdfMedical Supply Aide and Technician: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Supply-Aide-Career-Flyer.pdfWork Schedule: Monday-Friday 11:00am-7:30pmRecruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not AuthorizedPermanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not AuthorizedPay: Competitive salary and regular salary increasesPaid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per yearParental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VAInsurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)Telework: Not EligibleVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: 000000Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedPCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not AuthorizedHelpRequirementsConditions of Employment* You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.* All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.* Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.* Must be proficient in written and spoken English.* You may be required to serve a probationary period.* Subject to background/security investigation.* Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.* Must pass pre-employment physical examination.* Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).* Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See Additional Information below for details.QualificationsApplicants 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.* English Language Proficiency: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part.* Experience and/or Education:* Experience: Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or* Creditable Experience* Knowledge of Current MST Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with MST responsibilities. Experience satisfying this requirement may be paid/non-paid employment as a MST.* Quality of Experience. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to MST experience at the next lower grade level of the position being filled. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.* Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a MST is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a MST employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service.* 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 acceptableMay 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 or Education: None beyond the basic requirementsGS-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: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:* Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.* Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets.* Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.* 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-4); 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: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:* Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.* Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility.* 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: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:* Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.* Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.* Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.* Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation.* Ability to read and interpret written instructions and proceduresReference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit 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: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.EducationIMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: informationReceiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.Read more* BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.* BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.* Required DocumentsAs a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:* ResumeThe following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.* Cover Letter* DD-214/ Statement of Service* Disability Letter (Schedule A)* Disability Letter (VA)* License* Knowledge, skills, and abilities document* Professional Certification* Resume* SF-15* SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action* TranscriptIf you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.* How to ApplyAll applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/10/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.* Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.Agency contact informationKira FischerPhone 319####### X636737 Email [email protected] VA Nebraska-Western Iowa HCS - Omaha4101 Woolworth AvenueOmaha, NE 68105USLearn more about this agencyNext stepsOnce your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.* Fair and TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.* Criminal history inquiries* Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy* Financial suitability* New employee probationary period* Privacy Act* Reasonable accommodation policy* Selective Service* Signature and false statements* Social security number requestHelpRequired DocumentsTo apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:* ResumeThe following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.* Cover Letter* DD-214/ Statement of Service* Disability Letter (Schedule A)* Disability Letter (VA)* License* Knowledge, skills, and abilities document* Professional Certification* Resume* SF-15* SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action* TranscriptIf you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.HelpHow to ApplyAll applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/10/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.* Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.Read moreAgency contact informationKira FischerPhone 319####### X636737 Email [email protected] VA Nebraska-Western Iowa HCS - Omaha4101 Woolworth AvenueOmaha, NE 68105USLearn more about this agencyNext stepsOnce your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.Read moreFair & TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.* Criminal history inquiries* Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy* Financial suitability* New employee probationary period* Privacy Act* Reasonable accommodation policy* Selective Service* Signature and false statements* Social security number requestPrintShare* Email* Facebook* LinkedIn* TwitterHelpOverview* Accepting applications* Open & closing dates12/06/2024 to 03/10/2025* Salary$33,906 - $57,354 per year* Pay scale & gradeGS 00 - 6* Location1 vacancy in the following location:* Grand Island, NE 1 vacancy* Remote jobNo* Telework eligibleNo* Travel RequiredNot required* Relocation expenses reimbursedNo* Appointment typePermanent* Work scheduleFull-time* ServiceExcepted* Promotion potential6* Job family (Series)* 0622 Medical Supply Aide And Technician* Supervisory statusNo* Security clearanceNot Required* Drug testYes* Position sensitivity and riskNon-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk* Trust determination process* Credentialing* Suitability/Fitness* Financial disclosureNo* Bargaining unit statusYes* Announcement numberCBSY-12633862-25-KF* Control number823153700This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/823153700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.