MEDICAL SUPPLY TECHNICIAN (STERILE PROCESSING)

Summary About the Position: This position is located within Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) in the Directorate of Nursing Sterile Processing Department in Honolulu, Hawaii. Tripler Army Medical Center is a tobacco-free workplace. Tobacco products include, but are not limited to, smoking, smokeless tobacco, and electronic nicotine delivery devices. Duties Perform daily quality assurance testing on all equipment used in the cleaning and sterilization of surgical instruments. Compile reports on multiple aspects of instrument processing and quality assurance. Ensure compliance with established policies and procedures and other industry standards and regulations. Monitor and track surgical instruments through the use of automated instrument tracking log/system to maintain and monitor inventory records, generate purchase orders. Prepare contaminated surgical items for sterilization procedures and select appropriate chemical or washing agent necessary for decontaminating or cleaning surgical instruments. Disassemble surgical items to smallest component level for cleaning and sterilization. Conduct equipment testing of surgical instruments to ensure operational efficiency and surgical precision. Visually inspect required instruments for cleanliness, signs of damage, deterioration, or imperfection. Select the appropriate sterilization method based upon manufacture requirements and recommendations. Package instruments based on the sterilization method and established policies and procedures. Ensure appropriate climate control measures are maintained. Check the expiration date on all sterile supply items, remove all outdated items, and rotate the stock. Document shortages of instruments and other sterile supplies according to organizational policy and guidelines. Coordinate substitution of instruments with requesting surgical ward or clinics. Requirements Conditions of employment Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position. This position has been designated "Mission Essential". In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations. This position has a requirement to lift up to 25lbs unassisted and 45lbs with assistance in the regular performance of duties. Appointment to this position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315. This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations. Shifts are rotated on a regularly scheduled basis: 1st Shift: 0645-1515 11 Shift: 1045 -1915 2nd Shift: 1445-2315 3rd Shift: 2300-0700 Employees assigned to a medical treatment facility are required to be screened for applicable immunizations or pre-existing immunity based on occupational risk, regardless of job series. This position requires the employee to use personal protective equipment provided by the employer. This position has a mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination requirement and is subject to annual vaccination. This position requires incumbent to obtain and maintain certification from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association which is a professional organization that represents healthcare Central Service (CS) professionals. Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. GS-04: General and/or Specialized Experience: Six months of general experience (1) in any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with medical equipment and supplies AND six months of specialized experience which includes sterilizing medical supplies and equipment for use in a hospital or operating rooms per regulatory standards. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-03). OR Education: Two years of education above the high school level that included at least 12 semester hours in courses such as medical supply processing, storage, and distribution; sterile supplies, operating room, and surgical technician courses; or other fields related to the position. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education by 60. Add the two percentages. GS-05: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes sterilizing medical supplies and equipment for use in a hospital or operating rooms per regulatory standards, and maintaining medical instrument inventory to ensure daily operations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-04). OR Education: Four year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education beyond two years (total semester hours minus 60) by 60. Add the two percentages. GS-06: Specialized Experience GS-06: One year of specialized experience which includes Sterilizing medical supplies and equipment for use in a hospital or operating rooms per regulatory standards; Troubleshooting sterilization equipment and machines; Inspecting medical supplies for defects; and Maintaining medical instrument inventory to ensure daily operations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05). Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted. Education FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. One year trial/probationary period may be required. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Advance In Hire MAY be authorized for candidates with superior qualifications. Recruitment incentives MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates. Relocation incentives MAY be authorized for highly qualified federal employees. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A 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 benefits Eligibility 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.