Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Summary This position is located within VA Wilmington in the Sterile Processing Service Line. The Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing, SPS) at the full performance level will perform work independently and without supervision. Incumbent is responsible for cleaning Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) within specified decontaminate areas and completes more advanced tasks. Learn more about this agency Duties Medical Supply Aide and Technician: The Medical Supply Technician (SPS) is responsible for the collection of all used/soiled, semi-critical and critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RMD) throughout the medical center. The incumbent utilizes proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection prevention procedures to prevent cross-contamination of other equipment and personnel during the collection and transport of the soiled RMD. The MST is responsible for the systematic manual cleaning and disinfection of semi-critical and critical clinical equipment according to selected methods and strict manufacturer instructions. Major duties include, but may not be limited to: Following all safety and infection prevention rules, regulations and requirements within the decontamination and sterile preparation area. Demonstrates an advanced knowledge of aseptic techniques and understands how to implement procedures to prevent the spread of infection per VHA Infection Prevention guidelines. Independently performs cleaning and disinfection procedures within scope of their position. Disassembles and determines correct cleaning methods as determined by manufacturer instructions. Advanced knowledge of facility approved cleaning/disinfectant solution, and procedures. Vast knowledge of sterilization and decontamination techniques. Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization, such as, but not limited to steam, low-temperature sterilization, Steris, and high-level disinfecting scope reprocesses. Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers, such as steam or low temperature (hydrogen peroxide) and high-level disinfecting endoscope re-processor. Processes, assembles and performs all phases of sterilization for intricate surgical trays and microsurgery instruments for the operating room (trays contain large numbers of unique, non-interchangeable, specialized surgical instruments of similar appearance, with minor variations in size, conformation, and nomenclature, but with major variation in application. - Preparation of Ambulatory Surgery Unit case carts using the daily surgery schedule. Maintains a higher-level of functional awareness of facility policies and procedures; often providing guidance to entry or developmental staff. Research and applies the JCAHO, OSHA and FDA standards as they pertain to sterile processing and the distribution of medical supplies. Pick-up and deliver RMD throughout the facility. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment. Performs other duties as directed. Work Schedule: Compressed tour 7:30am-7:00pm rotating days off (will be further discussed during interview process) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 / MST (SPS) Requirements Conditions 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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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: Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's 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; or Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. 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). GS-06 Medical Supply Technician - Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, do you possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5). Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: Removing soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing; Inspecting packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembling basic sets and trays used throughout a medical facility including those used in the operating room; Preparing, loading, and operating sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and a high level disinfecting scope reprocessor; Prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) at the GS-6 level: 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 procedures. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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. 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional information Receiving Service Credit for 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. 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. Expand Hide  additional information 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.