Relocation/Recruitment Incentives May Be Authorized for Highly Qualified Candidates This occupational series is eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Repayment is limited to $10,000 annually, up to $60,000 in lifetime awards. Participants must sign a service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program. 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 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 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. Certification. None. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs. English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. 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: The following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-03 (Entry Level) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-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; 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 procedures. References: VA Handbook 5005/76 Part II Appendix G47 The 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. ["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. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. Eligible applications will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. This occupation is being considered for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive (CSI). Candidates may be eligible for a lump sum CSI. The amount of lump sum CSI is determined based on appointment date and may be pro-rated as determined by the end date of the CSI. Eligible candidates will be required to sign a service agreement agreeing to an obligated service period and failure to complete the obligated service period may result in a debt for the unearned portion of the CSI. Duties Include but are not limited to the following: Serves as a Medical Supply Technician (MS) and rotates among the various reprocessing areas, which may entail case cart assembly, instruments, and equipment reprocessing. Completes assignments within decontamination area, instrument preparation area, endoscope reprocessing areas and RMD storage areas. Uses knowledge of aseptic principles, surgical instruments used in sterile procedures and operating rooms and clinical settings, standard precautions for safety, and prevention of cross-contamination to complete various assignments and projects. Uses vast knowledge of medical and surgical terminology, human anatomy, and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions, and therapeutic procedures to complete assignments and provide advice to other staff. Assembles highly, complex instrument sets, which may include major orthopedic total joint, craniotomy, open heart, cardiovascular, and complex endoscopic instruments. Processes RMD devices in support of complex procedures completed in gastroenterology laboratory, bronchoscopy laboratory, urology, and operating room. Reviews manufacturer guidelines to ensure the correct methods and parameters are followed when cleaning, decontaminating, disinfecting, sterilizing, disassembling, and storing of RMD. Maintains an orderly work environment, sustains a work free of expired or damaged supplies. Monitors the environment and reports variations from prescribed temperature, humidity, and air flow as appropriate. Uses an understanding of the chemical characteristics of a variety of cleaning and sterilization agents and techniques so that the proper agent is selected to process simple and complex RMD. Examines instruments visually for material imperfections such as rust, pitting, and cracks. Performs stain remediation using industry approved methods and facility SOP. Checks the functionality of the items to ensure they are not damaged or unusable. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other gross contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing, and use of ultrasonic equipment. Loads and operates automated washer-disinfectors. Assess whether RMD requires extended processing due to excessive blood, bioburden, or delay in processing. Ensures standard operating procedures are accessible, and specifically followed for all RMD to ensure adherence to safety and compliance requirements. Maintains a clean and orderly assembly environment, sustains a work area free from expired or damaged reprocessing supplies. Keeps supplies in original packaging whenever possible for accurate product identification in the even of a product recall. Receives and inspects sterilized trays, sets, instruments, and equipment prior to placing in designated storage area. Inspection includes but is not limited to ensuring external indicators have changed during the sterilization process, the presence of tamper devices such as container locks, and condition of the packaging (intact, dry, and without staining or other irregularities). Places RMD on designated shelves using first-in, first-out (FIFO) stock rotation techniques. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 3:30pm to midnight; Monday-Friday 12:00pm to 8:30 pm Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized for Highly Qualified Candidates Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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