North Central Section of the AUA, Inc.

The incumbent is the Supervisor of Sterile Processing (SPS). SPS is the central point within the facility providing the technical instrumentation functions of collection, decontamination, processing, packaging, sterilization and distribution of all reusable patient care, instruments and equipment. The incumbent rotates assignments among various sterilization processing, decontamination, basic and complex surgical tray assembly, and reusable inventory, medical equipment processing. Applicants 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. 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. Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the US must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials an such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional US programs.; OR Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Grade Determination: GS-08 Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Required Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, Applicants must meet one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-7. The one year of GS-7 level experience includes, but not limited to: Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. Ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets. In-depth knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in order to convey information and thoughts to others. Assembles highly complex instrument sets including, but not limited to, open heart, major orthopedic total joint, cardiovascular, craniotomy and complex endoscopic instrumentation. Processes all complex endoscopic instrumentation to include those medical devices used in the gastroenterology laboratory, bronchoscopy laboratory, urology and operating room. Reviews manufacturer guidelines to ensure the correct methods and parameters are followed when cleaning, decontaminating and sterilizing RME. Troubleshoots and analyzes mechanical failures and makes necessary adjustments to complex decontamination and sterilization equipment, as well as interprets alarm conditions which may occur while operating the equipment. Informs management and healthcare staff when cleaning and processing standard operating procedures (SOPs) or instruction for use have been changed or updated to assure the changes have been validated to meet all guidelines. Do you have 1 year of next lower grade GS-7 level experience? In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 1. Ability to read and interpret written procedures and select appropriate action in order to instruct staff in correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments. 2. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to ensure staff compliance with written directives, rules and regulations. 3. Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers. 4. Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures. 5. Ability to lead individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments. 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). All MSTs that are employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees grandfathered into the GS-622 occupational series as MSTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation. (2) MSTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (3) MSTs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Preferred Experience: IAHCSMM Certification, CRMST certification Grade Determinations: GS-8 full performance level References: VA Handbook 5005/76, Part II, Appendix G47 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-8 Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation) and in other services and departments throughout the medical facility/campus. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty and poorly lighted. The employee is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and other injuries from material handling equipment. The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. ["The incumbent is the Supervisor of Sterile Processing Service (SPS), for the TVHS Campuses. SPS is the central point within the facility providing the technical instrumentation functions of collection, decontamination, processing, packaging, sterilization and distribution of all reusable patient care, instruments and equipment. The SPS is divided into three distinct and separated units: Decontamination, Sterile Preparation, and Equipment Instrumentations Distribution. The decontamination unit is responsible unit is responsible for the collection and receipt of all used, soiled instruments and equipment. Decontamination processing requires the knowledge to determine what specific means are utilized to accomplish cleaning, disinfecting, or pre-sterilization of complex diagnostic equipment and medical apparatus. Decontamination means the use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy blood-borne pathogens on a surface or item to the point where they are no longer capable of transmitting infectious particles and the surface or item is rendered safe for handling, use, or disposal. Sterile preparation accomplishes the assembly, packaging, and terminal sterilization of all trays, sets, and packs for use throughout the facility/system. Most instrument sets or trays contain anywhere from 20 to more than 250 different types of difficult to identify surgical instrumentation. Distribution ensures timely return of processed items to patient care areas. Work Schedule: 3:00pm-11:30pm Monday- Friday\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]