Medical Supply Tech (Sterile P
Duties include, but are not limited to:
Initiates tracking reports and data analysis for SPS. Coordinates with SPS Management, Logistics, Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) Coordinator, and SPS Quality Assurance for all new purchased and leased instrumentation. Receives, schedules, refers, and contacts members of the staff, agency, and persons outside the agency ranging from other government agencies to the general public. Knowledge of sterile processing procedures, surgical instrumentation, surgical procedures, sterility, and aseptic techniques is needed to perform the duties. Typing, computer skills and facility office software knowledge is needed to perform the duties. The position may be assigned to work as needed on other than normal working tours of duty or shifts, either in the evenings or on weekends. Such scheduling for other than normal working tours of duty will be assigned as needed by the Chief, Sterile Processing Services (SPS). Knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as required by this position. The incumbent will be required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Competency which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME appropriate to this position. Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the Rules of Behavior recertification that the employee completes annually. Works independently, establishing priorities and work sequences, taking only unusual problems to the supervisor or appropriate staff for consultation and/or concurrence in resolving discrepancies. Responsible for knowing which guide applies, referring problems to the supervisor when they clearly are not covered by existing guidelines. Instrument marking techniques for the proper identification and tracking of surgical instrumentation after sterilization. Maintains records produced by automated equipment tracking systems Must be highly proficient in computer programs as they are responsible for providing expertise, guidance, and training when necessary, for and to the staff and management of the Sterile Processing Service on the automated equipment tracking system and its interconnection with the Case Cart, Decontamination and Preparation areas. Competent in, and uses automated equipment tracking systems to plan for and determine current and future supply and instrument requirements to meet the needs of the facility. Utilizes and is proficient in electronic equipment tracking systems and data communication systems and is required to remain up to date as technology changes and improvements to systems are made. Work Schedule:
Monday through Friday 6:
30 a.m. to 3:
00 p.m. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3g.) MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3J. 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). Grandfathering Provision. 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. Education 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. 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. Certification. None. Grade Determinations:
GS-07 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Quality Assurance 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:
1. Knowledge of fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work processes. 2. Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to correct quality control problems. 3. Knowledge of sterile processing operations, infection control procedures, and Joint Commission requirements to assess compliance during quality assurance reviews. 4. Ability to compile information, evaluate facts, document findings and prepare reports. 5. Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques to maintain quality control. 6. Ability to effectively communicate with technical and professional staff on the proper use of delicate instruments and equipment, and resolve problems that may occur. Assignment. The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician serves as the monitoring specialist for all activities of SPS, which includes the operating room case cart management system. Monitors the process of cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME. This includes following the use of bacteriological controls, principles and methods of sterilization, packaging, and assembly of simple to more complex items for therapeutic and surgical procedures. Develops procedures to evaluate the quality of work performance and outcomes as it relates to the quality assurance program. Maintains a system of internal and external reviews ensuring overall compliance of all critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME used within the medical center. Tracks and analyzes required documentation pertaining to critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME within the scope of SPS for quality control purposes. Utilizes qualitative analysis tools to prepare reports for trending, evaluate operations and facilitate improvements in workflow and quality processes. Troubleshoots computer programs related to SPS operations and trains staff on the inputting of data associated with the cleaning and sterilization of equipment, biological processing, and quality assurance programs. Collaborates with SPS management when deviations occur. Validates SPS policies on cleaning and sterilization as it relates to manufacturer information for use, standards and mandates. Updates the quality assurance program annually or when manufacturer information and guidelines are changed. Preferred
Experience:
Completed the CensiTrac Essentials for Managers course. Experience commissioning equipment/instrumentation in the Scope and Catalog menus within Censitrac. Experience with creating new sets/set lists/detailed inventory lists within Censitrac. Experience generating various reports in Censitrac, specifically; Missing instruments reports, Container reports, and Sterilization reports. Experience with providing optimal customer service in high stress environments. References:
in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47, paragraph 2 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 07. The actual grade at which an applicant will be selected for this vacancy is GS 07. Physical Requirements:
This work involves both administrative and physical demands and is performed in various settings:
Case Cart, Decontamination, Preparation, GI Clinic, Clean Sterile supply 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 illuminated. The employee is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, Needle Sticks, and other injuries from handling equipment. The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting of sterile products and packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. The employee wears special clothing, hair covers, personal protective equipment and shoe covers that can be uncomfortably warm. The employee uses insulated gloves to remove carts from sterilizers. The employee is subject to burns from accidentally touching hot items. The hazards of working around minute quantities of sterilizing gasses are unknown. The employee often works around body fluids, mucous, excretions and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling. Strong, unpleasant odors are encountered while decontaminating bloody or grossly contaminated instrumentation or reusable medical equipment. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts and operation of pre-sterilizing equipment.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Initiates tracking reports and data analysis for SPS. Coordinates with SPS Management, Logistics, Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) Coordinator, and SPS Quality Assurance for all new purchased and leased instrumentation. Receives, schedules, refers, and contacts members of the staff, agency, and persons outside the agency ranging from other government agencies to the general public. Knowledge of sterile processing procedures, surgical instrumentation, surgical procedures, sterility, and aseptic techniques is needed to perform the duties. Typing, computer skills and facility office software knowledge is needed to perform the duties. The position may be assigned to work as needed on other than normal working tours of duty or shifts, either in the evenings or on weekends. Such scheduling for other than normal working tours of duty will be assigned as needed by the Chief, Sterile Processing Services (SPS). Knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as required by this position. The incumbent will be required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Competency which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME appropriate to this position. Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the Rules of Behavior recertification that the employee completes annually. Works independently, establishing priorities and work sequences, taking only unusual problems to the supervisor or appropriate staff for consultation and/or concurrence in resolving discrepancies. Responsible for knowing which guide applies, referring problems to the supervisor when they clearly are not covered by existing guidelines. Instrument marking techniques for the proper identification and tracking of surgical instrumentation after sterilization. Maintains records produced by automated equipment tracking systems Must be highly proficient in computer programs as they are responsible for providing expertise, guidance, and training when necessary, for and to the staff and management of the Sterile Processing Service on the automated equipment tracking system and its interconnection with the Case Cart, Decontamination and Preparation areas. Competent in, and uses automated equipment tracking systems to plan for and determine current and future supply and instrument requirements to meet the needs of the facility. Utilizes and is proficient in electronic equipment tracking systems and data communication systems and is required to remain up to date as technology changes and improvements to systems are made. Work Schedule:
Monday through Friday 6:
30 a.m. to 3:
00 p.m. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3g.) MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3J. 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). Grandfathering Provision. 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. Education 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. 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. Certification. None. Grade Determinations:
GS-07 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Quality Assurance 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:
1. Knowledge of fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work processes. 2. Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to correct quality control problems. 3. Knowledge of sterile processing operations, infection control procedures, and Joint Commission requirements to assess compliance during quality assurance reviews. 4. Ability to compile information, evaluate facts, document findings and prepare reports. 5. Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques to maintain quality control. 6. Ability to effectively communicate with technical and professional staff on the proper use of delicate instruments and equipment, and resolve problems that may occur. Assignment. The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician serves as the monitoring specialist for all activities of SPS, which includes the operating room case cart management system. Monitors the process of cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME. This includes following the use of bacteriological controls, principles and methods of sterilization, packaging, and assembly of simple to more complex items for therapeutic and surgical procedures. Develops procedures to evaluate the quality of work performance and outcomes as it relates to the quality assurance program. Maintains a system of internal and external reviews ensuring overall compliance of all critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME used within the medical center. Tracks and analyzes required documentation pertaining to critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME within the scope of SPS for quality control purposes. Utilizes qualitative analysis tools to prepare reports for trending, evaluate operations and facilitate improvements in workflow and quality processes. Troubleshoots computer programs related to SPS operations and trains staff on the inputting of data associated with the cleaning and sterilization of equipment, biological processing, and quality assurance programs. Collaborates with SPS management when deviations occur. Validates SPS policies on cleaning and sterilization as it relates to manufacturer information for use, standards and mandates. Updates the quality assurance program annually or when manufacturer information and guidelines are changed. Preferred
Experience:
Completed the CensiTrac Essentials for Managers course. Experience commissioning equipment/instrumentation in the Scope and Catalog menus within Censitrac. Experience with creating new sets/set lists/detailed inventory lists within Censitrac. Experience generating various reports in Censitrac, specifically; Missing instruments reports, Container reports, and Sterilization reports. Experience with providing optimal customer service in high stress environments. References:
in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47, paragraph 2 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 07. The actual grade at which an applicant will be selected for this vacancy is GS 07. Physical Requirements:
This work involves both administrative and physical demands and is performed in various settings:
Case Cart, Decontamination, Preparation, GI Clinic, Clean Sterile supply 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 illuminated. The employee is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, Needle Sticks, and other injuries from handling equipment. The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting of sterile products and packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. The employee wears special clothing, hair covers, personal protective equipment and shoe covers that can be uncomfortably warm. The employee uses insulated gloves to remove carts from sterilizers. The employee is subject to burns from accidentally touching hot items. The hazards of working around minute quantities of sterilizing gasses are unknown. The employee often works around body fluids, mucous, excretions and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling. Strong, unpleasant odors are encountered while decontaminating bloody or grossly contaminated instrumentation or reusable medical equipment. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts and operation of pre-sterilizing equipment.
- Department:
0622 Medical Supply Aide And Technician - Salary Range:
$46,999 to $61,095 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
|
|
 | |
