This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/794818200. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
This position is considered a full performance level position and is located in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS), Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VAMC. The incumbent rotates assignment among various sterilization processing, decontamination, basic and complex surgical tray assembly, and reusable inventory, medical equipment processing and quality assurance functions. The incumbent may be required to work, days, evening, nights weekends, and/or holidays.
Learn more about this agency06/07/2024 to 06/21/2024
$53,260 - $69,240 per year
GS 6
2 vacancies in the following location:
No
No
Not required
No
Permanent
Full-time
Excepted
None
No
Yes
CBTG-12439009-24-CS
794818200
Current excepted service federal employees.
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Open to All U.S. Citizens. This position is hybrid title 38 occupations reported among the occupations with the largest staffing shortages and, therefore, under 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference to external applicants for appointments made during the FY 2024.
The incumbent is responsible for the collection, receipt, inspection, disinfection, decontamination, sterilization and packaging and storage of reusable medical supplies, instruments, and apparatus. Instruments include those with complex components that are delicate in nature and used during invasive diagnostics procedures. Instruments include a variety of endoscopes (cystoscopies, bronchoscopes, intubation scopes, and/or endoscopes used in the gastrointestinal tract and colon) and probes (TEE probes, vaginal ultrasound probes, etc.) that are processed by various manufacturer's guidelines and have individualized decontamination and sterilization requirement.
The employee must completely and thoroughly dissemble and position all parts of technical reusable medical device (RMD) to ensure the removal of bioburden prior to sterilization. For endoscopes, performs leak tests to determine the watertight integrity of the scope is intact before initiating the cleaning and high-level disinfection process. Operates decontamination equipment such as washer decontaminators, sonic washers, irrigators, laparoscopic insulation tester, automatic cart wash and tube dryers. Validates all cleaning of instrumentation and RMD in service by following manufacture guidelines, SOP's, Quick references, One Source, and sterilization standards. Reads and understands Safety Data Sheets.
The employee must completely and thoroughly dissemble and position all parts of technical reusable medical device (RMD) to ensure the removal of bioburden prior to sterilization. For endoscopes, performs leak tests to determine the watertight integrity of the scope is intact before initiating the cleaning and high-level disinfection process. Operates decontamination equipment such as washer decontaminators, sonic washers, irrigators, laparoscopic insulation tester, automatic cart wash and tube dryers. Validates all cleaning of instrumentation and RMD in service by following manufacture guidelines, SOP's, Quick references, One Source, and sterilization standards. Reads and understands Safety Data Sheets.
Guidelines include agency regulations, VA and VHA directives, Nursing Service manuals; AORN AAMI, HSPA and accepted practice. Must have in-depth knowledge and practice all guidelines set forth in VHA Directive 1116 (2) Sterile Processing services (SPS). Incumbent must have an in-depth knowledge of Spalding Classification System.
Attends scheduled training sessions and participates in facility or service level safety promotions as directed by supervisor. Meets the needs of all customers while supporting the Medical Center and Service missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (patients, visitors, volunteers, and all Medical Center staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customers with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.
This is the full performance level for the occupation. Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RMD in the decontamination area and may receive noncritical equipment in the decontamination area as well. Disassembles the RMD and determines the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions. Inspects, assembles, and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and high-level disinfecting scope reprocessors. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 3:30pm - 12 Midnight. On- Call
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 50801-F
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Grade Requirements/Determinations: GS-06 (Full Performance Level) Experience. Experience: One-year experience to the next lower (GS-5) grade level. Examples of experience at this level would include removing soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing; inspecting packages for indications of proper sterilizations, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center 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 cards daily using surgery schedule.
And
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/.
Receiving Service Credit or 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.
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.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/21/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12439009.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/794818200. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?
The VAMC in Memphis, Tennessee consists of one main campus located at 1030 Jefferson Avenue, which includes a sixty-bed Spinal Cord Injury Unit, and ten community based outpatient clinics (CBOC). It is a tertiary care facility classified as a Clinical Referral Level 1 Facility and one of the most complex medical centers in the VA system. It is a teaching hospital, providing a full range of patient care services, with state-of-the-art technology, as well as extensive education and research programs. Comprehensive primary, secondary, and tertiary health care is provided in areas of medicine, general cardiovascular and neurological surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, neurology, oncology, dentistry, and geriatrics. Specialized outpatient services are provided through general, specialty, and subspecialty outpatient clinics including a women's health center. Services are available to more than 206,000 Veterans living in a fifty-three county tri-state area (Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi).