Clarification from the agency

Current, Permanent VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System Employees Only.

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The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for an Advanced Medical Supply Technician. The Advanced Medical Supply Technician will function in Sterile Processing Services. The duties include, but are not limited to:

• Reviews and is knowledgeable of manufacturer guidelines to ensure the correct methods and parameters are followed when cleaning, decontaminating and sterilizing all RMD including all flexible endoscopes, cystoscopes, ureteroscopes.
• Processes all complex endoscopic instrumentation to include those medical devices used in the gastroenterology laboratory, bronchoscopy laboratory, urology, and operating room along with all clinics within VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System.
• Applies expert and in- depth knowledge of all areas with Sterile Processing to include decontamination, preparation, assembly, sterilization, endoscope reprocessing, sterile storage, and distribution.
• Communicates both orally and in writing to convey information and thoughts to others.
• 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.
• Assembles highly complex instrument sets including, but not limited to, major orthopedic total joint, cardiovascular, dental, 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 along with all clinics within VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, ENT Clinic, GYN Clinic, Cath Lab Clinic.
• Completes and troubleshoots the processing of flexible scopes in this role.
• Reviews manufacturer guidelines to ensure the correct methods and parameters are followed when cleaning, decontaminating and sterilizing RMD.
• 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.

Work Schedule: 2:00pm-10:30pm
Telework: Not telework eligible.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 93103-A

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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements below within 30 calendar days of the closing date listed on the announcement.

• 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 Education
  • Experience. Six months experience of clerical, office, customer service, or other administrative work that indicates the ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position; OR
  • Education. One year above high school; OR
  • Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
• English Language Proficiency. MSAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.j.

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.

Grade Determinations:GS-07: (Full Performance Level)-In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-07 you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6). Receiving contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area and possibly receiving noncritical equipment in the decontamination area as well; Disassembles the RME and determining 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; Inspecting, assembling and determining the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, and high level disinfecting Probe and Scope reprocessing; ability to perform and document daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment.

In addition to the basic qualifications, applicants must also demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work processes
• Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to correct quality control problems.
• Knowledge of sterile processing operations, infection control procedures, and Joint Commission requirements to assess compliance during quality assurance reviews.
• Ability to compile information, evaluate facts, document findings and prepare reports.
• Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques to maintain quality control.
• Ability to effectively communicate with technical and professional staff on the proper use of delicate instruments and equipment and resolve problems that may occur.

Preferred Experience:

• At least 1- 2 years of experience as Sterile Processing Technician
• 1 year experience in processing GI, GU, Bronchoscopes.
• Have VA Level 2 certification, or National active certification. (HSPA, CBSPD).
• Optional Scope Certification, Active

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47, Medical Supply Technician ( Sterile Processing ) GS-7 MST Qualification Standard.

Physical Requirements: This position may require shift work and/or rotation of tour of duty assignments. Routinely requires heavy lifting (50 lbs. and over), heavy carrying (45lbs and over), intermittent straight pulling and pushing (up to 8 hrs.), intermittent walking (8hrs), intermittent standing (8 hrs.) intermittent kneeling (8 hrs.) and intermittent repeated bending (8hrs. ) Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable one eye to 20/20, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing aid permitted and ability to operate transportation equipment. The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation.
This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation), gastrointestinal intestinal endoscope reprocessing hub, 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. 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.

How you will be evaluated

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.