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Summary Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical devices (RMD) at the Hampton VA Medical Center. Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center. Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. Prepares operating room case carts. Medical Support Technicians (MSTs) receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. Responsibilities Responsible for sterile preparation which is accomplished through inspection, assembly, packaging, and terminal sterilization of all trays, sets, and packs for use throughout the facility. Assemblies range from simple sets of four or five instruments to very complex sets of up to ninety instruments such as Total joint sets, femoral vascular, radical nephrectomy, abdominal vascular, chest sets, thoracic, orthopedic implant sets, carotid vascular, general surgery sets, etc. Assembles delicate micro-surgical sets such as micro-surgical ear set. ENT plastic set for procedures requiring plastic surgery, micro-surgical eye instruments, and other surgical specialties. Assembles and selects the correct sterilizing method for a variety of costly and delicate equipment such as flexible resectoscopes and other flexible and rigid endoscopes. Tests instruments for functionality and assembles instruments in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines. Selects appropriate methods for sterilizing, balancing time constraints with possible detrimental effects of quicker methods. Arranging instruments in the tray in the correct manner. Strives for a compact, logically arranged package that will permit effective penetration of the required sterilizing medium. Places devices in the tray, selects correct wrapping and labels appropriately. Independently prepares the full range of trays and sets necessary to be used in the wards, clinic areas, dental clinic and surgery. Updates trays and count sheets as needed. Considers surgery schedules and Clinic schedules along with considering time factors for processing order to determine how many items to stock based on the turnaround time for processing, preparation and frequency of use. Effectively processes and sterilizes a wide variety of implant devices in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and ensure that they are held for the required time post sterilization per regulations. Responsible for the quarantine of implantable devices for 48 hours or upon signature for early release by the Chief of Staff, not less than 4 hours after cooling phase of sterilization. In an emergent situation, proper written authorization is required for implant release. Responsible for the collection and receipt of all used soiled supplies, instruments, or equipment. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing and use of ultrasonic equipment. Decontamination processing requires the knowledge to determine what specific means are utilized to accomplish cleaning, disinfecting, or pre-sterilization of complex diagnostic equipment where the internal parts may become contaminated, and requires skill, careful positioning of parts and the complete elimination of particles. Testing the operation of the equipment and obtaining any needed repair requires knowledge of equipment functions. Uses approved/recommended germicidal detergent to clean items that cannot be submerged. Assumes leadership responsibilities to perform peer training as well as provide user training and instruction pertaining to correct operating and preventative maintenance procedures of medical equipment. Identifies trends, recommends solutions, and implements quality improvement initiatives and program related activities related to program effectiveness. Regularly tests operations and cleaning of equipment for effectiveness of sterilization. Monitors performance of sterilizers for quality control by conducting bacteriological tests. Conducts daily biological monitoring on numerous different sterilizers throughout SPS. Updates the documentation tracking system with results of biological tests. Conforms to and ensures that all safety and infection control rules, regulations and requirements in the decontamination and preparation areas are followed by all personnel working in, or entering, the work area. Utilize knowledge and experience to react to requests for emergent and/or urgent RMD supply needs ensuring positive outcomes. Utilize knowledge of equipment, its use, and specific procedures to respond to inquiries about the equipment and potential equipment substitutions. Utilize computers to perform record keeping, tracking operations. Processes emergent requests, prepares tray lists, and updates files as required. Conducts inventory of all sterilized trays checking package integrity and expiration dates. Transports RMD within facility and outside facility at community based VA facilities using approved SOPs and follows state and national regulations while driving a motor vehicle. May perform other related duties. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7am - 3:30pm, 8am - 4:30pm, 12pm - 8:30pm and 2pm - 10:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements 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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Driver's license issued by any state or territory of the United States of America. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications 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.) Experience and/or Education (1) Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or (2) 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 (3) 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. 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: GS-07 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - RME Coordinator (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to interact with individuals of varying backgrounds in order to assess the needs of the department. 2. Ability to coordinate work in order to complete duties in an accurate and timely fashion. 3. Ability to interpret and apply sterile processing/infection prevention regulations and policies. 4. Ability to evaluate new products and equipment. 5. Ability to initiate and lead interdisciplinary groups in carrying out sterile processing functions. Preferred Experience: Certified Level 1 MST from Veteran Affairs or National Certified Medical Sterile Technician Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Education There is no education substitution for this position. Additional Information 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. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.