Medical Supply Technician - Sterile Processing

This position is located within VA Altoona in the Sterile Processing Service Line. The Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing, SPS) at the full performance level will perform work independently and without supervision. Incumbent is responsible for cleaning Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) within specified decontaminate areas and completes more advanced tasks.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Medical Supply Technician (SPS) at the GS-6 full performance level is responsible for the collection of all used/soiled, semi-critical and critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RMD) throughout the medical center. The incumbent utilizes proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection prevention procedures to prevent cross-contamination of other equipment and personnel during the collection and transport of the soiled RMD. The MST is responsible for the systematic manual cleaning and disinfection of semi-critical and critical clinical equipment according to selected methods and strict manufacturer instructions. Major duties include, but may not be limited to: Following all safety and infection prevention rules, regulations and requirements within the decontamination and sterile preparation area. Demonstrates an advanced knowledge of aseptic techniques and understands how to implement procedures to prevent the spread of infection per VHA Infection Prevention guidelines. Independently performs cleaning and disinfection procedures within scope of their position. Disassembles and determines correct cleaning methods as determined by manufacturer instructions. Advanced knowledge of facility approved cleaning/disinfectant solution, and procedures. Vast knowledge of sterilization and decontamination techniques. Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization, such as, but not limited to steam, low-temperature sterilization, Steris, and high-level disinfecting scope reprocesses. Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers, such as steam or low temperature (hydrogen peroxide) and high-level disinfecting endoscope re-processor. Processes, assembles and performs all phases of sterilization for intricate surgical trays and microsurgery instruments for the operating room (trays contain large numbers of unique, non- 2 interchangeable, specialized surgical instruments of similar appearance, with minor variations in size, conformation, and nomenclature, but with major variation in application. Preparation of Ambulatory Surgery Unit case carts using the daily surgery schedule. Maintains a higher-level of functional awareness of facility policies and procedures; often providing guidance to entry or developmental staff. Research and applies the JCAHO, OSHA and FDA standards as they pertain to sterile processing and the distribution of medical supplies. Pick-up and deliver RMD throughout the facility. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment. Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm and 11:00am - 7:30pm; Monday - Friday, tours of duty are required to rotate. primary tour will be 1500-2300 with possible daylight rotation. Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not available Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 03240-F / Medical Supply Technician Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

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 identification 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. 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.