Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Process Coordinator) - Veterans Health Administration

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: English Language Proficiency: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English 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/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. 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). Must be able to Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Practical knowledge of conventional fact-finding or investigative techniques in order to evaluate internal work processes. Skill to develop, analyze and evaluate facts relative to unsatisfactory conditions or trends. Knowledge of and skill in applying various methods and techniques for investigating, analyzing and recommending corrective action on complex quality problems. Knowledge of the SPS policies and procedural manuals, infection control procedures, and accrediting agencies and quality assurance guidelines to assure appropriateness of work during quality assurance reviews. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and other software programs. Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques, which include sterilized operations, sterilizer mediums, and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging, storage, and shelf life. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to ensure staff compliance with written directives, rules and regulations. Preferred Experience: Must have Sterile Processing experience; Incumbent must be knowledgeable of sterile processing areas, instrumentation, reprocessing equipment, and the instrument tracking system. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandard Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. The MST Coordinator monitors quality assurance in the cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of surgical instruments and technical medical equipment processed in SPS, ensuring proper procedures are followed and the items are safe for use. Ensures national sterile processing standards are followed in the process of cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of critical and/or semi-critical reusable medical equipment. Coordinates training that is well structured and includes appropriate materials. Ensure staff is competent for reprocessing critical and semi-critical RME by reviewing actual demonstration of tasks. Coordinates with hospital staff (e.g. operating room, emergency department and clinics) on critical and semi-critical medical equipment to ensure compliance with all national and local directives. Updates the Chief (or designee) on patient safety alerts and issues concerning reusable medical equipment. Establishes and maintains frequent contact with interdisciplinary staff and outside vendors and manufacturers. The Coordinator will be directly responsible for management and oversight of all elements and requirements related to the instrument tracking system. This includes, but is not limited to, providing education, laser marking, managing instrument inventory, installing new equipment, tracking open action items, and providing user access. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:30am 4:00pm or 8:00-4:30pm.Subject to change based on agency needs 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 con