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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• 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)
• English Language Proficiency
• MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, 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
• Certification
• None
• Creditable Experience Knowledge of Current MST Practices
• To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with MST responsibilities
• Experience satisfying this requirement may be paid/non-paid employment as a MST
• 3 Quality of Experience
• Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to MST experience at the next lower grade level of the position being filled
• For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time
• Part-Time Experience
• Part-time experience as a MST is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek
• For example, a MST employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service
• GRADE REQUIREMENTS GS-07 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Quality Assurance Experience
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-6) grade level which are: Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings
• Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination
• Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures
• Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation
• Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities KSAs
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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
• Assignment
• The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician serves as the monitoring specialist for all activities of SPS, which includes the operating room case cart management system
• Monitors the process of cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME
• This includes following the use of bacteriological controls, principles and methods of sterilization, packaging, and assembly of simple to more complex items for therapeutic and surgical procedures
• Develops procedures to evaluate the quality of work performance and outcomes as it relates to the quality assurance program
• Maintains a system of internal and external reviews ensuring overall compliance of all critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME used within the medical center
• Tracks and analyzes required documentation pertaining to critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME within the scope of SPS for quality control purposes
• Utilizes qualitative analysis tools to prepare reports for trending, evaluate operations and facilitate improvements in workflow and quality processes
• Troubleshoots computer programs related to SPS operations and trains staff on the inputting of data associated with the cleaning and sterilization of equipment, biological processing, and quality assurance programs
• Collaborates with SPS management when deviations occur
• Validates SPS policies on cleaning and sterilization as it relates to manufacturer information for use, standards and mandates
• Updates the quality assurance program annually or when manufacturer information and guidelines are changed
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7.Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Preferred Experience: Selective Placement Factor, Quality Ranking Factor Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements: The Physical Requirements for the position require heavy lifting (45 pounds and over)
• heavy carrying (45 pounds and over)
• use of fingers and both hands
• straight pulling (8 hours)
• pushing (8 hours)
• walking (8 hours)
• standing (8 hours)
• kneeling (8 hours)
• repeated bending (8 hours)
• both legs required
• working outside and inside
• excessive heat
• excessive humidity
• excessive noise, intermittent
• constant noise
• solvents (degreasing agents)
• slippery or uneven walking surfaces
• working around machinery with moving parts
• working around moving objects or vehicles
• working with hands in water
• working closely with others
• near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other
• depth perception and the ability to distinguish basic colors
• ability to distinguish shades of colors
• hearing (aid permitted)
• operation of transport equipment
• working alone
• protracted or irregular hours of work
• unusual fatigue factors (Repetitive motions).