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.) English Language Proficiency
• MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, of VA Handbook 5005
• 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
• 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: In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates
• GS-06 (Full Performance Level) Experience
• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5)
• Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings
• Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regard to sterility
• Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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 regard to instrumentation
• Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures
• Preferred Experience: The Medical Supply Technician (MST) specializes in Sterile Processing Service (SPS) will have completed an SPS program and/or certification
• Previous experience of 1-3 years in SPS
• CRMST or CRCST certification
• Experience with decontamination, assembly, & sterilization equipment
• Knowledge of microbiological principles, infection control, & safety practices to prevent contamination
• 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-06
• 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).