Serves as a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) in the Sterile Processing Services (SPS) Section at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center (MGVAMC) in Spokane, Washington. The incumbent is a member of the SPS team that performs a wide area of duties, including various cleaning, decontamination, assembly, sterilization and distribution processes associated with medical, surgical, and Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) throughout all services at MGVAMC. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. 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 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; (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) or Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English Grade Determinations: GS-03 (Entry Level) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. This is an entry level MST position. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. GS-04 (Developmental Level) Experience. Six months experience as a MST, operating room or surgical technician or other position that demonstrated knowledge of sterile processing in a clinical setting; or Education. Two years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation. NOTE: Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or nursing assistants obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces, the U.S. Maritime Service, or hospitals under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to 6 months of experience. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below: 1. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. 2. Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets. 3. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. 4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. GS-05 (Developmental Level) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; or Education. Four academic years above high school leading to a Bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation or a Bachelor's degree. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below: 1. Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 2. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility. 3. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. GS-06 (Full Performance Level) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 2. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. 3. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures. 4. Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation. 5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/83 PART II APPENDIX G47 II-G47-1 [APPENDIX G47. MEDICAL SUPPLY TECHNICIAN (STERILE PROCESSING) QUALIFCATION STANDARD GS-622 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Straight Pulling, 8 hours; Pulling hand over hand, 8 hours; Pushing, 8 hours; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Walking, 8 hours; Standing, 8 hours; Repeated bending, 8 hours; both legs required; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Working inside and outside; Working around excessive noise, intermittent, Working around constant noise; Working on slippery or uneven walking surfaces; Working around machinery with moving parts; Working with hands in water; Working closely with others or alone; Working with hazardous chemicals. ["Duties will vary based on grade. At the GS-06 duties will include, but are not limited to: Examining and Inspection of Condition of Instrumentation, Supplies and RME Responsible for the collection and receipt of all used, soiled reusable critical and semi-critical RME, utilizing proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and infection control procedures to prevent cross-contamination of other equipment/personnel during the collection and transport of the soiled RME. Disassembles technical medical instrumentation and equipment, where internal parts may become contaminated, which requires dexterity, skill, careful positioning of parts, and the elimination of any bioburden. Inspects for cleanliness, damage, deterioration, or imperfections such as rust, pitting and cracks that could affect the quality of patient care. Responsible for ensuring that the items function properly. Cleaning Surgical Instrumentation and RME Responsible for the systematic manual and automated cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of instrumentation and equipment according to strict Manufacturer Instructions for Use (IFU). Responsible for the manual cleaning, high-level disinfection and/or sterilization of endoscopes, to include both upper and lower GI endoscopes, Cysto-Uretero Fiberscopes , video intubation scopes, transesophageal transducers and various ultrasound probes classified as semi-critical reusable medical equipment. Responsible for the proper operation of a variety of automated cleaning and disinfection equipment, to include washer/disinfector, ultrasonic machines, automated endoscope re-processors, sterilizers, and electrical conductivity testing devices. Ensures that quality assurance testing of the effectiveness of the equipment operation is completed and documented to include bioburden testing, minimum effective concentration (MEC) testing, cavitation effectiveness testing, and washer/disinfector effectiveness testing. Changes and resets timers and selects different parameter requirements on decontamination cycles. Identifies and properly disposes of single-use devices (SUDs). Quality Assurance Operates a variety of high- and low-temperature sterilization equipment, to include steam, and hydrogen peroxide plasma. Prepares the full range of trays and sets necessary for use in various areas of the medical center, to include multiple clinic areas listed above. Reassembles surgical instrument sets as required for use by ophthalmic, urological, orthopedic, podiatry, and dental specialties, among others. Considers patient procedure scheduling in clinical areas to determine need for instrument tray turn-around and makes recommendations to management for purchase of additional items. Responsible for the proper assembly of complex, technical medical instrumentation and equipment, which requires dexterity, skill, careful positioning of parts, and to ensure the proper function/operation of the equipment and the elimination of any bioburden. Adheres to and/or monitors both Medical Center and SPS Infection Control Guidelines as they pertain to inspecting, collecting, and transporting of infectious materials during daily soiled supply and equipment collection activities. Responsible for determining the proper techniques for pick-up, transportation, cleaning and disinfecting of contaminated items, thus containing and destroying microorganisms that present a threat to the patient and health care provider. Adheres to and/or monitors Medical Center and SPS Infection Control Guidelines pertaining to workflow in regards to the separation of soiled and clean/sterile activities. Brings all infection control issues/problems to the attention of the responsible supervisor Assembling, Packaging, Wrapping and Sterilizing Instrumentation for End Users During instrument assembly, the technician is responsible for determining proper instrument selection, instrument function/operation, need for instrument protection, and arrangement of items to ensure effective penetration of the sterilant. Determines proper packaging method, based upon size, number and weight of the assembled items, and labels these items appropriately. Monitors priority of instrument needs for the various departments of the Medical Center to ensure needs are met proactively and in a timely manner. Processes and sterilizes a wide variety of implant devices in accordance with manufacturer IFU, and ensures non-biologic implants are not released for use until the biological challenge device has completed the incubation process and determines whether the sterilization method was effective. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday: 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM (rotating weekend call may include holidays)\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)/PD000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]