Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Description:

The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System consists of two inpatient campuses located at Little Rock and N. Little Rock, Arkansas. Little Rock is the capital of Arkansas, located in the central part of the state. Little Rock has earned a reputation among history buffs, foodies and art lovers as an exciting place to live. Residents can spend their weekend exploring the historic Arkansas State Capitol, wandering through the Arkansas Art Center or enjoying, the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

Requirements:

The Medical Supply Technician (MST) is responsible for the decontamination and processing of all Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) at CAVHS. The primary purpose of this position is to perform independently the full range of duties required to decontaminate, clean, sterilize, process, prepare, store, and distribute medical supplies and equipment used in the hospital.

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
(2) 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 surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or
(3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.

Certification: None.

Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs.

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:
Medical Supply Technician, GS-03 (Entry Level)
Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

Medical Supply Technician, 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 includes 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:
- Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
- Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets.
- Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
- Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

Medical Supply Technician, 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 following KSAs:
- Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinical settings.
- Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility.
- Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.

Medical Supply Technician, 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:
- 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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/76, Part II Appendix G47, Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Qualification Standard.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), heavy carrying (45 pounds and over), straight pulling, pushing, both hands required, walking, standing, repeated bending, both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, specific vision requirement (20/50 one, 20/100+ other, glasses permitted), mental and emotional stability, ability to read printed material without strain, ability to wear safety shoes. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services).