The Lead Medical Supply Technician (MST) works in support of the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) management team. Distributes and prioritizes workload among employees in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations. Assures an even workflow and distribution of the workload. Revises work schedules to meet anticipated and unanticipated changes in the workload. Assigns work to staff based on experience and training needs. Monitors and reports on the status of work.

Duties

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Serves as Lead Medical Supply Technician and works independently under the supervision of the Chief of Sterile Processing Services (SPS) section of Office of Patient Care Services (OPCS). Leads employees in the collection, receipt, inspection and decontamination processing of soiled supplies, instruments, equipment, and apparatus to include complex diagnostic equipment and medical apparatus. Has complete knowledge of the decontamination process for transporting, cleaning/disinfecting, and sterilization of RME used in patient care. Has complete knowledge of the four types of sterilization processes used by healthcare facilities: steam sterilization, Low Temperature Gas Plasma Hydrogen Peroxide, dry heat, and chemical sterilization. Knows factors that affect the process of sterilization and the maintenance of sterility, as well as the specific procedures that should be followed for all types of in-hospital sterilization processes. Interprets all mechanical printouts from sterilization equipment to validate that sterilization of RME are within acceptable parameters. Performs quality assurance activities including monitoring biological and chemical indicators and integrators, Bowie dick tests, time/temperature graphs (if applicable), and ensuring appropriate RME checks are documented after sterilization or reprocessing. Assists with coordinating all SPS distribution activities with other administrative, professional, and clinical components of the Medical Center. Understands event/time related sterility, package integrity, stock arrangement, and rotation. Has thorough knowledge of the various types of distribution systems, as well as delivery methods, distribution work practices, and recordkeeping methods which includes the overall management of SPS stocked inventory. Possess a valid driver's license for distribution of supplies and equipment to outlying buildings and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). Monitors and maintains inventory distribution system consistent with consumer demands. Incumbent must establish and maintain an accurate medical equipment tracking system. Ensures procedures are followed when filling requests for items bases on daily schedules of needs or on individual requisitions. Ensures procedures and policies are followed for operating GSA vehicles when delivering requested items to the ward/clinic areas. Manages the receipt of new supplies, and checks deliveries for quality and quantity. Manages and controls storage items in accordance with inventory systems and assist with inventory. Work Schedule: Variable shifts to include evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 593-00251-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. 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). 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. Grade Determinations: GS-7 Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. In addition to the one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06), candidates must demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) below: (1) Ability to instruct staff on the correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments. (2) Skill in communicating with staff to ensure compliance with written directives, rules and regulations. (3) Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers. (4) Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures. (5) Ability to lead individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments. Assignment The Advanced MST assembles highly complex instrument sets including, but not limited to, open heart, major orthopedic total joint, cardiovascular, craniotomy and complex endoscopic instrumentation. Processes all complex endoscopic instrumentation to include those medical devices used in the gastroenterology laboratory, bronchoscopy laboratory, urology and operating room. Reviews manufacturer guidelines to ensure the correct methods and parameters are followed when cleaning, decontaminating and sterilizing RME. Troubleshoots and analyzes mechanical failures and makes necessary adjustments to complex decontamination and sterilization equipment, as well as interprets alarm conditions which may occur while operating the equipment. Informs management and healthcare staff when cleaning and processing standard operating procedures (SOPs) or instruction for use have been changed or updated to assure the changes have been validated to meet all guidelines. Preferred Experience: Experience with instrument tracking system management applications, generating reports and employee workload. Operation of automated endoscope reprocessor/endoscope manual cleaning and testing, Subject Matter Expert for leadership guidance. Knowledge of high level disinfection with chemical soak documentation and minimum effective concentration testing. Advanced experience in utilization to meet AAMI Standard 58 and 91. Experience with hydrogen peroxide, HLD, and sterilization machine operations and end user troubleshooting. Experience with conflict management and alternative dispute resolution awareness. Leadership and management trained. Demonstrated experience of SPS priority management and delegating work assignments. VA level 2 certification/HSPA CRCST HSPA CER certification References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/83, PART II, APPENDIX G47. MEDICAL SUPPLY TECHNICIAN (STERILE PROCESSING) QUALIFICATION STANDARD, GS-622, Veterans Health Administration, July 8, 2015. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation) and in other services and departments throughout the medical facility/campus. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty and poorly lighted. The employee is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and other injuries from material handling equipment. The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Las Vegas VA Medical Center 6900 North Pecos Road North Las Vegas, NV 89086 US
• Name: Herbert Lum
• Phone: 702-791-9000 X14057
• Email: [email protected]