Career Center

The incumbent works in Sterile Processing Services (SPS) at the VHA Finger Lakes seated at the Rochester Outpatient Clinic, Rochester, NY. The incumbent will provide sterilization, decontamination, prep and packing, of all reusable medical equipment. It is desirable the incumbent be knowledgeable of the Sterile Processing Department to include the different types of sterilization and the use of high-level disinfection. It is a strong recommendation the incumbent have endoscope experience. 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. 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 chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. It is a strong recommendation the incumbent have endoscope experience. The incumbent is required to complete VA Level One training within 60 days of hire and must pass the Level Two VACertification Test within 90 days of hire date. 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). Preferred Experience: IAHCSMM/CRMS Certification 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. Assignment. This is the full performance level for the occupation. Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area and may receive noncritical equipment in the decontamination area as well. Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions. Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and high level disinfecting scope reprocessors. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/76 PART II APPENDIX G47 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: 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. ["Properly disassembles equipment, supply items and instruments avoiding damage or unnecessary wear following established procedures. Independently determines appropriate methods, avoiding damage or undue wear. Provides guidance to lesser experienced staff and keeps the lead tech and SPD chief informed of their progress. Have knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. Removes gross contamination by soaking in a germicide, washing with a detergent-blood solvent, scrubbing with a brush, rinsing in tap water or washing in a washer-decontaminator or ultrasonic unit. Decontaminates the full range of reusable medical supplies and equipment according to established procedures. Uses selected methods for removing gross contamination. Visually examines items for damage, deterioration, or imperfections such as rust, pitting, and cracks. Operates medical equipment to determine whether it operates correctly after re-assembly. Sends malfunctioning or damaged equipment to the equipment technician for repair. Examines the full range of reusable medical supplies and equipment according to established procedures. Uses selected methods to test or visually inspect items for damage or wear. Possesses knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and medical conditions and procedures in order to package individual items or assemble items into sets or trays. Incumbent has knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation. Attaches chemical indicator tape and sterilizes according to guidelines. Sterilizes items comparing control tests to determine that correct parameters (e.g. time, temperature, and pressure) were obtained. Reads and interprets written instruction and procedures to prepare the full range of trays and sets. Removes trays of instruments from pre-sterilizing equipment, inspects items to be sure that gross contamination has been removed. Sorts the instruments by size and type, and re-assembles trays and sets based on recognition of key items or inventory needs. Uses care in packing to protect points, cutting edges and delicate instruments and to insure effective penetration of sterilizing medium. Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers such as stem, Sterrad, Steris, ET, and a high-level disinfecting scope re-processor. Monitors and documents the operation of the sterilizers with prescribed tests and reports any unusual readings to lead tech and chief of SPD. Removes carts and packages from the sterilizers when the cycle is completed. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization. Aerates gas-sterilized packages for appropriate times. Labels items to show date of sterilization and shelf-life. Monitors and documents biological indicators, chemical indicators, bowie dick tests and examines equipment printouts to assure that all sterilization parameters have been met prior to release to end user. Brings all questionable results to the lead tech and the SPD chief's attention through established reporting procedures. Works with lesser experienced staff by monitoring sterilization records and setting priorities. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment, controls the inventory, reorders supplies, and checks expiration dates. Gathers and reports QA data to Chief of SPD. Assists with quarterly and annual inventory. Rotates to all positions as needed within SPD, specifically; decontamination, package prep and sterilization, clean / sterile storage including checking package integrity, checking outdates and performing weekly cleaning of shelving, equipment and flat work surfaces not cleaned by housekeeping staff. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 11am - 7:30pm or 1:30pm - 10:30pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 23972-A\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]