SHSMD Career Center

Current, permanent VA employees or Federal employees from another agency should apply under CBST-11510704-22-AK. The Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) leads a unit or team of employees performing work at the GS-6 level or below. This position is located in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center located in Houston, Texas. 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. English Language Proficiency: Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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 and 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. Grade Determinations: Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing), GS-07 Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, such as: disassembling the reusable medical equipment and determining the correct cleaning method; inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: - Ability to instruct staff on the correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments. - Skill in communicating with staff to ensure compliance with written directives, rules and regulations. - Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers. - Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures. - Ability to lead individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments. Preferred Experience: IAHCSMM or CRCST Certification Reprocessing of flexible endoscopes Steam and low temperature gas plasma sterilization experience References: VA Handbook 5005/76 Part II Appendix G47, MEDICAL SUPPLY TECHNICIAN (STERILE PROCESSING) Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), straight pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending, operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, hearing (aid may be permitted). (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services). ["The duties of the Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) include but not limited to: Is responsible to the Supervisor on-duty or on-call. Coordinates staffing, with the approval of the Supervisor with other Lead MST(s) on duty as needed. Prioritizes and organizes workload based on priorities of the service and the facility. Responsible for ensuring compliance with established policy, standards, and manufacturers' Instructions for Use (IFUs) relating to the continuous through SPS from decontamination through sterilization area to include proper preparation of instruments and equipment prior to distribution. The incumbent instructs employees on specific tasks and techniques and makes available instructions, reference materials, and supplies. Provides on-the-job training to employees in accordance with established procedures and practices. Distributes work assignments among employees in SPS and assures timely accomplishment of the assigned tasks. Checks on work in progress and reviews completed work to see that instructions on work sequences, procedures, methods, and deadlines have been met. Assigns work, including overtime, disagreeable or choice tasks, etc. equitably among employees. Is a working Lead Technician, responsible for filling in and for distributing the workload in case of personnel shortages or short notice priorities, to ensure a smooth workflow. Initiates appropriate actions concerning employee injury, working conditions, safety, and equipment failure. Provides updates to supervisor on staff performance, progress, training needs, and conduct issues. Assesses current training, assignment, and recognition systems, identifies, and recommends performance improvement opportunities to leadership. The incumbent reviews work performed and has the authority to reject products not meeting established quality standards or cannot be verified as being processed appropriately. Resolves processing concerns and questions and oversees the accomplishment of all rework. Provides appropriate feedback to staff regarding the issues found in the inspection. Establishes timelines during tour to ensure work is completed prior to deadlines to ensure no delay to patient care. Monitors efficiency and effectiveness of each employee to ensure optimal work is performed. Assists management in the development of orientation and training programs. Performs competency assessments on staff daily. Demonstrates understanding of quality testing of equipment and processes, review documentation, and responds to any issues that occur. Ensures all quality testing and checks are performed during their shift within their scope of duty. Works with the Chief and Assistant Chief, SPS, in the assignment of functions to team members to meet routine and unusual deadlines and priorities. The incumbent will assist in drafting, reviewing, and revising SOPs are directed. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm, 3:30pm - Midnight, Midnight - 8:00am, Rotating weekends and Holidays\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Lead Medical Supply Technician - Sterile Processing/PD00014F\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]