SHSMD Career Center

The Lead Medical Supply Technician in Sterile Processing Service (SPS) works in support of the SPS management team. They distribute and prioritize workload among employees in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations. The Lead MST is responsible for all activities that occur in the department during their tour of duty. 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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph3j, VA Handbook 5005/83 Part II, Appendix G47. 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). Grandfathering Provision: All MSTs that are employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees grandfathered into the GS-0622 occupational series as MSTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation. (2) MSTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (3) MSTs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determinations: GS-08 Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-07, which includes: 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. In addition to the experience above, you must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). If the experience is not detailed in your resume, then it is recommended to update your resume and/or include a separate document that speaks to the below list of KSAs. Ability to read and interpret written procedures and select appropriate action in order to instruct staff in correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to ensure staff 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. Assignment. The Lead MST at this level oversees a work team that includes at least one MST position that is above the full performance. Distributes and prioritizes workload among employees in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations. Assures an even distribution of the workload. When necessary, revises work schedules to meet anticipated and unanticipated changes in the workload. Assigns tasks as necessary to provide new employees with the experience and training required to perform decontamination of scopes and instrumentation in the work area. Monitors and reports on the status of work. Ensures SOPs and SPS mandates are followed during the performance of workflow. Reviews or spot checks scope processing work to ensure completed work meets supervisors' instructions (e.g., work sequences, procedures, methods, and deadlines). Assesses the quality and quantity of work by reviewing the cleaning, reprocessing, and distribution of scope medical equipment, material and instrumentation. Provides information to management officials concerning performance issues, assignment changes and task completion. Instructs employees on work-related activities, policies, procedures and goals. Preferred Experience: Prior leadership experience preferred. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: The position requires long periods of standing, walking, bending and lifting. The employee usually stands and moves from one part of the department to another. There is a frequent requirement for lifting baskets of stainless steel instruments weighing in excess of 25 pounds from floor level to chest level. Dexterity and strength are required for lifting and positioning RME. The employee regularly pushes loaded carts weights several hundred pounds and loads them into elevators and through entryways. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and be able to shift priorities based on needs. ["The Lead Medical Supply Technician in Sterile Processing Service (SPS) works in support of the SPS management team. They distribute and prioritize workload among employees in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations. The Lead MST is responsible for all activities that occur in the department during their tour of duty. This includes receiving instruments, trays, etc., processing through decontamination, assembly, sterilization and building case carts. The Lead will serve as the subject matter expert to guide staff through the proper procedures. They will also be responsible for checking the quality of the work being produced on their tour. Duties include: Monitors and reports on the status of the work being performed, and ensures all work adheres to established policies and procedures. Reviews work in progress and spot checks work not requiring review to ensure completed work meets the demands of the facility and quality standards. Assesses the quality and quantity of work by reviewing the cleaning, reprocessing, and distribution of reusable medical equipment (RME) processed. Provides information to management officials concerning performance issues, assignment changes, and task completion. Initiates appropriate actions concerning employee injury, working conditions, safety, and replacement of equipment. Provides updates to management on staff performance, progress, training needs, and disciplinary problems. Makes suggestions to management regarding additional training, assignments, and recognition. The incumbent reviews work performed and has the authority to reject any 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. Responsible for creating written end of shift report and verbally communicating with incoming shift. Monitors supplies daily and communicates by email to Logistics low supplies to ensure there is no delay in patient care. Establishes timelines during their tour to ensure work is completed prior to deadlines to ensure there is no delay to patient care. Assists management in the development of orientation and training programs. Demonstrates a clear understanding of performing quality testing of equipment and processes, review documentation, and responds to any issues that occur. Responsible for reviewing and ensuring daily documentation e.g., scope log, TOSI, biological indicator log book, CensiTrac load results are completed. Completes and submits monthly ETO, steam sterilizer, STERRAD reports for Infection Prevention Committee and Reusable Medical Equipment Committee. The incumbent receives, disassembles, and inspects RME for damage. Determines the appropriate method for decontamination. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids and other gross contaminants before proceeding with cleaning. Utilizes the appropriate equipment to process items. Reassemble RME, including highly complex equipment and items which require skill, careful assembly, and attention to detail. Examines items to ensure gross contamination has been removed. Assembles sets and trays according to standard of practice, lining with drapes and towels as appropriate, arranging instruments in the correct manner (hinged instruments open, ring handled on a spreader, etc.), heavy instruments on the bottom. Pre-wraps delicate items. Strive for a compact, logically arrange packages that will allow for the most effective penetration of the sterilization medium. Receives the sterile items from sterilizer. Reviewed the effectiveness of sterilization based upon indicators used. Places tags or labels indicating date of sterilization expiration and restocks shelves. Assembles case carts for the operating room utilizing case sheets containing all necessary items. Communicate any deficiencies. And proposes potential substitutions for missing items. Incumbent alternates between contaminated and sterile environments regularly throughout their tours. Employee must be the expert in determining the right personal protective equipment that is necessary in all areas, and ensure compliance of staff with those requirements. Provides staff with appropriate education and information to minimize or eliminate exposure to contamination, chemicals, and potentially infectious diseases. Work Schedule: Full time rotating shift to include nights, weekends, and holidays. Schedule is subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required."]

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