The Medical Supply Technician (MST) Trainer is responsible for developing formal and informal written plans for the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) training program, in compliance with accreditation organizations and VHA-specific requirements as well as medical center policies and procedures for SPS related staff. The MST Trainer works in support of the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) reusable medical device (RMD) management team in the implementation of the SPS Education and Training program. 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. (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. English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. GS-07 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Trainer Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of SPS and Infection Prevention regulations. Knowledge of procedures and/or operations in training developed for, and operations of SPS functions for both new and existing staff. Ability to manage integrated training programs as it relates to sterile processing procedures. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel or other software programs in order to complete reports and develop skills. Ability to communicate effectively with staff and management officials in regards to sterile processing procedures. References: VA Handbook 5005/83, Part II, Appendix G47, Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Qualification Standard, GS-0622, Veterans Health Administration, dated July 8, 2015. The grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07. 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. On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. The employee wears special clothing, hair covers, personal protective equipment and shoe covers that can be uncomfortably warm. The employee uses insulated gloves to remove carts from sterilizers. The employee is subject to burns from accidentally touching hot items. The hazards of working around minute quantities of sterilizing gasses are unknown. The employee often works around body fluids, mucous, excretions and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling. Strong, unpleasant odors are encountered while decontaminating bloody or grossly contaminated instrumentation or reusable medical equipment. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts and operation of pre-sterilizing equipment. ["The MST Trainer facilitates the training, conduct, implementation and competency validation and documentation of SPS trainings and job specific instructions for SPS reprocessing technicians. The Trainer also performs a wide array of duties involving tasks in the sterile reprocessing workflow at a full-performance level for position. Tasks range from cleaning, decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and distribution processes associated with the utilization of RMD in the facility and CBOC. MST duties will apply during times of need and staffing challenges to be able to provide timely services for our veterans. Improves SPS processes by facilitating the application for new technology of reusable medical devices by training all new and existing staff. Develops, monitors, and revises SPS educational programs for both new and existing VA staff. Documents and assesses staff's training, to identify areas of strength and need. Develops an education plan (literature review, continuing education, in-services, certification and/or formal education) to maintain and improve knowledge in specialized areas of processing reusable medical devices. Participates in tracking, trending and analyzing education data. Identifies opportunities for improvement, makes recommendations and/or prepares reports based on findings. Develops and conducts the annual review of the SPS preceptor program. a. Knowledgeable of procedures and/or operations in all areas of the Sterile Processing for new and existing staff workflow to include: decontamination, preparation and assembly, sterilization, high-level disinfection, endoscope reprocessing, sterile storage, RMD transport and distribution. b. Collaborates with the SPS RME Nurse Educator in implementing training plans which may include but not limited to literature review, continuing education courses, in-service trainings, certification and/or formal education, to improve knowledge in specialized areas of processing reusable medical devices. c. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other software programs in order to complete reports and develop skills. d. Conducts hands-on technical trainings related to RMD handling and reprocessing, monitors, and ensure compliance with SPS education programs for both new and existing staff. e. Demonstrates and incorporates knowledge of SPS and Infection Prevention regulations. f. Ensures SOPs, Policies, and SPS mandates are followed during the performance of tasks in the RMD reprocessing workflow. g. Assists and collaborates with the SPS RME Nurse Educator in maintaining required competency documentation requirements for all reprocessing staff. Evaluates staff's training progress to identify areas of strength and additional training needs. h. Observes, assesses, validates and documents renewal of annual and ongoing employee competencies i. Participate actively in the SPS QA program by regular evaluation of the quality of work performed across the SPS reprocessing workflow j. Manage and conduct hands-on training by instructing employees on work-related activities, policies, procedures and goals. k. Utilizes advanced functions of instrument tracking system to manage RMD distribution throughout the facility. l. Serves as a RMD subject matter expert (SME) and provides guidance and hands-on training to all reprocessing staff. m. Ability to communicate effectively with staff and management officials in regards to sterile processing procedures. n. Performs other related duties as assigned by SPS chain of command. Work Schedule: Variable Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
