The VA Black Hills Health Care System is recruiting for 1 full-time Medical Supply Technician for the Sterile Processing Service Line. This position is located at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center, 113 Comanche Road, Fort Meade, SD 57741-1002 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. Certification. None. English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. Grade Determinations: GS-03 (Entry Level) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04 (Developmental Level) (a) Experience. Six months experience as a MST, operating room or surgical technician or other position that demonstrated knowledge of sterile processing in a clinical setting; or (b) Education. Two years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation. NOTE: Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or nursing assistants obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces, the U.S. Maritime Service, or hospitals under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to 6 months of experience. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below: 1. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. 2. Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets. 3. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. 4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. GS-05 (Developmental Level) (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; or (b) Education. Four academic years above high school leading to a Bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation or a Bachelor's degree. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 2. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility. 3. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. GS-06 (Full Performance Level) (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (b) 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/83 PART II APPENDIX G47 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, clean sterile supply (preparation) and in other departments throughout the medical facility/campus. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty and poorly lighted. The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages. The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. The work involves repetitive motion at times during the manual cleaning process of RME. ["The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. The Medical Supply Technician is assigned to Sterile Processing Service. The incumbent will process a full range of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) from simple surgical grade stainless steel to extremely complex devices that require extensive knowledge of its identification, labeling, use, function, troubleshooting, testing, maintenance, and selection of accurate reprocessing methods. Care and attention to detail are critical at this level of performance. Decontamination Procedures 1. The incumbent receives, disassembles, and inspects RME for damage. 2. Determines the appropriate method for decontamination. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids and other gross contaminates before proceeding with cleaning. Utilizes the appropriate equipment to process items. 3. Reassemble RME, including highly complex equipment and items which require skill, careful assembly, and attention to detail. 4. Examines items to ensure gross contamination has been removed. Sterile Preparation 1. Determines the type of tray or set to assemble based on procedure, operating room requests, or standard practice. 2. 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. Strives for compact, logically arranged packages that will allow for the most effective penetration of the sterilization medium 3. Selects the correct wrapping and prepares it for sterilization. 4. Determines the appropriate sterilization technique based on standard operating policy and manufacturer guidelines. Follows all guidelines for the sterilization. Storage and Cart Assembly 1. Receives the sterile items from sterilizer. Reviews the effectiveness of sterilization based on indicators used. Places tags or labels indicating date of sterilization expiration and restocks shelves. 2. Assembles case carts for the operating room utilizing case sheets containing all necessary items. Communicate any deficiencies and propose potential substitutions for missing items. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: MONDAY-FRIDAY, 9:00AM - 5:30PM 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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