Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Quality Assurance

This is an advanced level position in Sterile Processing Service as a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing Technician) - Quality Assurance (QA)Technician. In this position, the incumbent ensures the quality and integrity of the overall sterile processing procedure and unit. The QA technician applies sterile processing/infection prevention regulations and policies. This is the full performance level.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 :

• Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3g.)
• 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).

Grade Determinations : GS-07 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Quality Assurance

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 fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work processes.
2. Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to correct quality control problems.
3. Knowledge of sterile processing operations, infection control procedures, and Joint Commission requirements to assess compliance during quality assurance reviews.
4. Ability to compile information, evaluate facts, document findings and prepare reports.
5. Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques to maintain quality control.
6. Ability to effectively communicate with technical and professional staff on the proper use of delicate instruments and equipment and resolve problems that may occur.

Preferred Experience:

1. 3 years recent experience as a Medical Supply Technician.
2. VHA SPS Certification and one of the following - Certified Registered Central Service Technician Certification (CRCST) or Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS)

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: .