Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): San Francisco, California

Salary Range: $50479 - $91866 Per Year

Job Summary: Medical Supply Technicians (MST) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) receive contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical device (RMD) in the decontamination area, and may receive noncritical equipment. Disassembles RMD and determines the correct cleaning method, such as, but not limited to, ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washer-disinfectors, cart washer and chemical cleaning decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions.

Major Duties:

• The incumbent will have knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) as required by this position. The incumbent will be required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RMD appropriate to this position. The incumbent will be able to demonstrate their ability to utilize an acceptable proficiency in the use of RMD appropriate to this position. Assigned Duties include but are not limited to the following: GS-3 MST (Entry level). Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical devices (RMD). Demonstrates basic and working knowledge of instrumentation to properly identify and accurately sorts/assembles instrumentation sets and equipment according to assigned categories and established procedures. Demonstrates basic knowledge and ability to perform and interpret required chemical and biological challenging of high-temperature and low-temperature sterilization devices and testing high-level disinfection devices and processes, recording and reporting normative and variance findings using established protocols. Receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. GS-4 MST Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical devices (RMD). Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center. Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. Prepares operating room case carts. Receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision Demonstrates sound and independent working knowledge of instrumentation to properly identify and accurately sorts/assembles instrumentation sets and equipment according to assigned categories and established procedures Demonstrates sound knowledge and ability to perform and interpret required chemical and biological challenging of high-temperature and low-temperature sterilization devices and testing high-level disinfection devices and processes, recording, and reporting normative and variance findings using established protocols. GS-5 MST Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical devices (RMD). Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room. Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and a high level disinfecting scope reprocessor; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule. Demonstrates sound and independent working knowledge of instrumentation to properly identify and accurately sorts/assembles instrumentation sets and equipment according to assigned categories and established procedures Demonstrates sound knowledge and ability to perform and interpret required chemical and biological challenging of high-temperature and low-temperature sterilization devices and testing high-level disinfection devices and processes, recording, and reporting normative and variance findings using established protocols. Receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex tasks and require direct supervision on new assignments. GS-6 MST Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical devices (RMD). Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RMD in the decontamination area and may receive noncritical equipment in the decontamination area as well. Disassembles the RMD and determines the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions. Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and high level disinfecting scope reprocessors. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. May serve as shift and/or Interim Lead Medical Supply Technician. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Rotation shifts: Monday-Sunday, including holidays; 7:00AM-3:30PM, 7:30AM-4:00PM, 8:00AM-4:30PM, 9:30AM-6:00PM, 3:00PM-11:30PM, and 11:00PM-7:30AM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications: 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. 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-03 (Entry Level): Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04 (Developmental Level): 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 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. 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): Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; or 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. 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): 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 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. 5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. Preferred Experience: Possess a SPS Certification from either Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD), or VA Central Office SPS/OSP Level 2. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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, 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.

How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/15/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12828122. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Application Deadline: 2025-12-15