Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Trainer
- Trainer Functions/Duties:
- The Trainer is responsible for developing formal and informal written plans for SPS training program, in compliance with accreditation organizations and VHA-specific requirements as well as medical center policies and procedures for SPS. Training courses and outlines will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary.
- Facilitates training of SPS staff through educational programs and job specific instruction. Should be well structured, include hands on demonstrations, return demonstrations and an evaluation.
- Improves SPS processes by facilitating the application for new technology of reusable medical devices by training all new and existing staff.
- Develops, monitors, and revise SPS educational programs for both new and existing staff and as required to meet new directives and training goals. Documents and assess 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 RMD.
- Serve as a formal or informal preceptor and/or mentor to staff and as a subject matter expert (SME) point of contact.
- Participates in tracking, trending and analyzing training, competency and education data for quality assurance reports to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Identifies opportunities for improvement, makes recommendations and/or prepares reports based on findings. Initiates and or participates in training interventions to change practice based on performance improvement data of manufacturer's instructions for use.
- Develops and conducts the annual review of the SPS preceptor program.
- Develops a plan for follow-up training as indicated to achieve competency.
- Coordinate with Service Chief/Assistant Chief, RMD coordinator, Nurse educator and other subject matter experts to schedule training presenters as necessary.
- Conducts continual and annual staff competency review for all SPS staff. Ensures all staff are competent on each SOP ensuring all are completed on time as required by directive and/or Chief, SPS.
- Maintains current knowledge of policies, directives, HSPA guidelines as well as knowledge of AAMI and AORN Standards.
- Medical Supply Technician Duties
- Incumbent receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RMD in the decontamination area. Disassembles the RMD and determines the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, and cart washers as determined by manufacturer instructions.
- Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to Steam, V-Pro, and high-level disinfecting scopes using Automated Endoscope Reprocessor (AER).
- Assembles highly complex instruments sets including, but not limited to, major orthopedic total joint, cardiovascular, and complex endoscopic instrumentation.
- Processes all complex endoscopic instrumentation to include those medical devices used in the gastroenterology, bronchoscopy laboratory, urology, operating room and all clinics. Processes and sterilizes a wide variety of implant devices in accordance with manufacture recommendations. Ensure quarantine until final spore test results indicate a negative reading. In an emergent situation, proper written authorization is required as well as chief notification.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Qualifications
- 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: LPMHCs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3.j.]
- Experience and/or Education:
- 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.
Grade Determinations:GS-07 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Trainer
- Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6)
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7.
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
Education
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: .
Additional information
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit at .
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.
- Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Qualifications
- 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: LPMHCs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3.j.]
- Experience and/or Education:
- 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.
Grade Determinations:GS-07 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Trainer
- Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6)
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7.
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
Education
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: .
Additional information
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit at .
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.