Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Summary

Receives contaminated critical, and non-critical RMD (reusable medical equipment) in the decontamination area. Disassembles the RMD (reusable medical equipment) 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 steam and hydrogen peroxide..

Duties

Basic Functions Depending on the grade selected you may be expected to do the following tasks: Utilizes the Instrument Tracking Program, SOPs, Competencies, and MIFUs for all phases of reprocessing RMD, including Decontamination, Disinfection, Preparation and Packaging, and Sterilization. May run shift-to-shift huddles. Uses the Instrument Tracking System (Censitrac) to collect, receive, sort, clean, assemble, package, sterilize, and deliver Critical, Semi-Critical, and Non-Critical RMD. Utilizes advanced functions of instrument tracking system to manage RMD throughout SPS and the facility. Wears appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Completes set-up of all areas including restocking (FIFO), validations, tests. Validate and test equipment on a daily and/or weekly schedule, documenting in Censitrac. Monitors operation of all equipment, using biological, chemical, and mechanical indicators. Reports any discrepancies to the Supervisor or Lead. Water quality testing performed and documented daily. Scan into the Decontamination area, and at each processing point (i.e., sink, ultrasonic, washer/disinfector, scope reprocessing, and other processing equipment as necessary). Disassembles RMD for both manual and mechanical cleaning, using approved chemicals, equipment, .0and techniques to successfully render items safe for further processing. Performs all required RMD inspection and testing to ensure functionality and safety of RMD (conductivity testing, sharpness, articulation of hinged instruments, use of the borescope to check lumens and cannulas). Obtains missing items for trays, or appropriately labels trays for missing or damaged items. Provides accurate count sheets, including documentation of additional pertinent information. Provides accurate labels for all items being prepared. Performs quality checks and/or 2nd checks on containerized RMD, peel packed RMD, and disinfected RMD. Documents as required. Accurately assembles, wraps, peel pouches, containerizes, dates, initials, and labels all peel packs and trays using appropriate materials and techniques needed per SOP. Accurately sorts RMD for appropriate sterilizer and cycle. Able to access resources for assistance. Loads and unloads sterilizers and scope disinfectors safely and appropriately. Ensures all low, intermediate, and high level disinfected RMD is inspected, properly packaged, and labeled for end user, and all required QA monitoring and documentation is completed. Assigns, maintains, identifies, and tracks load control numbers with the contents registered for each load. Able to use Censitrac to review load contents, as applicable. Initiates recall of RMD in the event of a process failure. Able to safely operate all equipment used in preparation, packaging, and sterilization, including all sterilizers, disinfectors, incubators, workstations, magnification light, scales, insulator tester, borescopes, demagnetizers, sealers, computers, scanners, printers, QA inspection tools, etc, per SOPs, Competencies, and MIFUs. Visually inspects RMD prior to release, ensuring package integrity (no holes, staining, broken locks, etc), and correct labeling for correct delivery. Documents inspections as required. Demonstrates appropriate technique for retrieval and delivery of contaminated RMD from end user. Follows the established pick-up schedule at a minimum. Completes end-of-shift duties including restocking (FIFO), organizing per department standards, disinfecting work areas. Identifies and recommends equipment and supply needs. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 3:00pm-11:30pm Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Functional Statement #: 07124F, 07125F, 07126F, 07127F

Requirements

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. 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

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 11/23/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13109936. 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.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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 Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.