LEAD MED SUPPLY TECH (STERILE PROCESSING)

Summary

The Lead Medical Supply Technician - Sterile Processing (MST-SP) position is located within the Sterile Processing Service in the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System at Bay Pines, FL. The Lead MST-SP works in support of the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) management team.

*** A RECRUITMENT/RELOCATION INCENTIVE IS OFFERED***

This job is open to

• Internal to an agency
  
  Current federal employees of this agency.
• Federal employees - Excepted service
  
  Current excepted service federal employees.

Clarification from the agency

Open to current, permanent Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and current, permanent Federal Employees of other federal agencies. The first area of consideration will be given to Bay Pines VA Healthcare System and its Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) employees.

All other US citizens may apply to external job announcement # CBTC-12541544-24-DC. There is no need to apply to both applications.

Videos

Duties

The functions and duties of the Lead Medical Supply Technician (MST) in Sterile Processing include but are not limited to the following:

• Has expert knowledge of all areas with Sterile Processing to include: decontamination, preparation and assembly, sterilization, endoscope reprocessing (if applicable), sterile storage, and distribution.
• Distributes and prioritizes workload among employees in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations.
• Assures an even workflow and distribution of the workload.
• Revises work schedules to meet anticipated and unanticipated changes in the workload.
• Assigns work to staff based on experience and training needs.
• Monitors and reports on the status of work.
• Ensures SOPs, Policies, and SPS mandates are followed during the performance of workflow.
• Reviews work in progress or spot checks work not requiring review to ensure completed work meets supervisors' instructions on such things as work sequence, procedures, methods, and deadlines.
• Assesses the quality and quantity of work by reviewing the cleaning, reprocessing, and distribution of technical medical equipment, material and instrumentation.
• Provides information to management officials concerning performance issues, assignment changes, task completion, and competency review.
• Instructs employees on work-related activities, policies, procedures, and goals.
• Utilizes advanced functions of instrument tracking system to manage RME throughout the facility.
• Provides guidance and training to staff members with less experience.

Work Schedule: 11:30 pm - 8:00 am. Nights, Weekend/Holiday Rotation

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized

Compressed/Flexible:Not Available

Telework: Not Eligible

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 20813F

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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:

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.)

English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA policy.

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.

Certification. None.

Grandfathering Provision. All MSTs that are employed in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held, that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:

(1) Employees grandfathered into the GS-622 occupational series as MSTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation.

(2) MSTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. VA HANDBOOK 5005/76 MAY 28, 2014 PART II APPENDIX G47 II-G47-2

(3) MSTs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.

Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs.

GRADE REQUIREMENTS

Creditable Experience

Knowledge of Current MST Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with MST responsibilities. Experience satisfying this requirement may be paid/non-paid employment as an MST.

Quality of Experience. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to MST experience at the next lower grade level of the position being filled. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.

Grade Determinations

GS-07 Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-6) level.GS-6 level specialized experience includes but are not limited to the following: Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings; Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross-contamination; Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions, and procedures; Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation; Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Ability to instruct staff on the correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments.

2. Skill in communicating with staff to ensure compliance with written directives, rules, and regulations.

3. Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers.

4. Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures.

5. Ability to lead individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments.

**Preferred Experience***

• Ability to instruct staff on the correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments.
• Skill in communicating with staff to ensure compliance with written directives, rules, and regulations.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers. Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures.
• Ability to lead individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments.
• Provides oversight and supervision for a group of MSTs, up to the GS-7 level. Administrative responsibility for planning and directing daily work, and ensures an even workflow and distribution of the workload.
• Oversight of attendance and leave to include approval of sick leave and annual leave, and revises work schedules to meet anticipated and unanticipated changes in the workload.
• Ensures SOPs, Policies, and SPS mandates are followed. Conducts performance appraisals; recommends promotions, reassignments, recognition of superior performance, retention or release of probationary employees, or other changes of assigned personnel.
• Reviews work in progress or spot-checks work not requiring review to ensure completed work meets supervisors' instructions on such things as work sequence, procedures, methods, and deadlines.
• Provides technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the organizational unit.
• Conducts corrective counseling with employees, referring disciplinary problems to higher levels of management.
• Resolves informal complaints of employees and deals with union representatives on personnel matters. Instructs employees on work-related activities, policies, procedures and, goals. Provides guidance and training to staff members with less experience.

Physical Requirements: This position may require shift work and or rotation of tour assignments. Routinely requires heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over), heavy carrying (45 lbs. and over), straight pulling and pushing (up to 8 hrs.), walking (8 hrs.), standing (8 hrs.), kneeling (8 hrs.), repeated bending (8 hrs.), both legs required, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing aid permitted, and ability to operate transportation equipment.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/.

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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.

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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.

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  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.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  
  • Resume*
  • SF-50/notification of personal action**
  
  * Resume - Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: 1. - Job title 2. - Current grade level & step 3. - Duties (be as detailed as possible...we will NOT make assumptions of your qualifications) 4. - Month and year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) 5. - Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) 6. If you are selected, you may be required to submit additional information regarding your level of knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position.
  
  ** SF-50 - If your most recent SF-50 has an effective date (shown in box 4) within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess the 1 full year of specialized experience in your present grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50, prior to your most recent one. The yearly Cost of Living Adjustment SF-50, issued in January, does not prove a full year of specialized experience. Monetary or time off award SF-50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted. Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
  
  Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
  
  Promotions with an effective date more than one-year-old; or
  
  SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one-year-old
  
  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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
  • National certification by the Sterile Processing and Distribution Board (CBSPD) or by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA, formerly known as IAHCSMM)
  • Transcript
  
  Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
  
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• 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 10/03/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12541685.
  
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  David Califano
  
  Phone
  
  (561) 884-1870
  
  Email
  
  david.califano@va.gov
  
  Address
  
  CW Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
  
  10000 Bay Pines Boulevard
  
  Bay Pines, FL 33744
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
  
  NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume*
• SF-50/notification of personal action**

* Resume - Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: 1. - Job title 2. - Current grade level & step 3. - Duties (be as detailed as possible...we will NOT make assumptions of your qualifications) 4. - Month and year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) 5. - Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) 6. If you are selected, you may be required to submit additional information regarding your level of knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position.

** SF-50 - If your most recent SF-50 has an effective date (shown in box 4) within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess the 1 full year of specialized experience in your present grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50, prior to your most recent one. The yearly Cost of Living Adjustment SF-50, issued in January, does not prove a full year of specialized experience. Monetary or time off award SF-50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted. Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:

Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or

Promotions with an effective date more than one-year-old; or

SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one-year-old

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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
• National certification by the Sterile Processing and Distribution Board (CBSPD) or by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA, formerly known as IAHCSMM)
• Transcript

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.


If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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 10/03/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12541685.

1. 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.
2. 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.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

David Califano

Phone

(561) 884-1870

Email

david.califano@va.gov

Address

CW Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

10000 Bay Pines Boulevard

Bay Pines, FL 33744

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request