Supervisory Medical Supply Technician Sterile Processing Service

Summary

The incumbent serves as a Supervisory MST, Sterile Processing Service (SPS) for Veterans Health Administration (VHA), VISN 17, VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) under the Associate Director for Patient Care Services. She/he is a subject matter expert in a wide variety of duties, including the various cleaning, decontamination and sterilization processes associated with Reusable Medical Devices (RMD), which includes medical and surgical instruments for reprocessing.

Duties

The Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (MST) functions as a first-level supervisor responsible for the oversight of a group of MSTs, with administrative responsibility for planning and directing work. Specific duties to include but not limited to: Oversees attendance and leave, including approval of sick and annual leave, and vacation schedules. Informs higher level management of anticipated vacancies or increases in workload. Recommends promotions, reassignments, recognition of superior performance, retention or release of probationary employees, or other changes of assigned personal. Holds corrective interviews with employees, referring disciplinary problems to higher levels of management. Resolves informal complaints of employees and deals with union representatives on personal matters. Provides technical supervision and hands on instruction necessary for accomplishing the work of the organization. This position requires flexibility in scheduling and assignments, as this department supports patient care operations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Other duties may be assigned when necessary to support organizational and patient care demands. Supervises a team of MSTs who provide decontamination, preparation, sterilization and distribution support of critical and semi-critical RMD for the Medical Center. The term RMD as used in this functional statement refers to reusable items for patient care including basic instrumentation, equipment, instrument trays/sets, and various other items that could be processed or assembled through the decontamination and preparation areas of SPS. The Supervisory MST will have in depth knowledge of the processes for RMD as required by this position. The Supervisory MST will be required to learn and maintain current knowledge of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, preparation and sterilization of RMD appropriate for this position. Employee reviews work of MSTs through observation and competency assessments. Completes training coursework and VA SPS Certification as required for a Supervisory MST position in the VA. Maintain certification by completing approved, annual Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and annual in-service hours. In-depth knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. Operates the full range of mechanical cleaning equipment per manufacturer’s guidelines and VHA Directive 1116 and AAMI. Extended knowledge in use of Steam, VPro, Steris and High-Level Disinfecting Scope reprocessors. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in order to convey information and thoughts to others. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. Provides information and reports to Chief, SPS and Assistant Chief, SPS. Requests assistance in resolving non-routine problems. Prepares production reports as requested, reports work backlog, and reports observed safety hazards as required. Ability to operate and control CensiTrac Instrument Management System (IMS), record receipt and decontamination process of all trays and equipment. Record sterilizer activities, produce count sheets for instrument trays and equipment preparation and the prep process of all trays and equipment. Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. Ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets. Expanded knowledge of event-related packaging regarding sterility principles to instruct staff on decontamination procedures and processes. The MST-Supervisor provides support to Dallas, Bonham, Ft Worth Outpatient Clinic (FWOPC), Garland and Tyler Outpatient Clinic. The incumbent will work as a team member and Supervisor of other MSTs of varying experience to carry out the daily work utilizing written standard operating procedures and/or manufacturer’s instructions for use; in accordance with instructions, policies, procedures, directives, memoranda, previous training, or accepted/standard practices. Holds corrective interviews with employees, referring disciplinary problems to higher levels of management. Resolves informal complaints of employees and deals with union representatives on personal matters. Assisting the Subject Matter Experts in obtaining and completing market research, salient and technical specifications, and sole source justifications if indicated. Submit monthly/ quarterly reports to the Administrative Officer (AO) of the equipment, instrument, and supply expenses to track the budget. Work Schedule: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm or 3:30 pm – 12:00 midnight, with rotating weekends/holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Available: Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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 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.

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/. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted ‘Resume’ document upload field. Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the ‘Other’ document upload field. 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 License Extended Resume (if applicable) Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript