Summary This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT until March 31,2025, Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. This position serves as a Medical Supply Technician (SP) -Trainer in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS). SPS is the central point within the New Mexico VA Medical Center from which patient care medical/surgical supply inventory; instruments and equipment are received, processed, packaged and distributed. Responsibilities The Medical Supply Technician Trainer is responsible for developing formal and informal written plans for the SPS training program, in compliance with accreditation organizations and VHA-specific requirements as well as medical center policies and procedures for SPS related staff. The MST Trainer facilitates the training, conduct, implementation and competency validation and documentation of SPS trainings and job specific instructions for SPS reprocessing technicians. The Trainer also performs a wide array of duties involving tasks in the sterile reprocessing workflow at a full-performance level for position. Tasks range from cleaning, decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and distribution processes associated with the utilization of RMD in the facility. Duties include, but may not be limited to the following: Knowledgeable of procedures and/or operations in all areas of the Sterile Processing for new and existing staff workflow to include: decontamination, preparation and assembly, sterilization, high-level disinfection, endoscope reprocessing, sterile storage, RMD transport and distribution. Collaborates with the SPS RME Nurse Educator in implementing training plans which may include but not limited to literature review, continuing education courses, in-service trainings, certification and/or formal education, to improve knowledge in specialized areas of processing reusable medical devices. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other software programs in order to complete reports and develop skills. Conducts hands-on technical trainings related to RMD handling and reprocessing, monitors, and ensure compliance with SPS education programs for both new and existing staff. Demonstrates and incorporates knowledge of SPS and Infection Prevention regulations. Ensures SOPs, Policies, and SPS mandates are followed during the performance of tasks in the RMD reprocessing workflow. Assists and collaborates with the SPS RME Nurse Educator in maintaining required competency documentation requirements for all reprocessing staff. Evaluates staff's training progress to identify areas of strength and additional training needs. Observes, assesses, validates and documents renewal of annual and ongoing employee competencies Participate actively in the SPS QA program by regular evaluation of the quality of work performed across the SPS reprocessing workflow Manage and conduct hands-on training by instructing employees on work-related activities, policies, procedures and goals. Utilizes advanced functions of instrument tracking system to manage RMD distribution throughout the facility. Serves as a RMD subject matter expert (SME) and provides guidance and hands-on training to all reprocessing staff. Ability to communicate effectively with staff and management officials in regards to sterile processing procedures. Performs other related duties as assigned by SPS chain of command. Medical Supply Aide and Technician: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Supply-Aide-Career-Flyer.pdf Work Schedule: Varies Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO):Not Authorized 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.) 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. English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with Veterans Affairs Handbook 5005. 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: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. GS-07 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Trainer Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of SPS and Infection Prevention regulations. 2. Knowledge of procedures and/or operations in training developed for, and operations of SPS functions for both new and existing staff. 3. Ability to manage integrated training programs as it relates to sterile processing procedures. 4. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel or other software programs in order to complete reports and develop skills. 5. Ability to communicate effectively with staff and management officials in regards to sterile processing procedures. References: VA Handbook 5005/76, Part II, Appendix G47, Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Qualification Standard, GS-0622, Veterans Health Administration. The GS-07 is above the full performance level for this vacancy. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-07. Physical Requirements: This position may require shift work and or rotation of tour assignments to address staffing requirements as may be necessary. 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. The MST Trainer is responsible for developing formal and informal written plans for the SPS training program, in compliance with accreditation organizations and VHA-specific requirements as well as medical center policies and procedures for SPS and related staff. Facilitates training of SPS staff through educational programs and job specific instruction. Improves SPS processes by facilitating the application for new technology of reusable medical devices by training all new and existing staff. Develops, monitors, and revises SPS educational programs for both new and existing staff. Documents and assesses 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 reusable 9 medical devices. Participates in tracking, trending and analyzing education data. Identifies opportunities for improvement, makes recommendations and/or prepares reports based on findings. Develops and conducts the annual review of the SPS preceptor program. 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 Receiving Service Credit or 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. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. 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.