Summary The Assistant Chief functions as a first-level supervisor responsible for the oversight of a group of MSTs, Lead Technician as well as Supervisory Medical Supply Technician with administrative responsibility for planning and directing the work. The Assistant Chief of SPS assists and supports the SPS Chief in establishing and maintaining a methodical, safe, efficient, and effective inventory distribution system consistent with consumer demands. Responsibilities Major duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Shares fully in the duties, responsibilities, and authorities of the Chief and must assist support the Chief of SPS in establishing and maintaining a methodical and efficient sterile processing program consistent with consumer demands. Must establish and maintain an accurate medical, dental and surgical tracking system, which details specific preventive maintenance performed and equipment availability for patient care use. Will plan, organize, direct, train and coordinate all activities associated with a comprehensive sterile processing service. Responsible for the collection, receipt, and decontamination of all used soiled medical supplies, surgical instruments, and medical equipment. Decontamination processing requires the specific knowledge to determine what specific mean are utilized to accomplish cleaning, disinfecting and/or pre-sterilization of complex diagnostic medical/surgical equipment, implantable devices, and medical apparatus. Accomplishes the inspection, assembly, packaging and terminal sterilization of all medical surgical instrumentation sets, implantable devices, and packs them for use throughout the Medical Center, Operating Room and specialty clinics. It requires knowledge of sterilization methods, operation of the sterilizers and interpretation of biological testing which is of utmost importance. Responsible for ensuring the distribution area performs a major role in getting the correct Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) to users and assuring that these supplies are in the correct condition, quality, and location for use. Utilizes appropriate inventory management techniques. Coordinates with the personnel that procure SPS' supplies, analyzes usage patterns, problem solves and coordinates inventory activities with secondary supply systems. Plans, develops, directs, and maintains a Quality Assurance program ensuring product quality assurance through random sampling, biological testing, and product assessment. Assures the patient's needs are the driving force, places the emphasis on process management and undertaking improvement efforts. This position may require travel away from the duty station up to 50% to assist with oversight and management of all sites where sterile processing services are provided within the VA Black Hills Health Care System (VA BHHCS) for support during periods of required coverage. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm Telework: Ad-Hoc Only, per Supervisor's discretion Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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 driving physical examination. Must possess a valid driver's license and provide a clean driving record report from the DMV 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 Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. Certification. None. English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. 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: GS-09 Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Assistant Chief Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8), which is defined as: Reading and interpreting written procedures and select appropriate action in order to instruct staff in correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments; Communicating orally and in writing to ensure staff compliance with written directives, rules and regulations; Dealing with interpersonal relationships with employees, team leaders, and managers; Working knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures; Leading individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to plan and project staffing needs and requirements. Ability to manage, interact and deal with individuals of varying backgrounds. Ability to manage, direct and adapt work to accomplish program goals and objectives, and meet new and changing program requirements. Ability to develop and recommend new or revised policies that are consistent with organizational goals and objectives. Ability to perform a full range of supervisory duties, including assigning, planning and evaluating work, recommending awards, approving leave, identifying training needs, and resolving staff issues. Ability to evaluate new products and equipment, develop options, and make recommendations. Ability to manage, interpret, and present fiscal data (i.e. fund controls, contracts and equipment expenditures), forecast resource and equipment needs and administer an allocated budget. All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package. References: https://www.va.gov/OHRM/QualificationStandards/HT38/0622-MedicalSupplyTechnicianSterileProcessing.pdf The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. 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 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. 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. 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.