Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (SPS)

Summary

The Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (MST) in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) supports the Chief and Assistant Chief of SPS and serves as the first-line supervisor for MSTs. The incumbent supervises MSTs supporting the Reusable Medical Device (RMD) program to accomplish the mission, vision, and goals of the organization

Duties

Duties include, but may not be limited to the following: The Incumbent must establish and maintain an accurate RMD inventory, reprocessing equipment, and ensure RMD availability for patient care utilization. The incumbent will plan, organize, direct, train, and coordinate all activities associated with a comprehensive RMD program. The duties of this position are highly specialized and require an in-depth knowledge of processes, reprocessing equipment, RMD, reprocessing methodology, and standards. Much of the work required is time-sensitive and complex in nature having a direct and immediate impact on healthcare delivery. The incumbent is responsible for supporting formulation and execution of the service's administrative policies and procedures. The Supervisor manages SPS as a service line within the VA healthcare system using a planned, implemented and evaluated Quality Management System (QMS) Program. Incumbent assists the Chief with overseeing decisions made daily. The Supervisor of SPS is responsible for overseeing the various SPS areas of reprocessing and functions at the James A. Haley VA Hospital and CBOCs functions include decontamination, preparation, assembly, packaging, sterilization, disinfection, and endoscope reprocessing necessary to provide patient care safely and effectively. The incumbent provides oversight in all aspects of SPS to include planning and scheduling priorities based on available staffing, RMD, reprocessing equipment, resources and the RMD reprocessing workload throughout the healthcare system. The incumbent will also develop quality measures and tracks and reports on sterile processing trends. Incumbent will also review processes, equipment, and resources to ensure the facility is keeping up with new requirements, process improvements, and best practices in the field of sterile processing. Oversees the receipt, processing, transportation, storage and utilization of critical and semi-critical RMD. Utilizes safety precautions in performance of duties. Maintains data integrity and manages information within the instrument tracking/management system to meet the clinical needs for patient care. The incumbent hears and resolves minor complaints from employees and can initiate disciplinary measures. The incumbent counsels, guides and evaluates performance. The incumbent carries out Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and program activities. Other Duties As Assigned Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, 3:30 pm to Midnight, on call, day shift 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 8 week orientation Compressed/Flexible: not available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (SPS)/PD04030F Preferred Experience Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in the operating rooms and clinic settings Ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets. In-depth knowledge of sterilization and decontamination Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in order to convey information to others. Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures. Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to correct quality control problems. Knowledge of fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work processes. Requirements

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. 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. English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. Qualifications

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). Preferred Experience: Detail knowledge of complex surgical instrument used in the operating rooms and clinic settings. Ability assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets. In-depth knowledge of sterilization and decontamination Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in order to convey information to others. Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures. Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to correct quality control problems. Knowledge of fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work processes. Grade Determinations - GS-08:Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to manage, interact and deal with individuals of varying backgrounds. 2. Ability to direct staff and manage tasks to be completed 3. Ability to oversee and supervise all aspects of decontamination, preparation, sterilization, monitoring, and distribution of RME. 4. 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 Assignment. The Supervisory MST functions as a first-level supervisor responsible for the oversight of a group of MSTs, with administrative responsibility for planning and directing the work. 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 personnel. Holds corrective interviews with employees, referring disciplinary problems to higher levels of management. Resolves informal complaints of employees and deals with union representatives on personnel matters. Provides technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the organizational unit References: VA Handbook 5005/83, Part II, Appendix G47 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. How You Will Be Evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, 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. Other 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. 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. 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.