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.
Major duties include but are not limited to:
- Provide sterilization, preparation, supply items and decontamination support for the medical center. The term "supply item" as used refers to reusable items for patient care including instrumentation (scissors, forceps, retractors, etc.), surgical trays and sets and variousother items that could be processed or assembled through the Preparation and Decontamination areas of Sterile Processing Service.
- Complete training coursework and VA SPS certification as required for a Sterile Processing Technician position in the VA.
- Maintain certification by completing approved, annual Continuing Education Units (CEU) and annual in-service hours.
- Work as a team member with other Medical Supply Technicians of various experience to carry out the daily work utilizing the written standard operating procedures and/or manufacturers written instructions in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, oraccepted/standard practices.
- Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents as determined by manufactures instructions.
- Inspects, prepares, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization or high level disinfection such as but not limited to steam, hydrogen peroxide, and automated endoscope reprocessors.
- Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids and other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing and scrubbing.
- Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center, including those used in the operating room.
- Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME).
- Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment.
- Applies the Joint Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Federal Drug Administration standards as they pertain to sterile processing and the distribution of reusable medical equipment.
- Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions.
Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf 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: 2:00pm to 10:30pm, Monday-Friday
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Starting at $38,847 Per Year (GS 3-6)