Duties

Duties will include Quality Assurance activities monitoring and Education & Training at the Audie L. Murphy, Kerrville and Datapoint campuses. The incumbent must complete the SPS Level I training program within 90 days of hire and maintain a minimum of twelve continuing education hour annually. Incumbent will be the trainer to new staff members to include Contracting Staff, and Medical Enlisted Training College (METC) Joint services clinical Surgical/SPS training programs assigned to Sterile Processing.

Training duties encompass providing technical and training responsibilities. Must be able to train SPS personnel and communicate effectively to ensure user unit needs are met on a consistent basis. Possess the knowledge and skills to train staff accurately and meticulously for Decontamination, Processing, Instrument Preparation, Operating Room Core area, Distribution, case cart operations and all other SPS processes functions for a wide variety of complex, medical, surgical, endoscopic and dental devices. Balance the training needs among employees in accordance with established work flow or job specialization, assures timely accomplishment of the assigned training. Monitor and report the status and progress of training to SPS management and adjusts curriculum according to established priorities.

Maintain current knowledge of policies, VA directives, International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) guidelines as well as knowledge of The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and Association of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Standards.

Must have a thorough knowledge of, and the ability to orient new staff, to a full range of: (1) Sets and trays used throughout the medical center, including those used in the operating room, and (2) medical/surgical terminology, microbiology, human anatomy, and physiology. You must also direct the cleaning priorities of contaminated reusable medical equipment from wards, operating rooms, and clinics and ensure staff inspects these items for damage and that they are in good working condition.

You are the resource for Medical Supply Technicians in the loading and operation of sterilizers such as Steam, Sterrad, Ethylene Oxide (ETO) and high-level disinfecting process as well as reprocessing of endoscopes. Will accommodate special and emergent training requirements through consultation and coordination with medical/surgical professional staff. You are the Sterile Processing Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the proper use, cleaning, and sterilization of AME and any problems that may arise.

Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for current and new equipment. Incumbent prepares, reviews, provides training, conducts competency assessments, maintain employee training records and CEU tracking for all SPS staff. Incumbent maintains currency of SOP's and all applicable manufacturer's instructions for reprocessing / sterilization. Will assess learning needs and develop learning plans with strategies/objectives that meet the needs of staff as well as the service. Will develop and assess competencies according to establish guidelines and maintain a competency assessment schedule that assures timely and complete assessments that are well documented.

Prepare and conduct in-services for all SPS technicians on current, new instrumentation, equipment and new technology as it is developed. Provide extensive training in such areas as the use and functioning of new surgical supplies, instruments and equipment. Training sessions may include video tapes, lectures, hospital magazines and literature. Will maintain communications with manufacturer representatives, e.g. instruction for use (IFU), alerts and recalls, and professional organizations for SPS.

Responsible for disseminating the training to Medical Supply Technicians and assessing for comprehension and the correct application of training as well as monitoring of ongoing competency. Responsible for the orientation of new Medical Supply Technicians, maintaining the orientation documentation/folder, and reporting results to management on a weekly basis , as necessary or requested.

Work Schedule: Full-time Rotating Shifts, Nights and weekends.
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #:Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Trainer/PD000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• 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 Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  

  • Resume

  
  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Diploma/ GED
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • OF-306
  • Other Application Documentation
  • VA Application 10-2850c, (Current within 90 days)
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Proof of Marriage Status
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

  
  VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.
  
  "Note: 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans preference to external applicants for appointments made from this announcement."
  
  Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/30/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11961993.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

  • Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

  
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

  Agency contact information

  VISN 17 SSU USAS Group

  Email

  VISN17SSUUSAS@va.gov

  Address

  Audie L Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital
  7400 Merton Minter Boulevard
  San Antonio, TX 78229
  US

  Next steps

  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
  
  NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

This vacancy announcement is open to the Public. If you are a current, permanent Department of Veterans Affairs employee or other Federal agency employee please apply to announcement CAZM-11961992-23-GC.