Department: Department of Veterans Affairs
Location(s): Tucson, Arizona
Salary Range: $64019 - $83229 Per Year
Job Summary: This position is located within Sterile Processing Service at the VA Southern Arizona Healthcare System, Within the Sterile Processing Service and requires an expert in the Decontamination, Preparation, Sterilization and Case Cart section of Sterile Processing. The incumbent must maintain knowledge of SPS SOPs which document the processes and procedures for the cleaning, decontamination, preparation, high-level disinfection, sterilization, and storage of the RMD reprocessed by SPS.
Major Duties:
Qualifications: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. Education/Experience: Experience: Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant' ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; OR, Education: One year above high school that includes 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; [Note: Experience satisfying this requirement may be paid/non-paid employment as a Medical Supply Technician. Please make sure that your experience is evident in your resume, and hours worked per week for each work experience entry is included, or your resume will be considered incomplete, and you will be considered "ineligible" for the position.] OR, Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Preferred Experience: At least one (1) year experience as a Medical Supply Technician, or related occupation, Certified by International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM), or Certified by Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, candidates must meet the following grade requirements. GS-7 Medical Supply Technician (Quality Assurance) Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level, Specialized experience is defined as, but not limited to: providing technical oversight and quality assurance for sterile processing functions: decontamination, preparation, high-level disinfection, and sterilization of critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME), which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment. In addition, candidates must meet the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 1. Knowledge of fact-finding and investigative techniques in order to evaluate work processes. 2. Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to correct quality control problems. 3. Knowledge of sterile processing operations, infection control procedures, and Joint Commission requirements to assess compliance during quality assurance reviews. 4. Ability to compile information, evaluate facts, document findings, and prepare reports. 5. Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques to maintain quality control. 6. Ability to effectively communicate with technical and professional staff on the proper use of delicate instruments and equipment and resolve problems that may occur. Assignment: The Medical Supply Technician (Quality Assurance) serves as the monitoring specialist for all activities of Sterile Processing Service, which includes the operating room case cart management system. Monitors the process of cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME. This includes following the use of bacteriological controls, principles and methods of sterilization, packaging, and assembly of simple to more complex items for therapeutic and surgical procedures. Develops procedures to evaluate the quality of work performance and outcomes as it relates to the quality assurance program. Maintains a system of internal and external reviews ensuring overall compliance of all critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME used within the medical center. Tracks and analyzes required documentation pertaining to critical, semi-critical and non-critical RME within the scope of SPS for quality control purposes. Utilizes qualitative analysis tools to prepare reports for trending, evaluate operations and facilitate improvements in workflow and quality processes. Troubleshoots computer programs related to SPS operations and trains staff on the inputting of data associated with the cleaning and sterilization of equipment, biological processing, and quality assurance programs. Collaborates with SPS management when deviations occur. Validates SPS policies on cleaning and sterilization as it relates to manufacturer information for use, standards and mandates. Updates the quality assurance program annually or when manufacturer information and guidelines are changed. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply and in other services and departments throughout the medical facility/campus. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty, and poorly lighted. The employee is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, Needle Sticks, and other injuries from handling equipment. The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of sterile products and packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. The employee wears special clothing, hair covers, personal protective equipment and shoe covers that can be uncomfortably warm. The employee uses insulated gloves to remove carts from sterilizers. The hazards of working around minute quantities of sterilizing gasses are unknown. The employee often works around body fluids, mucous, excretions and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts and operation of pre-sterilizing equipment.
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 11/19/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12832171. 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.
Application Deadline: 2025-11-19