Job Details

Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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 English Language Proficiency:Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Regulations 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-06 (Full Performance Level) Experience One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade leve (GS-5) Specialized experience may include: Experience with contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area Ability to disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, and high level disinfecting scope reprocessors.In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures OR, Education Four academic years above high school leading to a Bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation or a Bachelor's degree Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit Physical Requirements: 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 employee Is subject to burns from accidentally touching hot items 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, Strong, unpleasant odors are encountered while decontaminating bloody or grossly contaminated instrumentation or reusable medical equipment The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts and operation of pre-sterilizing equipment. a25371ca-cde7-4fb6-ba87-2cf40b156c8b