Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

The Medical Supply Technician (MST) for Sterile Processing Service (SPS) Central Virginia VA Health Care System is responsible for the decontamination inspection correct assembly proper sterilization and distribution of reusable medical devices (RMD) throughout the facility.

Duties include but not limited to:

• Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD) in the decontamination area.
• Disassembles RMD and determines the correct cleaning method such as (but not limited to) ultrasonic cleaners mechanical washers/disinfectors cart washers and chemical cleaning and decontamination agents as determined by manufacturer instructions.
• In preparation area the incumbent inspects assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization to include but not limited to the following: steam low temperature sterilization and high-level disinfection.
• Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment.
• Processes critical and semi-critical RMD according to manufacturers instructions standard operating procedures and directions from the Office of Sterile Processing.
• Receives items and correctly organizes them on shelves ensuring that rotation of stock using First In - First Out (FIFO) method.
• Transports RMD as necessary throughout the facility. The incumbent must also have a working knowledge of microbiology quality control and distinguishing between various reusable medical devices.
• The individual is accountable to maintain SPS standards for the practice of all services that contributes to the fulfillment of the mission.

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• To be considered for this position you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the 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.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

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.
• Experience and/or Education
  • Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicants ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or
  • Education. One year above high 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.

• Grandfathering Provision. All MSTs that are employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it the following provisions apply:
  • (1) Employees grandfathered into the GS-622 occupational series as MSTs may be reassigned promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level or changed to lower grade within the occupation.
  • (2) MSTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
  • (3) MSTs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.

• 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.

• Endoscope Reprocessing
• Certification in sterile processing preferred