Summary The Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (MST) in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) works in support of the SPS management team, and is the first line supervisor for assigned staff. They distribute and prioritize workload among employees in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations. The supervisor has the ability to oversee all aspects of the decontamination, preparation, sterilization, monitoring, and distribution of Reusable Medical Devices (RMD). Responsibilities St. Louis VA is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans. The Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (MST) in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) works in support of the SPS management team, and is the first line supervisor for assigned staff. They distribute and prioritize workload among employees in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations. The Supervisory MST is responsible for all activities that occur in the department during their tour of duty and performed by their subordinates. The incumbent will serve as the subject matter expert and must have experience with highly complex processes to determine effectiveness of staff. Duties Include: Oversees and supervises all aspects of the decontamination, preparation, sterilization, monitoring, and distribution of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME). This includes receiving instruments and trays and processing through decontamination, assembly, sterilization and building case carts. Performs a full range of supervisor duties, including assigning, planning and evaluating work, recommending awards, identifying training needs, and resolving staff issues. Monitors the status of work being performed, and ensures all work adheres to established policies and procedures. Reviews work in progress and spot checks work not requiring review to ensure completed work meets the demands of the facility and quality standards. Assess the quality and quality of work by reviewing the cleaning, reprocessing, and distribution of RME processed. Initiates appropriate actions concerning employee injury, working conditions, safety, and replacement of equipment. Responsible for performance reviews, attendance approval, recognition, taking corrective action, and the hiring and termination of staff. Provides information to management officials concerning performance issues, assignment changes, and task completion. Incumbent alternates between contaminated and sterile environments throughout their tours, and must be the expert in determining the appropriate personal protective equipment that is necessary in all areas, Incumbent must ensure compliance of staff with those requirements. Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or internal/external customers. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, Rotating Shifts to include nights, weekends, and holidays (schedule is subject to change based on the needs of the facility). Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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 Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for 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: Must be proficient in both spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph3j, VA Handbook 5005/83 Part II, Appendix G47. Basic Experience: Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; OR Education: One year above high school 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. Grade Determinations: GS-08 Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-07, which includes: Assembles highly complex instrument sets including, but not limited to, open heart, major orthopedic total joint, cardiovascular, craniotomy and complex endoscopic instrumentation. Processes all complex endoscopic instrumentation to include those medical devices used in the gastroenterology laboratory, bronchoscopy laboratory, urology and operating room. Reviews manufacturer guidelines to ensure the correct methods and parameters are followed when cleaning, decontaminating and sterilizing RME. Troubleshoots and analyzes mechanical failures and makes necessary adjustments to complex decontamination and sterilization equipment, as well as interprets alarm conditions which may occur while operating the equipment. Informs management and healthcare staff when cleaning and processing standard operating procedures (SOPs) or instruction for use have been changed or updated to assure the changes have been validated to meet all guidelines. AND In addition to the experience above, you must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). If the experience is not detailed in your resume, then it is recommended to update your resume and/or include a separate document that speaks to the below list of KSAs. Ability to manage, interact and deal with individuals of varying backgrounds. Ability to direct staff and manage tasks to be completed. Ability to oversee and supervise all aspects of decontamination, preparation, sterilization, monitoring, and distribution of RME. Ability to perform a full range of supervisory duties, including assigning, planning and evaluating work, recommending awards, approving leave, identifying training needs, and resolving staff issues. This GS-8 vacancy is above the full-performance level. 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). References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47 Physical Requirements: The position requires long periods of standing, walking, bending and lifting. The employee usually stands and moves from one part of the department to another. There is a frequent requirement for lifting baskets of stainless steel instruments weighing in excess of 25 pounds from floor level to chest level. Dexterity and strength are required for lifting and positioning RME. The employee regularly pushes loaded carts weights several hundred pounds and loads them into elevators and through entryways. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and be able to shift priorities based on needs. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.