SUMMARY

The Lead Medical Supply Technician (MST) works in support of the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) management team. Distributes and prioritizes workload among employees in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations. Assures an even workflow and distribution of the workload. Revises work schedules to meet anticipated and unanticipated changes in the workload. Assigns work to staff based on experience and training needs. Monitors and reports on the status of work.

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.
• Experience and/or Education:
• 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.

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).

• Certification. None.
• Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs.
• English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.

Grade Determinations:GS-7

EXPERIENCE.

One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
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 bachelor’s degree.

IN ADDITION TO THE EXPERIENCE OR EDUCATION ABOVE,

The candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:

• Ability to instruct staff on the correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments.
• Skill in communicating with staff to ensure compliance with written directives, rules and regulations.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers.
• Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures.
• Ability to lead individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.

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/.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. YOUR APPLICATION, RESUME, C.V., AND/OR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION WILL BE VERIFIED. PLEASE FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. ERRORS OR OMISSIONS MAY AFFECT CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate’s abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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.

DUTIES

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Serves as Lead Medical Supply Technician and works independently under the supervision of the Chief of Sterile Processing Services (SPS) section of Office of Patient Care Services (OPCS).
• Leads employees in the collection, receipt, inspection and decontamination processing of soiled supplies, instruments, equipment, and apparatus to include complex diagnostic equipment and medical apparatus.
• Has complete knowledge of the decontamination process for transporting, cleaning/disinfecting, and sterilization of RME used in patient care.
• Has complete knowledge of the four types of sterilization processes used by healthcare facilities: steam sterilization, Low Temperature Gas Plasma Hydrogen Peroxide, dry heat, and chemical sterilization.
• Knows factors that affect the process of sterilization and the maintenance of sterility, as well as the specific procedures that should be followed for all types of in-hospital sterilization processes.
• Interprets all mechanical printouts from sterilization equipment to validate that sterilization of RME are within acceptable parameters.
• Performs quality assurance activities including monitoring biological and chemical indicators and integrators, Bowie dick tests, time/temperature graphs (if applicable), and ensuring appropriate RME checks are documented after sterilization or reprocessing.
• Assists with coordinating all SPS distribution activities with other administrative, professional, and clinical components of the Medical Center.
• Understands event/time related sterility, package integrity, stock arrangement, and rotation.
• Has thorough knowledge of the various types of distribution systems, as well as delivery methods, distribution work practices, and recordkeeping methods which includes the overall management of SPS stocked inventory.
• Possess a valid driver’s license for distribution of supplies and equipment to outlying buildings and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).
• Monitors and maintains inventory distribution system consistent with consumer demands. Incumbent must establish and maintain an accurate medical equipment tracking system.
• Ensures procedures are followed when filling requests for items bases on daily schedules of needs or on individual requisitions.
• Ensures procedures and policies are followed for operating GSA vehicles when delivering requested items to the ward/clinic areas.
• Manages the receipt of new supplies, and checks deliveries for quality and quantity.
• Manages and controls storage items in accordance with inventory systems and assist with inventory.
• Knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets.
• Knowledge of event-related packaging in regard to sterility.
• Knowledge of surgical instrumentation used in operating rooms and clinical 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 regard to instrumentation.
• Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.
• Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating room and clinic settings.
• Ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets.
• In-depth knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing to convey information and thoughts to others.
• Ability to use and enter Data within the Instrument Tracking Software System.

Work Schedule: Variable shifts to include evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 593-00251-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcrip

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 09/10/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12788651.

• 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