Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

About the role

The Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) works in the Sterile Processing Service at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center under the direct supervision of the Assistant Chief. The incumbent delegates assignments, monitors timeliness and quality of work, evaluates performance, serves as a subject matter expert for sterile processing, and works in support of the SPS management team.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements

• United States Citizenship (non‑citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited per VA policy)
• Equivalent combination of experience and education qualifying for entry level
• Proficiency in spoken and written English (per VA Qualification Standard, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j)
• May qualify under the Grandfathering Provision (applicable only to current VHA employees in this occupation who meet criteria)
• Required to complete 400 hours of hands‑on reprocessing experience for the VHA Sterile Processing Services (SPS) certification exam by VA medical facility SPS leadership, or hold a nationally recognized certification, within 1 year of appointment

Grade Determinations – GS‑08 Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑07, including: distributing and prioritizing workload; assuring even workflow; revising work schedules; assigning work based on experience and training needs; monitoring and reporting work status; reviewing work in progress or spot‑checking to ensure compliance with instructions on sequence, procedures, methods, and deadlines; assessing quality and quantity of cleaning, reprocessing, and distribution of technical medical equipment, material, and instrumentation
• Demonstrated KSAs:
  • Ability to manage, interact, and deal with individuals of varying backgrounds
  • Ability to direct staff and manage tasks to completion
  • Ability to oversee and supervise all aspects of decontamination, preparation, sterilization, monitoring, and distribution of reusable medical equipment (RME)
  • Ability to perform a full range of supervisory duties: assigning, planning, evaluating work; recommending awards; approving leave; identifying training needs; resolving staff issues

Preferred Experience: Minimum 3 years of Sterile Processing Service experience in a charge capacity; must hold Certified Registered Medical Supply Technician (CRMST), Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), or International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) certification.

Full performance level: GS‑08. Actual selection grade range: GS‑08.

Physical Requirements: In accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Responsibilities

• Works in support of the Sterile Processing Service management team
• Oversight of all QA and process improvement in Sterile Processing Service
• Monitoring and documentation (biologic, temperature/humidity, SOP compliance) and reporting to SPS leadership and oversight committees
• Serves as subject matter expert to guide staff through proper procedures
• Checks quality of work; monitors and reports on work status; ensures adherence to policies and procedures; reviews work in progress and spot‑checks work not requiring review; assesses quality and quantity of cleaning, reprocessing, and distribution of reusable medical devices (RMD), supplies; provides information to management on performance issues, assignment changes, and task completion
• Maintains familiarity with all SPS duties, standard operating procedures, and manufacturer guidelines; supports staff to complete work
• Covers the QA Coordinator during absences
• Creates high‑risk policies and protocols based on manufacturer instructions; completes employee competencies
• Completes work assignments with relative independence and minimal guidance; sets deadlines
• Assumes responsibility for work assignments per regulations; independently resolves most conflicts using considerable judgment and interpretation
• Possesses knowledge of area SOPs and high‑risk protocols related to SPS instruments
• Administrative responsibility for planning and directing work
• Oversees attendance and leave, including approval of sick/annual leave and vacation schedules
• Resolves informal employee complaints and deals with union representatives on personnel matters
• Provides technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the organizational unit

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–3:30 pm. Compressed/flexible schedules not available. Telework not available; this is not a virtual position.

Pay

Competitive salary with regular increases; a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (above minimum rate of the grade). Full performance level: GS‑08.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year (13–26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service.
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full‑time employees with total family income below $1