Surgical Technician

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specialized experience within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR): Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. GS-7 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-6 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA’s) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized Experience includes: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-06 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Prepare, organize, and maintain highly complex sterile surgical setups; Follow all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment; Plans and discuss each procedure with surgical professionals to determine proper positioning and assurance of all supplies/equipment are available; Assist surgical team with patient positioning, and setting up the operative field; Monitor and maintain sterile practice throughout surgical procedure. OR, Education: Successfully completed one (1) full year of graduate education (18 semester hours) or an internship in course matter that must include courses directly related to the work of the surgical technician position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation Preferred experience: 1 year of current surgical scrub experience. CST certification is a plus. Knowledge of sterile technique and vast experience in general surgery and orthopedic spine procedures. NOTE: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. 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.
This position is located in Nursing Service, Boise VA Medical Center, Boise, ID. The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the surgical team, provides assistance and support to the surgeon and operating room surgical team during procedures. Participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementation complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team. Recruitment Incentive MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidate.