Educator & Quality Assurance Specialist - Sterile Processing - Galveston

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Associate’s degree in related field or 7 years experience as supervisor with a background in Instrument Processing.

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)

• CHL Certification in Healthcare Leadership (IAHCSMM)

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• Five years recent leadership experience in the Sterile Processing or Operating Room

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician Certification (CRCST)

• Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS)

JOB SUMMARY:
The Educator and Quality Assurance Specialist for the Sterile Processing Department works to promote the development of a motivated and cohesive team and supports educational strategies to enhance staff knowledge with respect to processing practices and service delivery. Supporting the Central Sterile Reprocessing operations and ensuring compliance and standardization, the Educator/QA Specialist has responsibility to monitor and improve the processes used at the University of Texas Medical Branch Sterile Processing Department. This role will also have responsibility to audit High Level Disinfection procedures within the department to ensure that all polices and best practices regarding instrument reprocessing and sterilization are being followed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develops and implements a comprehensive orientation and education program for Sterile Processing staff.

• Provides the technical expertise regarding standards and best practices in the field of sterile reprocessing especially as it relates to all appropriate regulatory agencies who govern those standards.

• Monitors all Sterile Processing Department quality systems and performs necessary audits for compliance practices, instrument sets in the Decontamination area, Assembly, Sterilization, Storage, and Case Cart preparation.

• Audits the flow of instruments from SPD, through surgical procedures in the O.R. and back to SPD Decontam, making recommendations for improvement throughout the process.

• Actively participates in service failure investigations, identifying root causes, developing and leading implementation of corrective actions, and conducting postimplementation reviews within the department.

• Work with all departments and campuses to maintain proper documentation for the washers and sterilization testing and operating processes.

• Performs auditing of high level disinfection processes for all Sterile Processing Departments at UTMB. Responsible for the systematic measurement, auditing and reporting of performance results and internal improvements in quality.

• Collaborates with SPD front line staff and supervisors to resolve issues associated with processes within SPD (Included but not limited to work flow, equipment restrictions, etc.)

• Coordinates education/in-service schedules for Sterile Processing staff.

• Serves as an interdepartmental liaison to assess operational educational needs.

• Participates in collaborative interdepartmental approaches to develop and enhance an integrated system of care, as appropriate.

• Assists with the coordination of all joint operations for the program with both internal and external sources. Works with other campus departments to establish collaborative programs.

• Works with department managers, Infection Control and administration to establish quality standards and practices.

• Maintains the quality assurance and performance standards programs for all campuses.

• Assists the departmental Manager in identifying and evaluating the need for new equipment, supplies, communication services, and information services for all areas of the program.

• Utilizes Incident Reporting system for trending areas in need of improvement.

• Follows up on incident report communications

• Conducts and incorporates an annual needs assessment for competency of staff.

SALARY RANGE:

Actual commensurate with experience.