Sterile Processing Specialist IV

Sterile Processing Specialist

Contributes to the assessment and standardization of technical and performance requirements for all instrument and scope processing within a service area in coordination with managers. Provides consultation to department leaders on clinical and technological advances that impact sterile processing procedures. Supports the development and refinement of sterile processing policies and procedures and works with supervisors and managers on audits of sterile processing performance. Develops knowledge of new technologies and instrument selections and trains others on waste prevention and cost reduction strategies. Develops and implements staff trainings on sterile processing techniques and procedures, evaluating training needs and identifying opportunities for service improvement. Partners with other departments and units to ensure efficient, safe, and effective instrument and equipment availability. Promotes and directs compliance with applicable regulations and requirements, contributing to regular audits for compliance with relevant regulations and policies and providing support to supervisors and managers on the development and implementation of corrective action plans for compliance concerns.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Promotes learning in others by proactively providing and/or developing information, resources, advice, and expertise with coworkers and members; builds relationships with cross-functional/external stakeholders and customers. Listens to, seeks, and addresses performance feedback; proactively provides actionable feedback to others and to managers. Pursues self-development; creates and executes plans to capitalize on strengths and develop weaknesses; leads by influencing others through technical explanations and examples and provides options and recommendations. Adopts new responsibilities; adapts to and learns from change, challenges, and feedback; demonstrates flexibility in approaches to work; champions change and helps others adapt to new tasks and processes. Facilitates team collaboration to support a business outcome.
• Completes work assignments autonomously and supports business-specific projects by applying expertise in subject area and business knowledge to generate creative solutions; encourages team members to adapt to and follow all procedures and policies. Collaborates cross-functionally and/or externally to achieve effective business decisions; provides recommendations and solves complex problems; escalates high-priority issues or risks, as appropriate; monitors progress and results. Supports the development of work plans to meet business priorities and deadlines; identifies resources to accomplish priorities and deadlines. Identifies, speaks up, and capitalizes on improvement opportunities across teams; uses influence to guide others and engages stakeholders to achieve appropriate solutions.
• Contributes to sterile processing knowledge development for the department by: developing and implementing staff trainings on sterile processing techniques and procedures; evaluating training needs and identifying opportunities to improve sterile processing services; and participating in regional and national sterile processing committees to represent the region and develop expertise.
• Guides equipment inventory management by: developing knowledge of new technologies and instrumentation selections that reduce costs and/or advance quality of care; training technicians and staff on procedures to prevent wasted supplies/resources and reduce costs; and providing purchasing recommendations based on advanced knowledge of products/technology.
• Leads the sterilization and processing of equipment by: contributing to the assessment and standardization of technical and performance requirements for all instrument and scope processing within a service area in coordination with managers; providing consultation to department leaders on clinical and technological advances that impact sterile processing procedures; supporting the development and refinement of sterile processing policies and procedures to meet organizational needs in collaboration with departmental leaders; and working with supervisors and managers to conduct audits to identify gaps between sterile processing performance standards and actual performance and implementing corrective action plans based on audit results to improve processes.
• Supports regulatory compliance by: promoting and directing standards of practice and regulatory compliance based on industry standards and relevant requirements and policies; contributing to regular audits within the department and/or multiple sites or service areas for compliance with relevant regulations and policies; providing support to supervisors and managers to develop and implement corrective action plans for compliance concerns; and staying informed on developments in regulations/policies and best practices.