Sterile Processing Supervisor

Sterile Processing Supervisor

The Sterile Processing Supervisor provides operational and technical leadership for the Sterile Processing Department (SPD), ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant reprocessing of surgical instruments and medical devices. This role directly supervises Lead Technicians, Sterile Processing Technicians I, II, III, and Non-Certified Technicians, and is responsible for daily workflow coordination, staff competency, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and customer service to perioperative and procedural areas. The Supervisor ensures adherence to regulatory standards, quality assurance measures, productivity expectations, and professional development of staff while supporting organizational and perioperative goals.

Education and Work Experience:

• Graduate of high school or GED equivalency required.
• Must be certified and maintain a certification in sterile processing form CRCST HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association) or CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution)
• Minimum of three (3) years of sterile processing experience in sterile processing and/or leadership role.
• Knowledge of sterilization principles, microbiology, and infection prevention practices.
• Knowledge of instrument names, functions, and specialty sets.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer proficiency for documentation and recordkeeping.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced certification (CIS, CER, CHL) preferred.
• Experience as a preceptor or trainer.
• Familiarity with electronic instrument tracking systems.

Physical Requirements:

• Mobility & Posture
• Standing: Continuous
• Sitting: Continuous
• Walking: Continuous
• Climbing stairs: Infrequent
• Working indoors: Continuous
• Working outdoors (temperature extremes): Infrequent
• Working from elevated areas: Frequent
• Working in confined/cramped spaces: Frequent
• Kneeling: Infrequent
• Bending at the waist: Continuous
• Twisting at the waist: Frequent
• Squatting: Frequent
• Manual Dexterity & Strength
• Pinching operations: Frequent
• Gross motor use (fingers/hands): Continuous
• Firm grasping (fingers/hands): Continuous
• Fine manipulation (fingers/hands): Continuous
• Reaching overhead: Frequent
• Reaching in all directions: Continuous
• Repetitive motion (hands/wrists/elbows/shoulders): Continuous
• Full use of both legs: Continuous
• Balance & coordination (lower extremities): Frequent
• Lifting & Force Requirements
• Lift/carry 50 lbs. unassisted: Infrequent
• Lift/lower 50 lbs. from floor to 36": Infrequent
• Lift up to 25 lbs. overhead: Infrequent
• Exert up to 50 lbs. of force: Frequent
• Examples:
• Transfer 100 lb. non-ambulatory patient = 50 lbs. force
• Push 400 lb. patient in wheelchair on carpet = 20 lbs. force
• Push patient stretcher one-handed = 25 lbs. force
• Vision & Sensory
• Maintain corrected vision 20/40 (one or both eyes): Continuous
• Recognize objects (near/far): Continuous
• Color discrimination: Continuous
• Depth perception: Continuous
• Peripheral vision: Continuous
• Hearing acuity (with correction): Continuous
• Tactile sensory function: Continuous
• Gross motor with fine motor coordination: Continuous
• Selected Positions:
• Olfactory (smell) function: Continuous
• Respirator use qualification: Continuous
• Work Environment & Conditions
• Effective stress management: Continuous
• Rotating shifts: Frequent
• Overtime as required: Frequent
• Latex-safe environment: Continuous