Sterile Processing Technician

Job Summary Under direct/indirect supervision, follows approved infection control, quality assurance and departmental policies and procedures. The technician collects, cleans, decontaminates, disinfects and/or sterilizes surgical instruments, trays and packs, reusable medical devices and patient care equipment for inpatient nursing and medical office departments. Duties include inventorying, restocking, and distributing instruments and supplies throughout the medical center. The role involves processing inpatient operating room instruments and may assist with departmental in‑services and training. Candidates must hold current CS/SPD Certification issued by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materials Management. Essential Responsibilities Infection Control: adheres to hand washing requirements, workflow patterns, standard precautions, sterility assurance, biological monitoring, and dress code. Quality Assurance Monitoring: validates and maintains event‑related protocols; disinfection and/or sterilization load parameters and records; inventory check sheets; and equipment monitoring. Documentation: meets regulatory requirements for sterilization, high‑level disinfection, biological monitoring, and employee competencies and accurately documents daily records of all QA and sterilization functions. Policies and Procedures: adheres to organizational and departmental policies and procedures. Staff Development: participates in department employee orientation, meetings, evaluation and competency programs; maintains current certification; may assist in departmental in‑services and training. Decontamination Skills: wears personal protective equipment, inspects, disassembles, sorts, cleans, and processes reusable instrumentation and equipment; selects and operates specialized cleaning equipment; follows manufacturer recommendations and device cleaning guidelines; maintains adequate cleaning supplies; and, as designated, reprocesses endoscopes. Instrumentation Assembly: identifies, inspects, and assembles all general and specialty instruments, power equipment, laser and endoscopic instruments per specifications and manufacturer recommendations. Preparation and Packaging: selects and prepares packaging materials for the sterilization of reusable instrumentation according to manufacturer guidelines. Principles of Sterilization: selects appropriate sterilization methods, maintains accurate records, properly loads and unloads cart items, and verifies that sterilization parameters have been met before distribution. Equipment and Supply Management: collects, cleans, checks, distributes, and tracks patient care equipment; orders patient care equipment as needed; inventories assigned supply areas and rotates stock; stocks general and surgical carts; reports malfunctioning equipment to appropriate departments. Workplace Safety: demonstrates awareness of personal and work area safety, complies with facility safety policies, takes corrective actions when hazards are identified, and attends required safety training. Professionalism: demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills, supports teamwork, maintains professional work ethics, adheres to posted work schedules, assists with in‑services and training, supports departmental computer programs, and may assume interdepartmental liaison responsibilities. No supervisory responsibilities are included in this position. Basic Qualifications One year of experience in instrument processing and knowledge of medical terminology and reusable surgical instrumentation, including power equipment and micro‑surgical devices. Proficiency with sterilization equipment (washers, ultrasonic, steam, gas, chemical sterilizer) and patient care equipment cleaning (IV pumps, feeding pumps, pneumatic pumps, CPM machines, PCA, hypo/hyperthermia units). Knowledge of sterilization monitoring, record keeping, and quality assurance protocols. Ability to read, comprehend, and follow complex instructions and departmental policies; ability to write simple correspondence; ability to present information in one‑on‑one and small group settings. Effective oral and written communication skills with co‑workers, internal and external customers. Willingness to work in a Labor Management Partnership environment. Education and Certification High School Diploma or GED. Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution – Ambulatory Surgery Technician Certification, Instrument Specialist Certificate, Registered Central Service Technician Certificate, Technician Certification, Flex Endoscope Reprocessor Certificate, Surgical Instrument Processor Certificate, or equivalent. Preferred Qualifications Computer skills related to departmental functions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability status. Eligible applicants will pass a background check and drug screen in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr