Lead Sterile Processing Technician

Sterile Processing Department Lead Technician

Under the direction of the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) Supervisor, the SPD Lead Technician is responsible for the day-to-day workflow and provides work direction to SPD employees. Acts as a resource to employees, which includes training/orienting, providing day-to-day work direction, and giving input on performance. Assigns, monitors, and reviews progress and accuracy of work, directs efforts, and provides guidance on more complex issues. Assists with human resource responsibilities, which may include interviewing and selection of new employees, orientation, staff development, providing performance feedback, and resolution of employee concerns.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as a resource to staff in the cleaning, disinfecting, processing, and assembly of instruments and equipment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of high-level disinfection to include various types of equipment (maintains daily log, testing efficacy of disinfecting solution with each cycle, performs biological tests, test strips quality control checks, and completes log, as per department established procedure).
• Inspects, assembles, packages, and sterilizes medical devices following manufacturer's recommendations and established procedure.
• Loads and operates Olympus OER according to established policies and procedures, documents the contents and processing information according to departmental policy.
• Ensures that Sterile Processing Microsystems (SPM) Instrument Tracking System scanning protocols are followed consistently at each step in the disinfection process to accurately track equipment throughout the High-Level Disinfection process and to identify equipment and instruments throughout the institute.
• Performs monitoring of all processes that affect the achievement of high-level disinfection to include mechanical, chemical, and biological as well as procedures for lot control and traceability according to AAMI standards.
• Sorts mismatched sets of instruments, trays, and medical equipment and makes them available to sterile processing customers in a timely manner.
• Assists with instrumentation inventory management (repairs, replacements, and back up instrumentation).
• Verifies that equipment functions properly, requisitions for equipment repairs and removes defective equipment from use.
• Performs environmental maintenance duties and assists in maintaining inventory levels in sterile processing, code cart room, and in equipment storage areas.
• Restocks, labels, and maintains inventory, submits requisitions, collects, and distributes instruments, trays, emergency carts, code carts, and facility medical equipment.
• Monitors and maintains emergency/code cart expiration database to include reusable and disposable product.
• Delivers linens to assigned storage locations as required.
• Performs lab coat fittings and submits lab coat orders to uniform supplier as required.
• Participates in department quality improvement/performance improvement processes.
• Assists with monitoring staff attendance and coordinating breaks.
• Serves as the main point of contact in the absence of SPM Supervisor.
• Provides department operational support between campuses (Chestnut Hill or Longwood) as required.
• Performs the duties of SPM Technician as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of principles and recommended practice of cleaning and high-level disinfection (HLD) of flexible endoscopes and probes.
• Knowledge of principles and recommended practice of utilizing the automated endoscope processor and/or manual HLD and associated record keeping.
• Knowledge and understanding of the distribution systems utilized by the department.
• Knowledge of principles and recommended practice of steam sterilization and associated record keeping.
• Effective problem-solving skills to include data analysis and judgment to make effective decisions.
• Good verbal and written communication skills (in English) being concise by phone and in person.

Minimum Job Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 2 years of Central Sterile experienced required.
• Sterile Processing Lead Technician experience preferred.
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification through Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD) required.
• Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) certification through HSPA or CBSPD required within one year of hire date.
• Certified Healthcare Leadership (CHL) through HSPA or CBSPD required within one year of hire date.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.