Sterile Processing Technician Lead

Position Summary

To provide on-site support, training, and communication regarding the reprocessing of surgical instruments and trays to contracted facilities in compliance with the Department of Health, TJC, OSHA, CDC, AAMI and AORN standards and facilities goals and policies. Provides clinical operations support to customer facility pertaining to contracted management service and assists Manager, Sterile Processing to lead daily operations in the Sterile Processing Department.

Duties

• Supports daily operations of all activities that relate to the reprocessing of reusable medical supplies and instrumentation including decontamination, cleaning, assembly, wrapping, sterilization, and storage processes within all set professional standards and regulations. Assists Manager I, Sterile Processing to ensure proper operational procedures are followed by all members of the Steris IMS team.
• Collaborates with STERIS IMS Manager I, Sterile Processing for scheduling new STERIS IMS employee orientation, on-the-job training, in-service education and STERIS IMS or facility quality assurance programs when needed.
• Understands and promotes concepts of the Lean work environment as demonstrated through the proper use of the STERIS IMS Production Board.
• Responsible for directing department workflow based on Lean concepts.
• Schedules daily staff assignments.
• Supports and adheres to STERIS IMS policies and procedures and supports policies and procedures of facility.
• Refers all decisions beyond personal scope of responsibilities to STERIS IMS leadership.
• Reports broken instrumentation and equipment and communicates low par levels of SPD consumable supplies.
• Communicates to STERIS IMS leadership all non-compliance with regulatory and safety issues.
• Leads and participates in in-services and educational offerings provided by STERIS IMS in the facility.
• Promotes best demonstrated practices with co-workers through open communication and continuous improvement of skills.
• Maintains a professional relationship with all facility departments to ensure effective, efficient support to the patient caregivers.
• Answers and responds to calls from the OR and other end-users during assigned shift.
• Demonstrates and ensures proper care and handling of all hospital property including instrumentation, durable medical equipment and disposable supplies.

Duties - cont'd

• Assists in providing timely resolution to facility issues or concerns.
• Established ability to complete complex tasks based on applied knowledge under minimal supervision
• Able to work on complex and very critical processes and react to urgent needs to ensure OR needs are met – ability to delegate to technicians appropriately
• Able to perform assembly on all instrument trays and sets with proficiency.
• Possess a detailed understanding of instruments and department equipment including special/complex set components.
• Ability to troubleshoot missing instrument replacements and anticipate tray needs for specials cases/unplanned cases.
• Completes documentation required by STERIS IMS related to Standard Operating Procedures or facility policies.
• Acts as a mentor/coach to Sterile Processing Technicians and may provide on-the-spot performance related feedback, when applicable.
• Must be able to assist with training of new employees and/or re-training for specific Standard Operating Procedures.
• Use established policies and procedures to complete work assignments
• Clearly communicate work flow in the department with technicians and leadership
• Communicate gaps/needs in department (staffing levels, trays, instrument, supply needs to leadership)
• Assist in gathering and interpreting data for metrics

Education Degree

Required Experience

A high school diploma or equivalent required. Completion of a Sterile Processing/Surgical Technologist program preferred.

3+ years of SPD experience with demonstrated proficiency in all SPD Technician responsibilities, including a solid proficiency and ability to work independently with all tray sets.

CRCST/ CSPDT, CST or CER/CFER, CST certification is required. Must also obtain CIS/CSIS, CHL/CSPM or STERIS Assessment certification within 6 months of hire.

Able to perform all job requirements of a Technician I, II and III.

Must demonstrate “mentor” status in applicable specialty area(s) via competency assessment within 6 months of hire

Satisfactory performance, validation of skill level and ability to lead others in daily tasks and work flow required. Productivity, quality and attendance must meet company standards.

Preferred Experience

• Completion of a Sterile Processing/Surgical Technologist program preferred.

Skills