DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

• Assists in overseeing and directing the work flow of the Sterile Processing Technicians on assigned shift as well as equipment and supply issues in work area in accordance with established policies, procedures and Association of Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)/ Association of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) standards. Provides input into the staff evaluations and assists with staff development on shift, as appropriate. Acts as a role model and resource to peers and other members of the health care team related to processing of equipment, instruments, and supplies.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Oversees and provides daily work direction to Sterile Processing Technicians responsible for inspecting, disinfecting, assembling, processing and distributing patient care instruments, equipment and supplies.
• Assist with staff assignments to maintain adequate workflow to meet changing needs on a daily basis.
• Assist manager with performance evaluations, goal setting, and performance improvement. Acts as a role model and resource to peers and provides mentoring and support to subordinate staff to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
• Performs the functions of a Sterile Processing Technician including inspecting, disinfecting, assembling, processing and distributing patient care instruments, equipment, and supplies.
• Accurately differentiates between instrument functionality and its specialty. Monitors performance of sterilizers, ultrasonic, washer disinfectors and other equipment.
• Assists in the education of new sterile processing techs in the department.
• Communicates effectively with all team members to include OR staff, vendors, surgeons, and all customers of the sterile processing department.
• Utilizes the surgery schedule to anticipate instrumentation and equipment needs in advance.
• Other duties assigned.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• High school graduate or GED
• A minimum of four years of experience in sterile processing operations preferred.
• Certification in sterile processing, either CBSPD or CRCST, strongly preferred and encouraged at time of hire.
• Duties assigned are generally complex. Work assignment is performed within an established framework under general instructions but requires simultaneous coordination of assigned functions or projects in various states of completion.
• Expected to carry assignments through to completion with substantial independence.
• Minimal computer skills.
• Ability to read, write and speak intelligible English; Strong quantitative, analytical, and organizational skills; Ability to communicate orally and in written form. Must be detail oriented.
• Requires emotional stability and maturity; Must be adaptable to change, be decisive, and demonstrate foresight; Exhibits organizational and leadership ability. Must be team oriented with strong interpersonal skills.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Work involves a variety of physical activities including sitting, frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling and lifting.
• Must have normal hearing or utilize adaptive hearing devices.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.