Sterile Processing Specialist

Job description

Under direct supervision, cares, handles and stores instruments, supplies and equipment necessary for surgery and processed goods for redistribution throughout the Medical Center. Assists Sterile Processing Specialists with various team lead duties, such as maintaining competencies.
GBMC HealthCare is seeking dedicated Sterile Processing Specialists to join our team. In this role, you will play a critical part in ensuring the safe processing, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instruments, endoscopes, and medical equipment that directly support patient care throughout the organization.
Whether you are an experienced Sterile Processing professional or an emerging technician looking to advance your skills, we offer opportunities to grow within a collaborative and patient-focused environment.
Position Summary
The Sterile Processing Specialist is responsible for the decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instrumentation and medical supplies. This position supports the Operating Room, Woman’s outpatient center , many other clinical departments throughout the hospital by ensuring instruments are processed accurately in accordance with regulatory requirements, infection prevention standards, IFU’s, and departmental procedures.
Sterile Processing Specialist II is advanced level position requiring demonstrated technical proficiency, independent decision making, and the ability to serve as a resource for their team members. Specialist II’s may assume additional responsibilities related to inventory, specialty trays, mentoring, troubleshooting, and helping the lead when applicable.
Education
• High School Diploma or GED required
• Associate Degree preferred
• Completion of an accredited Central Sterile Processing Program required

Experience
Sterile Processing Specialist I
• Sterile Processing, healthcare, instrumentation, or related experience preferred

Sterile Processing Specialist II
• Minimum of two (2) years of Sterile Processing or instrumentation experience required
• Demonstrated proficiency in decontamination, assembly, sterilization, instrumentation management, and workflow coordination
• Demonstrated ability to independently identify and resolve routine instrumentation and workflow issues

Licensure & Certifications
Required
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification

Required for Specialist II
• Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) certification

Skills & Abilities
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate and prioritize workload
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities
• Knowledge of sterilization, decontamination, and infection prevention practices
• Analytical skills necessary to identify instrumentation issues and perform minor preventative maintenance
• Proficiency with computer systems and software applications including Microsoft Office and instrument tracking systems (i.e SPM)
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with surgical teams and clinical staff
• Ability to demonstrate accountability for assigned responsibilities and workload
• Ability to adapt to changing surgical schedules, staffing needs, and departmental priorities

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
• Perform decontamination, inspection, assembly, and sterilization of various instruments and trays according to the department standards.
• Select and prepare appropriate packaging materials; accurately label and document sterilized items.
• Operate, monitor, clean, test, and troubleshoot sterilization equipment.
• Perform and document chemical, biological, and mechanical sterilization monitoring.
• Accurately pick supplies, instruments, and equipment according to surgeon preference cards for scheduled, add-on, and emergency procedures.
• Deliver supplies, instruments, and case carts to procedural areas in a timely manner.
• Support cleanliness and infection prevention standards throughout the department.
• Ensure timely completion of workload and adapt to changing surgical schedules and departmental needs.
• Maintain required continuing education credits and professional certifications.
• Participate in departmental education, competency validation, and performance improvement activities.

Additional Responsibilities for Specialist II
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and workflow issues impacting surgical readiness.
• Assemble specialty instrumentation.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and assist with implementation efforts.
• Assist with departmental projects, organization initiatives, and performance improvement activities.
• Assist the leads when needed.
• Demonstrate initiative by anticipating departmental needs and communicating potential issues before they impact workflow or patient care.
• Serve as a positive role model for professionalism, teamwork, accountability, communication, and department standards.

Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 80% of the workday
• Frequent handwashing and use of personal protective equipment
• Ability to lift, push, and pull instruments and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Ability to maintain concentration and attention to detail for extended periods

Working Conditions
• Exposure to noise from sterilizers and processing equipment
• Exposure to water, detergents, disinfectants, and cleaning agents
• Exposure to contaminated instruments, sterilizing solutions, and high-pressure steam while utilizing appropriate safety measures and protective equipment
• Frequent interaction with Operating Room and other clinical personnel in a fast-paced environment

Conditions of Employment
• Maintain required certifications and continuing education credits in accordance with national certification standards and departmental requirements.

Join our team and help ensure the highest standards of patient safety and surgical excellence.
Pay Range
$17.64 - $27.48
Final salary offer will be based on the candidate's qualifications, education, experience and alignment with our organizational needs.
Equal Employment Opportunity
GBMC HealthCare and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.