Certified Sterilization Technician

Care New England; Warwick; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in the United Kingdom seeks a Sterile Processing Technician responsible for decontamination, cleaning, and sterilization of surgical instruments. The role requires knowledge of sterilizers and cleaning protocols, coordination with surgical teams, and adherence to safety standards. Candidates should have HSPA CRCST certification and skills in inventory management and communication. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-quality patient care in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 6 months of Surgical Services experience preferred.
• Required to have HSPA CRCST certification.
• High school degree or equivalent required.
• Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminate, clean, inspect and assemble surgical instrumentation.
• Operate sterilizers and maintain accurate records.
• Inspect instruments for cleanliness, function and wear.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain for surgical case supplies.
• Participate in and lead process improvement initiatives.

Skills

Inventory management

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team leadership

Education

HSPA CRCST certification

High school degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Primary Function

Responsible for decontamination, cleaning, processing, distribution, storage and sterilization of surgical instrumentation in the Sterile Processing area. Instrument/equipment knowledge and interaction with surgeons, nurses, and OR team is vital to ensure proper products are available at the time of surgery.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Decontaminate, clean, inspect, process and assemble surgical instrumentation for the Operating Room, Sterile Processing area, and durable patient care equipment.
• Understand, operate, and be responsible for pre‑vacuum/gravity steam sterilizers, washer/decontaminators, automatic endoscope reprocessors and perform high level disinfection. Test sterilizers and maintain accurate records.
• Disinfect video scopes/auxiliary equipment through special manual washing techniques and operation of pre‑programmed fully automated system/washer. Conduct visual inspection and operational testing of video scopes/some auxiliary equipment.
• Possess an understanding of cleaning protocols for all instruments used in the Operating Room. Familiar with cleaning agents/detergents and use appropriately.
• Visually inspect all instruments for cleanliness, proper function, and wear before assembly.
• Assemble instrument trays and equipment according to assembly count sheets. Wrap or peel pouches items according to size and type of instruments or equipment using appropriate wrapping techniques.
• Understand and run machine specific challenge tests using internal, external and biological tests. Must be able to read and interpret all parameters for all types of sterilizers to ensure proper function.
• Check the Operating Room (OR) Schedule daily to determine what surgical cases need to be picked and in what order of priority.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain in organizing the supplies in a systematic way for each surgical case. Check for any add‑on surgeries for the day that need to be picked.
• Comply with all federal and state regulations. Follow all the AAMI, OSHA and infection control policies and procedures.
• Able to do minor troubleshooting of equipment and determine when professional service technicians are needed.
• Maintain and distribute sterile supplies, crash carts, pediatric crash carts, intubation trays, as well as other items needed throughout the hospital.
• Must have knowledge of and practice Universal Precautions.
• Participate in and lead process improvement initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or required. Provide additional support as needed.

Job Qualifications

• 6 months of Surgical Services experience preferred.
• Required to have HSPA CRCST (Certified Registered Central Sterile Technician) certification.
• High school degree or equivalent required.
• Must have skills and abilities in inventory management, analytical skills, problem solving, interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication, team leadership and participation, and the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office.

Care New England Health System (CNE) and its member institutions—Butler Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, VNA of Care New England, Integra, The Providence Center, and Care New England Medical Group, and our Wellness Center—are trusted organizations fueling the latest advances in medical research, attracting the nation’s top specialty‑trained doctors, and honing renowned services and innovative programs to engage in the important discussions people need to have about their health.

Americans with Disability Act Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job‑specific functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation, to be determined by the organization on a case‑by‑case basis.

EEOC Statement: Care New England is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Ethics Statement: Employee conducts himself/herself consistent with the ethical standards of the organization including, but not limited to hospital policy, mission, vision, and values.