Assistant Director, High-Level Disinfection Services, Sterile Processing

University Hospital; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospital in San Antonio, TX is seeking a Director of Sterile Processing/Perioperative Support Services to lead high-level disinfection and reprocessing of semi-critical devices, including endoscopes, ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

The role oversees all facets of operations, budgets, equipment, and collaboration with Infection Prevention, Facilities, and clinical teams, aiming for timely equipment availability and excellent patient care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration may substitute direct HLD experience.
• Certification as CER/CRCST/CHL is preferred.
• Employees must obtain an approved HLD certification within twelve months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Directs High-Level Disinfection (HLD) services and personnel.
• Oversees all aspects of HLD processes and documentation.
• Develops and ensures compliance with budgets, regulatory requirements, and accreditation expectations.
• Collaborates with Infection Prevention, Facilities, Clinical Engineering, and other leaders to ensure safe operations.

Skills

Leadership experience

Quality improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration

CER/CRCST/CHL certification

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible to and under the supervision of the Director of Sterile Processing/Perioperative Support Services. Directs High-Level Disinfection (HLD) services and personnel in providing safe, compliant, and efficient reprocessing of semi-critical medical devices including flexible endoscopes, probes, and other equipment requiring high-level disinfection. Oversees all aspects of point-of-use treatment, transport, leak testing, manual cleaning, high-level disinfection, drying, storage, documentation, quality monitoring, and distribution processes. Responsible for oversight of HLD inventory, supplies, equipment, and systems supporting departmental operations. Serves as the subject matter expert and resource for high-level disinfection practices, endoscope reprocessing, infection prevention standards, and manufacturer Instructions for Use (IFU). Develops and ensures compliance with departmental budgets, quality standards, regulatory requirements, and accreditation expectations. Manages departmental equipment and plant property. Works collaboratively with procedural departments, Infection Prevention, Facilities, Clinical Engineering, and operational leaders to ensure safe, efficient, and timely equipment availability. Models excellence in customer service while ensuring the highest standards for patient safety and customer satisfaction.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree is required. Education and relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Candidates with a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA) or a related field may substitute direct High-Level Disinfection (HLD) experience with demonstrated leadership experiencein healthcare quality, performance improvement, accreditation readiness, regulatory compliance, procurement, supply chain management, project management, or other healthcare operational disciplines. Knowledge of AAMI, AORN, CDC, SGNA, FDA requirements, manufacturer Instructions for Use (IFUs), and infection prevention principles must be obtained within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Certification as a Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER), Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL), or equivalent healthcare certification is preferred.
• Employees who are not currently certified in an HLD-related certification must obtain an approved certification (CER, CRCST, or equivalent) within twelve (12) months of hire.