Central Service Technician

Down East Community Hospital; Maine; On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare facility in Maine is looking for a Central Service Technician responsible for decontaminating, cleaning, and sterilizing supplies. Candidates should have a high school diploma, certifications (CRCST and CER preferred), and effective communication skills. Responsibilities include managing autoclave units, processing supplies, and maintaining records. This role offers a dynamic environment that requires physical capability, adherence to safety policies, and commitment to quality improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience with OR supplies and inventory management is preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds independently and push/pull 100 pounds.
• Knowledge of sterilization principles.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for cleaning, processing, and sterilization of supplies.
• Maintains daily operational management of autoclave units.
• Sets up and monitors safety procedures in the department.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Basic computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

CRCST and CER certifications

Job description

Description

JOB SUMMARY AND SCOPE

The Central Service Technician is responsible for decontamination, cleaning, processing and sterilization of supplies and equipment dispensed by Central Service. The employee must be conscientious with regard to procedures and capable of accepting pressure assignments, clerical assignments and other duties relative to the department. They must maintain a high degree of confidentiality and support the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Ensures proper operating of autoclave units prior to use on a daily basis
• Responsible for ensuring biological and chemical tests at beginning of every day shift if assigned and record results in appropriate log
• Inspects gas and steam autoclaves for visible signs of malfunction
• Processes contaminated instruments and supplies returned to Central Service
• Uses knowledge of sterilization principles to correctly wrap or package items for sterilization
• Processes all items appropriately following manufacturer’s instructions
• Assists with training and in-services for new and long term employees
• Applies aseptic technique in daily work assignments.
• Stores supplies and equipment in appropriate location
• Cares for instruments, syringes, needles and special procedure items and is knowledgeable in their usage
• Assures tray assemblage, proper packaging and preparation of all applicable supplies for sterilization.
• Properly loads, operates and cleans all sterilizers, gas and steam and all general equipment.
• Receives and delivers surgical supplies and fills requisition requests
• Capable of ordering weekly department supplies from Materials Management and outside vendors when needed
• Maintains all necessary records and documentation
• Seeks out needed information by staying informed and involved by attending meetings, reading memos, policies, meeting minutes, newsletters, email and other appropriate information in a timely manner.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, including observing appropriate break times and extending a scheduled shift when necessary to meet patient demands
• Performs duties in a safe manner, in compliance with all safety policies and procedures
• Complies with the Code of Conduct and all appropriate policies and procedures
• Other duties, as assigned, that are relevant to the position and department

Requirements

*DECH is an equal opportunity employer

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Certification preferred
• If not certified will need to obtain CRCST and CER certifications within 1 year of hire
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 2 years relative experience preferred
• Basic Computer Skills
• Knowledge about OR supplies, inventory and operating room equipment preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively with department personnel, hospital personnel, medical staff, and sales and repair representatives

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Clinical: Frequently lifts up to 35 pounds independently. Frequently pushes/pulls 100 pounds using mechanical and other assistive devices. Walks, stands, kneels, bends most of the time. Exhibits fine motor skills and manual dexterity necessary to perform the essential job functions of the position. Visual acuity correctable to 20/20. Color vision is necessary. Normal hearing acuity.

EXPOSURE RISK

Exposure Category I: Employee at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

• Maintains current knowledge of the hospital-wide Quality Improvement Program.
• Collaborates with management to improve the effectiveness of the department through the Quality Improvement plans and processes.
• Participates in the departmental and hospital-wide Quality Improvement activities as directed by the manager.

COMPLIANCE

• Adheres to the federal, state, and local statutes and regulations.
• Adheres to the Compliance Program policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Adheres to all Privacy and Security policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Communicates any concern related to compliance issues to manager of department or Compliance Officer.
• Communicates any concern related to confidentiality issues to the Privacy Officer.

*DECH is an equal opportunity employer.