High Level Disinfection Technician (HLD Tech) evenings

Lahey Clinic Hospital, Inc.; Burlington (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Beth Israel Lahey Health is seeking a High-Level Disinfection (HLD) Technician I to support decontamination and reprocessing of instrumentation. Shift is 11:00am–7:30pm with call requirements; role is entry level with supervision and growth opportunities.

You will document tasks, operate sterilizers, and maintain a clean, organized workstation following MIFUs and national standards. Certification within 12 months is required; no prior experience necessary.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must acquire endoscope reprocessing certification within 12 months.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.; frequently lifting; pushing; pulling.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminate and disinfect instrumentation and scopes per policy.
• Document all tasks in the instrument tracking system.
• Operate sterilizers and drying cabinets; perform routine equipment testing.
• Assist with auxiliary sterile processing tasks as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Basic computer skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives. Hours: 11:00am - 7:30pm with call required

Job Description

Under the general guidance and direction of the HLD Operations Supervisor and Lead HLD Technician, the High-Level Disinfection (HLD) Technician 1 utilizes entry level skill sets to enact High-Level Disinfection functions as directed. The HLD Technician I works with preceptors and the Lead HLD Technician to develop the skills required to independently perform all primary functions. Primary High-Level Disinfection responsibilities include receiving instrumentation, sorting, inspecting, and decontamination of procedural instrumentation; identification of respective reprocessing method, accessory selection, and accurate documentation for all processes.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Decontamination & High-Level Disinfection: Dons and doffs Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required by national standards and guidelines. Communicates supply needs within decontamination area to the Lead HLD Technician, including cleaning brushes, enzymatic detergent solutions, PPE, and test monitoring supplies. Performs routine tests on all mechanical equipment to ensure compliance with manufacturer’s guidelines and national standards, including but not limited to automated endoscope reprocessors, detergent-dispensing units, flushing devices. Receives soiled or new equipment (instrumentation, scopes, etc.) from the procedural clinics throughout the system; documenting receipt via the tracking system; decontaminate said equipment according to policies and procedures. Disassembles equipment as necessary before proceeding with the required cleaning method(s). Identifies repair needs from either communication from procedural clinics or upon inspection of the received soiled/new instrumentation and relaying that communication to the HLD Operations Supervisor or Lead HLD Technician. Identifies and places test strip respective to the reprocessing method as required. Utilizes appropriate cleaning equipment to achieve decontamination, including cleaning brushes, enzymatic detergent solutions, flushing devices, and leak test devices. Cleans and disinfects workstation by utilizing with antibacterial wipes and solutions. Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the HLD Operations Supervisor or Lead HLD Technician.

Prep & Pack, Sterilization, & Storage

Documents all instrumentation and equipment tasks performed via instrument tracking system. Inspects and assembles all equipment, instruments, and scopes, verifies instrument functionality, is free of bioburden and debris, and is clear of tears, rips, and damage. Transports items to and configures into drying cabinets. Maintains clean and organized workstation, ensuring workspace is functional for colleague use upon assignment completion or as needed. Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the HLD Operations Supervisor or Lead Instrument Technician. Designates product to appropriate reprocessing method and cycle according to MIFUs. Inspects packaged product to ensure all external indicators, filters, and/or labels are secured to items, returns non-compliant product for repackaging. Loads sterilizer in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure cycle completion; includes biological testing as appropriate. Performs routine sterilizer testing including biological monitoring and leak testing. Following policies and procedures to appropriately documents result of sterilizer testing. Escalates positive results to HLD leadership as appropriate for interventional procedures. Removes and inspects items from sterilizer utilizing approved methods to preserve packaging integrity. Following established procedures selects appropriate reprocessing method for heat sensitive instruments, equipment, or flexible endoscopes. Performs daily AER, sterilizer, storage maintenance in accordance with established policies and procedures, documents appropriately. Monitors instrumentation post-sterilization for temperatures appropriate for sterile storage. Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the HLD Operations Supervisor or Lead HLD Technician.

Auxiliary Tasks & Responsibilities

Assist in Sterile Processing functions as directed by the CSP Operations Supervisor and/or Sterile Processing Lead Technician. Tasks include, but are not limited to, decontamination, instrument assembly, sterilization, transport of sterile instrumentation, and casepick.

Organizational Requirements

Makes strict adherence to the LHMC’s Confidentiality Policy. Incorporates LHMC’s Guiding Principles, Mission Statement, and Goals into daily activities. Demonstrates an understanding of the job description, performance expectations, and competency assessment. Participates in departmental and/or interdepartmental quality improvement activities. Participates in and successfully completes Mandatory Education. Performs all other duties as needed or directed to meet the needs of the department.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High School diploma or equivalent. Licensure, Certification, Registration: None required. Must acquire endoscope reprocessing certification with either National certifying body (CBSPD or IAHCSMM/HSPA) within 12 months of hire date. Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: Attention to detail; good organizational skills; Basic computer skills. Must be able to function in a fast-paced environment. Ability to read, comprehend and converse in English to communicate effectively overall. In the absence of any of these skills, demonstrates the ability to be thoroughly trained to meet organizational standards. Ability to lift 50 lbs.; frequently lifting; pushing; pulling required. Experience: None (entry level); 1-2 years preferred.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $25.00 - $37.15 The pay range listed for this position is the base hourly wage range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law. Compensation may exceed the base hourly rate depending on shift differentials, call pay, premium pay, overtime pay, and other additional pay practices, as applicable to the position and in accordance with the law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

At Beth Israel Lahey Health, we are driving the change in health care that Massachusetts wants and needs. Our culture promotes continuous learning, growth, innovation and a sense of belonging. We make it a priority to offer comprehensive compensation and benefits and help you achieve a healthy and balanced life. While you're busy caring for and supporting our patients, we take care of you.