Lead Sterile Processing Tech

Community Health Systems; Foley (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Coverage

401(k) with matching

Educational Tuition Assistance

Competitive Pay & Full Benefits

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Community Health Systems is seeking a Sterile Services Lead to serve as a liaison between Sterile Processing and the Operating Room, ensuring efficient handling of surgical instrumentation and supplies. You will lead staff, perform quality audits, monitor instrument availability, train teams, and drive process improvements while ensuring strict adherence to sterilization standards and patient care quality.

This on-site role requires 3–5 years in sterile processing with 1–3 years in leadership,

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in sterile processing or surgical services.
• 1–3 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of sterilization techniques and QA standards.
• Proficient in using sterilization equipment and tracking software.

Responsibilities

• Lead sterile processing staff, coordinate workflows and ensure standards.
• Monitor instrument availability and manage inventory cost-effectively.
• Oversee decontamination, sterilization, storage and distribution of instruments.
• Conduct quality audits for instrument assembly and prep for cases.
• Provide training, guidance and support to junior staff.
• Coordinate case cart assembly and timely delivery to OR.
• Assist supervisors in process improvements and staffing needs.
• Evaluate staff performance and provide constructive feedback.

Skills

Leadership

Quality auditing

Staff training

Inventory management

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

CRCST - Certified and Registered Central Service Technician

CSPDT - Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Tech

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor

CIS - Certified Instrument Specialist

CHL - Certified Healthcare Leader (preferred)

Job description

Shift: Evenings;12pm-830pm Monday-Friday, with weekends/holidays/overtime when applicable

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Future Security: 401(k) with matching
• Educational Tuition Assistance
• Competitive Pay & Full Benefits – A salary and package designed to reward your expertise and dedication.
• Paid Time Off

Job Summary

The Sterile Services Lead is responsible for serving as a liaison between Sterile Processing and the Operating Room (OR), ensuring efficient and accurate handling of surgical instrumentation and supplies. This role includes performing quality audits, monitoring instrument availability, resolving instrumentation issues, and supporting staff through training and process improvement. The Lead ensures adherence to sterilization standards and fosters a collaborative environment to achieve high-quality patient care and staff satisfaction.

Essential Functions

• Provides day-to-day leadership and oversight of sterile processing staff, supporting workflow coordination and ensuring adherence to departmental standards.
• Monitors and ensures the management of supplies in all areas of Sterile Processing, maintaining an adequate, cost-effective inventory.
• Oversees the collection, decontamination, processing, sterilization, storage, and distribution of non-disposable instruments and equipment.
• Conducts quality audits to ensure the accuracy of instrument assembly and preparation for surgical cases.
• Serves as a point of contact for Sterile Processing Technicians, providing technical support, guidance, and training to junior staff.
• Coordinates and ensures proper assembly, sterilization, and delivery of case carts, resolving instrumentation issues promptly.
• Monitors sterilization processes, including steam and hydrogen peroxide sterilizers, ensuring compliance with quality assurance standards.
• Collaborates with Supervisors and Managers to implement process improvements, address staffing needs, and support employee training initiatives.
• Evaluates and documents staff performance, providing constructive feedback and conducting timely performance appraisals.
• Responds to complaints and resolves issues in consultation with leadership and risk management as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in sterile processing or surgical services required
• 1-3 years of leadership or supervisory experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of sterilization techniques, equipment, and quality assurance standards.
• Effective communication and leadership skills to support and guide staff.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and resolve issues promptly in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with inventory management and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Proficient in using sterilization equipment and tracking software.

Licenses and Certifications

• CRCST - Certified and Registered Central Service Technician required or
• CSPDT - Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Tech required or
• Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) required or
• CIS - Certified Instrument Specialist required
• CHL - Certified Healthcare Leader preferred

Equal Employment Opportunity

This organization does not discriminate in any way to deprive any person of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the status of any employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, or military or uniformed services, in accordance with all applicable governmental laws and regulations. In addition, the facility complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to: hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. If you are an applicant with a mental or physical disability who needs a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, contact the director of Human Resources at the facility to which you are seeking employment; Simply go to http://www.chs.net/serving-communities/locations/ to obtain the main telephone number of the facility and ask for Human Resources.