Lead Sterile Processing Technician

C002 Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA); Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Medical University of South Carolina is seeking a Sterile Processing Lead Technician to guide daily operations, ensure proper decontamination and sterilization of instruments, and coordinate workflow within the SPD department.

The role requires CRCST–HSPA or CBSPD certification with at least two years of sterile processing experience, and a commitment to training, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Graduate of high school or GED equivalency; must be certified and maintain a CRCST – HSPA or CBSPD certificate.
• Minimum of two years sterile processing experience in hospital or surgical setting.
• Knowledge of sterilization principles, microbiology, infection prevention.
• Knowledge of instrument names, functions and specialty sets.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; able to work independently and in a team; basic documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day guidance and oversight of sterile processing operations.
• Mentor staff and coordinate workflow within the department.
• Ensure instruments, trays and equipment are properly decontaminated, sterilized and distributed per standards.
• Support training, quality assurance and adherence to regulatory requirements.

Skills

Sterile processing knowledge

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Team player

Basic computer proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

CRCST – HSPA certification

CBSPD certification

Advanced certification (CIS, CER, CHL) preferred

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Sterile Processing Lead Technician provides day to day guidance and oversight of sterile processing operations to ensures instruments, trays, and equipment are properly decontaminated, assembled, sterilized, and distributed according to regulatory and hospital standards. This role supports training, quality assurance, and workflow coordination within the department while serving as a mentor and resource to team members. Entity Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA) Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Regular Cost Center CC000676 CHS - SPD (Sterile Processing) (ART) Pay Rate Type Hourly Pay Grade Health-25 Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Work Shift

Education and Work Experience

Graduate of high school or GED equivalency required. Must be certified and maintain a certification in sterile processing form CRCST – HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association) or CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution) Minimum of two (2) years of sterile processing experience, preferably in a hospital or surgical setting. Knowledge of sterilization principles, microbiology, and infection prevention practices. Knowledge of instrument names, functions, and specialty sets. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. Basic computer proficiency for documentation and recordkeeping.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced certification (CIS, CER, CHL) preferred.
• Experience as a preceptor or trainer.
• Familiarity with electronic instrument tracking systems.

Physical Requirements

1) (C) Continuous – 6-8 hours per shift; 2) (F) Frequent – 2-6 hours per shift; 3) (I) Infrequent – 0-2 hours per shift Ability to perform job functions while standing. (C). Ability to perform job functions while sitting. (C) Ability to perform job functions while walking. (Continuous) Ability to climb stairs. (I) Ability to work indoors. (C) Ability to work outside in temperature extremes. (I) Ability to work from elevated areas. (F) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (F) Ability to perform pinching operations. (F) Ability to perform gross motor activities with fingers and hands. (C) Ability to perform firm grasping with fingers and hands. (C) Ability to perform fine manipulation with fingers and hands. (C) Ability to reach overhead. (F) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (C) Ability to fully use both legs. (C) Ability to use lower extremities for balance and coordination. (F) Ability to reach in all directions. (C) Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted. (I) Ability to lift/lower objects 50 lbs. from/to floor from/to 36 inches unassisted. (I) Ability to lift from 36” to overhead 25 lbs. (I) Ability to exert up to 50 lbs. of force. (F) Examples include: To transfer a 100 lb. patient that cannot assist in the transfer requires 50 lbs. of force. For every 100 additional pounds, assistance will be required from another healthcare worker. 20 lbs. of force is needed to push a 400 lb. patient in a wheelchair on carpet. 25 lbs. of force is required to push a stretcher with a patient with one hand. Ability to maintain vision 20/40 corrected. (C) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand or at a distance. (C) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (C) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (C) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (C) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (C) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (C) Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations. (C) Ability to work rotating shifts. (F) Ability to work overtime as required. (F) Ability to work in a latex safe environment. (C) *Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (C) *(Selected Positions) *Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (C) *(Selected Positions) *Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required. (C) (Selected Positions) *

Additional Job Description

Graduate of high school or GED equivalency examination and must be certified and maintain a certification in sterile processing as a CRCST - HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association) or CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution). Minimum of two (2) years of sterile processing experience, preferably in a hospital or surgical setting. Advanced certification (CIS, CER, CHL) preferred. If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.

Thank you for wanting to be part of the Medical University of South Carolina team. Whether you want to teach the next generation of health care leaders, innovate new business models, discover the next breakthrough or provide patient care, there's a role for you that fuels your passion and takes advantage of your skills. There are career opportunities available in academics, research, hospital medicine, physician practices and support services, from patient billing to IT. As an applicant, you can search jobs for all MUSC entities as well as search by category and location. MUSC attracts more than $250 million annually in research funding, making it the biggest magnet for biomedical, extramural research dollars of all institutions of higher learning in South Carolina. The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program aims to advance clinical and translational science to increase the speed at which new treatments become available to patients. MUSC Health, the clinical enterprise, operates a 750 bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children's Hospital, the Ashley River Tower (cardiovascular, digestive disease, and surgical oncology), Hollings Cancer Center (one of fewer than 70 elite National Cancer Institute designated centers), a Level I Trauma Center and the Institute of Psychiatry. In addition, there are more than 100 outreach clinics, hospital/health system affiliations, and telehealth sites. U.S. News & World Report placed us among the top one percent of all American hospitals, with 11 specialties in the top 50. The MUSC Medical Center is also one of only three Magnet designated hospitals in South Carolina.