Lead Sterile Processing Technician

Medical University of South Carolina; Orleans Estates (SC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA) is seeking a Sterile Processing Lead Technician to oversee daily sterile processing operations, ensuring instruments and trays are properly decontaminated, sterilized, assembled and distributed according to standards. The role also supports training, quality assurance, and workflow coordination while mentoring team members.

Ideal candidates hold CRCST or CBSPD certification with at least two years of hospital sterile processing experience and strong

Qualifications

• Must have CRCST and CBSPD or equivalent certification and maintain certification.
• Minimum two years sterile processing experience, ideally in hospital or surgical setting.
• Strong knowledge of sterilization principles, infection control and recordkeeping.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team within a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day guidance and oversight of sterile processing operations.
• Ensure instruments, trays and equipment are decontaminated, sterilized, assembled and distributed per standards.
• Support training, quality assurance, and workflow coordination.
• Mentor and assist team members as a resource.

Skills

Sterile processing experience

Knowledge of sterilization principles

Infection prevention practices

Organizational skills

Team mentoring

Education

High school diploma or GED

CRCST or CBSPD certification

Tools

Electronic instrument tracking systems

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 from 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 job functions from kneeling positions. (I) Ability to bend at the waist. (C) Ability to twist at the waist. (F) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (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.

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.

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