Lead Sterile Processing Technician (Departmental Promotional Only)

County of San Mateo; California; On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Sterile Processing Technician to join their dynamic team at a public medical center. This full-time role involves leading a dedicated team in the Sterile Processing Department, ensuring the safe and efficient processing of medical supplies and equipment. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of sterilization techniques, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative work environment. Join a mission-driven organization that values compassion and respect, and make a significant impact on patient care in the community. If you are passionate about healthcare and ready to take on a leadership role, this opportunity is for you!

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in Sterile Processing Department with leadership experience preferred.
• Possess strong leadership skills and ability to train staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide lead direction and training to Sterile Processing Technicians.
• Oversee sterilization processes and ensure compliance with health standards.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Sterilization Techniques

Infection Control

Communication Skills

Inventory Control

Education

Central Services Technician/Sterile Processing Technician Certificate

Two years of experience in Sterile Processing

Tools

Sterilizing Equipment

Decontamination Equipment

Job description

The County of San Mateo is seeking a Lead Sterile Processing Technician to join the team in the San Mateo Medical Center! The San Mateo Medical Center is a public hospital and clinic system fully accredited by The Joint Commission. The Medical Center operates outpatient clinics throughout San Mateo County and an acute-care hospital in San Mateo. The mission of San Mateo Medical Center is to "partner with patients to provide excellent care with compassion and respect." As part of an integrated Health System, the Medical Center serves the healthcare needs of all residents of San Mateo County, with an emphasis on education and prevention.

Under direct supervision, the Lead Sterile Processing Technician will provide lead direction in assigning, directing and reviewing the work of staff and activities involved in processing and dispensing supplies and equipment (both sterile and unsterile) needed for patient care.

The current vacancy is a Full-Time, Regular position. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 2:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., with weekend and holiday rotations.

The work location will be at the San Mateo Medical Center, 222 W 39th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403.

The Ideal Candidate will:

• Have two or more years of experience in a Sterile Processing Department (SPD) with at least one year in a lead role; leadership experience is highly preferred.
• Possess strong leadership skills with the ability to prioritize and delegate assignments.
• Assist the supervisor in the training and on-going education of the Sterile Processing Department’s staff.
• Assume a leadership role throughout their shift and will assume the charge position as needed.
• Help onboard new staff and train students during their clinical rotation.
• Maintain collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues to effectively contribute to the working group’s achievement of goals.
• Help foster a positive work environment through supporting and motivating staff as well as proven work experience as a team leader.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide lead direction, training and work review to a small staff of Sterile Processing Technicians; organize and assign work, set priorities and follow up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned work.
• Perform annual competencies per department requirements.
• Provide input into selection decisions, performance evaluations and corrective action matters.
• Assist in establishing and implementing methods, standards and procedures for preparing and handling sterile items, and train staff in these methods.
• Perform a wide variety of specialized and general support in the area of hospital sterile supply and distribution services.
• Oversee the use of sterilizing equipment; decontamination; setting up of treatment trays; preparation, processing and packaging of instruments.
• Ensure that work and storage areas are clean and orderly.
• Oversee periodic inventories, assist in investigating and reconciling discrepancies, and confer with supervisor on issues.
• Assist the supervisor with the development and maintenance of workload statistics and recommend appropriate work standards.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, techniques, and procedures related to processing and dispensing supplies and equipment.
• Processing, decontamination, and sterilization techniques.
• Infection control.
• Microbiology, aseptic and sterilization techniques.
• Different sterilization methods, parameters and properties.
• Use and maintenance of equipment that is used for the reprocessing supplies, e.g. steam sterilizers, hydrogen peroxide sterilizers, cart washer, washer/disinfectors, and ultrasonic washers.
• Safe lifting techniques.
• Basic inventory control concepts and methods and procedures of ordering and stocking supplies.
• Staff development and supervision techniques.
• Applicable laws, safety regulations and precautions related to community health care facilities.
• Nursing principles, methods and procedures.
• Medical terminology.
• Clinical systems, supplies and equipment and their uses.

Skill/Ability to:

• Assign, direct, and review the work of others.
• Train others in work procedures; organize and prioritize work and meet operational department supply needs and deadlines.
• Use sterilizing and decontamination equipment; set up treatment trays, process, and package instruments.
• Correctly identify, disassemble, reassemble, and inspect routine and specialty surgical instrument trays.
• Act as resource person to nursing and medical staff.
• Use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Maintain inventory and billing records.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with other hospital and clinic departments.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Lift and transport heavy items such as supplies and equipment.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Two years of experience operating sterilizing equipment and cleaning surgical instruments and equipment in an acute care hospital setting.

Licensure:

Possession of a Central Services Technician/Sterile Processing Technician certificate from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

Departmental Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo employees in the San Mateo County Health with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date may apply.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online.If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, by 11:59 P.M. PST
Application Screening:Week of March 19, 2025
Civil Service Panel/Departmental Interviews: Week of April 1, 2025

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.