LEAD TECHNICIAN, STERILE PROCESSING

SGMC Health; Valdosta (GA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Processing Technician to join their Sterile Processing Department. This role is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of surgical operations by managing the decontamination and sterilization of instruments. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, a solid understanding of health care trends, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. Join a team that values quality assurance and infection control, and contribute to exceptional patient care in a dynamic hospital environment. If you are passionate about making a difference in healthcare, this opportunity is for you!

Qualifications

• 3 years of Central Sterile Processing experience or completion of Surgical Technology program.
• CSPT certification preferred, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in decontamination and sterilization of surgical instruments.
• Supervise sterile processing technicians and ensure compliance with standards.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Knowledge of Health Care Trends

Physical Ability

Communication Skills

Education

High School Graduate or GED

Central Sterile Processing Technician Certification

Surgical Technology Program

Job description

Description

Location: Main Campus
Department: STERILE PROCESSING
Schedule: Full Time, 8HR Evening Shift, 3:00-11:30PM WITH CALL

POSITION SUMMARY

The Processing Technician will be responsible for assisting in meeting age-specific (neonate, infant, child, adolescent, adult, geriatric) patient’s needs in the support role of instrument and equipment handling during the immediate and postoperative course (in the OR areas) and central sterilization of instrumentation & processed goods as needed throughout house wide areas of responsibility. Performs decontamination processing and sterilization procedures in accordance with Infection Control policy/procedures. Assembles, maintains and ensures functionality of surgical instruments, prepares case carts for surgical procedures, and prepares and assembles procedure carts and specialty trays for various departments within the hospital. Maintains established departmental/hospital policies, procedures, objectives, Performance Improvement and patient Safety, and Infection Control. Works as a member of a unit-based, multi-disciplinary patient care team. Accountability will be monitored through direct observation, financial goal achievement, performance improvement activities, and patient outcomes. Responsible for the decontamination and reprocessing of instrumentation; operation of sterilization and information systems critical to the efficient delivery of equipment, instrumentation and supplies to the Operating Rooms (Inpatient OR) and instruments (L&D OR), and supervision of SPD tech in absence of the Manager. Responsible for Procedure trays used in patient care areas/units, off-site clinics and prompt care, emergency department, radiology and clinics and other areas of service. House wide responsibility for Crash Cart re-supplies and Decontamination of instruments used house wide. Aids in the organizing, directing and controlling of the activities of the Sterile Processing Department in conjunction with the Sterile Processing Department Manager. Provides direction and consistent supervision of sterile processing technicians. Assists Sterile Processing Department Manager to orient, train employees as necessary. Responsible to practice in a professional manner the necessary leadership in representing, promulgating and enforcing the standards of quality assurance, infection control, JCAHO and other regulatory agencies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• High School Graduate or GED preferred plus 3 years of Central Sterile Processing (hands-on) experience required or in related area or completion of Surgical Technology program with no previous experience.
• Central Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT) certification or completion of Surgical Technology program preferred.
• Demonstrated current knowledge of health care trends of the ages of patient served (e.g. infant, child, and adolescent, adult or geriatric), ability to apply new concepts, and strong ability to initiate change.
• Exceptional level of interpersonal skill needed in order to interact with health care team, lead through role modeling and demonstration.
• High level of mental/visual ability required in order to anticipate needs of staff and patient, assess situation/events and make adjustment as warranted, perform efficiently in emergency situations, etc.
• Substantial level of physical ability required 50% of time in order to lift instrument trays, carts, recurrent standing for long periods, walking, etc.
• Philosophy of health care is congruent with the stated and cultural mission of the organization.
• Knowledge of legal scope and responsibilities in the practice of sterile processing and the ability to practice and communicate these to others.
• Above average ability to communicate orally and in writing to all levels of personnel, management, physicians, and significant others.

WORKING CONDITIONS - ADA INFORMATION

Works in a normal hospital setting with climate control of heating, air conditioning (cool to cold in surgical areas) and adequate lighting. Frequently exposed to infectious and communicable diseases; blood and body fluids; and other body secretions and excretions. Also exposed to sharps and chemicals. Frequently exposed to steam sterilizers, electrical equipment and wet floors, which require special safety precautions. May be required to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime hours and call. Ability to handle heavy materials or patients. Physical demands greater than moderate may require knowledge in the use of appropriate equipment. Frequent bending, lifting up to 30 pounds, and pulling require use of proper body mechanics. Often it will be necessary for individual to stand for long periods and may spend most of the shift on feet. Requires close mental, visual, tactile, olfactory and auditory attention in all phases of patient care activities.