OPERATING ROOM LIAISON

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas is seeking an OR Liaison to coordinate daily activities between the Operating Room and Sterile Processing Department, ensuring efficient case flow and equipment readiness.

You will review schedules, resolve instrument needs, document issues, and collaborate with surgeons and perioperative staff to improve processes, while mentoring junior SPD team members and maintaining compliance with policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of surgical instrumentation and sterile processing workflows.
• Ability to use tracking systems and safety reporting tools via computer and mobile devices.
• Competency in designated reprocessing modules to assist with instrument turnaround.
• Strong understanding of case cart assembly, par level management, and inventory control.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the oversight of daily activities between the Operating Room (OR) and Sterile Processing Department (SPD) to facilitate efficient case flow.
• Review the daily surgery schedule and communicate additional instrument needs to SPD throughout the day to ensure availability and prevent delays.
• Document tray errors, case cart audits, and instrument issues in the appropriate tracking or safety reporting system using computer and mobile hand-held units; share findings with SPD leadership.
• Monitor case flow and proactively address emergent instrumentation needs, including coordinating instrument turnaround for high-demand or urgent cases.
• Develop strong working relationships with OR clinical leads, surgeons, and perioperative staff to promote collaboration and efficiency.
• Transport sterilized instrumentation and supplies to the OR as needed.
• Manage assigned POD or surgical service line to ensure all required instruments, supplies, and equipment are available for scheduled and emergent cases.
• Maintain par levels for assigned service line and oversee timely fulfillment of required items, including but not limited to peel packs, instrument trays, trauma carts, and specialty instrumentation.
• Support hospital preference card coordinators through regular reporting of related issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Mentor new OR Liaison team members and provide guidance to junior SPD staff to support growth and development
• Maintain competency in designated modules to assist with reprocessing needs as they arise
• Actively participate in scheduled meetings, in-services, and training sessions to stay informed on departmental updates, policy changes, and best practices; contribute feedback and share knowledge to support continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, AORN standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., JCAHO).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Surgical instrumentation

Sterile processing

Tracking systems

Case cart assembly

Inventory control

AORN standards

JCAHO compliance

Mentoring

Decision making

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

SHIFT: 1100-1930, Monday-Friday

Zale Lipshy Pavilion

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?

With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!

BENEFITS

UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Required

• Education
  High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  

• Experience
  3 years of experience in a sterile processing or operating room environment, including but not limited to roles such as Scrub Technician, Operating Room Assistant (ORA), or Anesthesia Technician (AT)
  

• Licenses and Certifications
  Certification in Sterile Processing required within 12 months of hire
  

JOB DUTIES

• Coordinate the oversight of daily activities between the Operating Room (OR) and Sterile Processing Department (SPD) to facilitate efficient case flow. Promote collaboration between OR and SPD by providing customer service and satisfaction through training, education, and resolution of staff and physician issues.
• Review the daily surgery schedule and communicate additional instrument needs to SPD throughout the day to ensure availability and prevent delays.
• Document tray errors, case cart audits, and instrument issues in the appropriate tracking or safety reporting system using computer and mobile hand-held units; share findings with SPD leadership.
• Monitor case flow and proactively address emergent instrumentation needs, including coordinating instrument turnaround for high-demand or urgent cases.
• Develop strong working relationships with OR clinical leads, surgeons, and perioperative staff to promote collaboration and efficiency.
• Transport sterilized instrumentation and supplies to the OR as needed.
• Manage assigned POD or surgical service line to ensure all required instruments, supplies, and equipment are available for scheduled and emergent cases.
• Maintain par levels for assigned service line and oversee timely fulfillment of required items, including but not limited to peel packs, instrument trays, trauma carts, and specialty instrumentation.
• Support hospital preference card coordinators through regular reporting of related issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Mentor new OR Liaison team members and provide guidance to junior SPD staff to support growth and development
• Maintain competency in designated modules to assist with reprocessing needs as they arise
• Actively participate in scheduled meetings, in-services, and training sessions to stay informed on departmental updates, policy changes, and best practices; contribute feedback and share knowledge to support continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, AORN standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., JCAHO).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of surgical instrumentation and sterile processing workflows.
• Ability to use tracking systems and safety reporting tools via computer and mobile devices.
• Competency in designated reprocessing modules to assist with instrument turnaround.
• Strong understanding of case cart assembly, par level management, and inventory control.
• Ability to monitor case flow and respond quickly to emergent instrumentation needs.
• Familiarity with hospital policies, AORN standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., JCAHO).
• Effective liaison skills to bridge OR and SPD teams, ensuring timely resolution of issues.
• Ability to build strong relationships with surgeons, OR clinical leads, and perioperative staff.
• Skilled in providing feedback and reporting for preference card accuracy and process improvement.
• Ability to mentor new OR Liaison team members and support development of junior SPD staff.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills under time-sensitive conditions.
• Accurate documentation of audits, tray errors, and quality events in appropriate systems.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, compliance, and patient care.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements

• Bending/Leaning Over
• Standing
• Stooping
• Walking

Working Conditions

• Clinical Setting
• Hospital Setting

Salary Information

Salary is commensurate with education, skills, and relevant experience.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT

Security

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.