PRN- Sterile Processing Technician (CRCST/HSPA)

cetechs; East Orange (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

cetechs is hiring experienced Sterile Processing Technicians (SPTs) at the VA New Jersey Healthcare System in East Orange, NJ. Candidates will perform crucial tasks like decontamination, inspection, and sterilization of medical equipment, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

This role requires certifications or significant experience in sterile processing, offering multiple shifts from Monday to Friday. Join us in providing top-tier healthcare services in a fast-paced, supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be certified or have substantial experience in sterile processing.
• Knowledge of infection control regulations and quality assurance is essential.
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment with physical demands.

Responsibilities

• Perform decontamination and sterilization of medical equipment.
• Inspect and prepare surgical instruments for use.
• Maintain compliance with healthcare standards and policies.

Skills

Infection prevention principles

Decontamination equipment

Biological monitoring procedures

Organizational skills

Effective communication in English

Education

Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)

Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Certification

Accredited Sterile Processing program graduate

Tools

Sterilizers (Steam, Sterrad, VPRO)

CensiTrac tracking system

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking experienced Sterile Processing Technicians (SPTs) to support the Sterile Processing Service as a PRN (SPS) department at the VA New Jersey Healthcare System in East Orange, NJ. Technicians will be responsible for decontamination, sterilization, inspection, assembly, storage, and distribution of reusable medical equipment (RME) and surgical instrumentation in accordance with industry standards and VA requirements.

Available Shifts

• Tour 1: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Tour 2: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM
• Tour 3: 3:30 PM – 12:00 AM

Monday through Friday. No overtime.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform decontamination, sterilization, and high-level disinfection (HLD) processes.
• Clean, inspect, assemble, package, and store surgical instruments and reusable medical devices.
• Operate sterilization systems including Steam Sterilizers, Sterrad, VPRO, Medivator, Trophon, and Cidex OPA.
• Conduct biological testing, chemical testing, Bowie-Dick testing, and maintain quality assurance documentation.
• Identify damaged or malfunctioning instruments and facilitate replacement.
• Process and support instruments used across multiple specialties including General Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Urology, Vascular, Dental, Podiatry, Robotics, and GYN.
• Follow manufacturers’ Instructions for Use (IFUs) for flexible endoscopes and medical equipment.
• Utilize instrument tracking systems such as CensiTrac.
• Maintain compliance with infection control, OSHA, HIPAA, and VA policies.
• Perform physical duties including standing, lifting, bending, and pushing instrument carts.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), OR
• Certification through Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), OR
• Graduate of an accredited Sterile Processing program with at least 2 years of SPS experience, OR
• VA Level I Certification with at least 2 years of SPS experience, OR
• Minimum 5 years of verifiable hands‑on Sterile Processing experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of infection prevention and sterilization principles.
• Experience with decontamination and sterilization equipment.
• Knowledge of biological monitoring and quality assurance procedures.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced healthcare environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and schedules.

Required Certifications & Compliance

• Current CRCST/HSPA certification (preferred).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Work Environment

• Hot, humid, and fast‑paced sterile processing environment.
• Required use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Frequent standing, lifting, and movement throughout the shift.
• Ability to travel between VA sites if needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a hospital Sterile Processing Department.
• Experience with CensiTrac or similar instrument tracking systems.
• Experience supporting multiple surgical specialties.
• Previous VA or federal healthcare experience.