SENIOR CENTRAL SERVICES TECHNICIAN

Excela Health; Greensburg (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Senior Central Service Technician to ensure the efficient processing of surgical instruments. This role is vital for maintaining the highest standards of sterilization and safety in the operating room. You will collaborate with medical staff, oversee instrument preparation, and ensure compliance with health regulations. The position offers an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and contribute to patient care quality in a dynamic healthcare environment. If you have a passion for sterile processing and a commitment to excellence, this role is a perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

• Requires 1-3 years of experience in Surgical or Central Service.
• Must hold certification in Sterile Processing and Distribution.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminates and inspects surgical instruments for safety.
• Assists in coordinating surgical instrument processing workflows.
• Maintains inventory control and ensures adequate stock levels.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Organizational Skills

Independent Thinking

Critical Thinking

Communication Skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Sterilizers

Decontamination Equipment

Job description

The Senior Central Service Technician performs all duties to include providing sterile instrumentation and trays to the Department of Surgery and other hospital departments. The position will work under the direction of the Sterile Processing Manager to assist with the coordination and implementation of surgical instrument processing and work flow. The position will also work with the medical and nursing staff to assure the operating room has the necessary instrumentation so that the surgical cases operate efficiently and on time. Acts as the liaison when the manager/supervisor’s is not available to make the appropriate decisions for the good of the department.

Essential Job Functions

• Decontaminates and inspects surgical instruments.
• Wears Protective Attire (PPE) - Standard Precautions
• Checks detergent level per shift
• Visually inspects instruments and trays to determine if pre-soaking is indicated
• Uses tongs or forceps to remove instruments from basins
• Inserts proper sized brush to clean channels of cannulated instrumentation
• Chooses proper decontamination equipment (i.e. washer decontaminator)
• Arranges instruments trays, and basins to facilitate proper cleaning
• Selects proper cycle
• Cleans and decontaminates reusable patient equipment
• Cleans all surfaces with approved equipment
• Inspects electrical cords for graying or other safety hazards
• Ensures component parts are returned with equipment
• Removes any damaged equipment or equipment requiring safety checks from use
• Reassembles equipment and places in proper storage area
• Assembles instrument trays
• Visually examines instruments for remaining debris
• Visually examines instruments for functionality
• Arranges instruments to allow sterilant penetration
• Ensures instrument tray is complete
• Wraps instrument tray or places instruments in proper sterilization container
• Uses proper size and type of sterilization wrap
• Inserts chemical indicator/integrator in tray
• Performs proper wrapping and taping technique
• Records pertinent information on autoclavable tape/form
• Places paper filter properly in sterilization container
• Affixes load sticker to wrapped tray or container
• Operates sterilizers per department procedure
• Loads sterilizer rack in manner to allow sterilant penetration and moisture removal
• Records load contents on sterilizer card/form
• Places biological indicator in required sterilizer loads
• Selects proper cycle
• Examines sterilizer printout to ensure mechanical parameters of sterilization are met
• Signs full name to sterilizer printout
• Allows adequate time for proper cooling of sterilizer contents prior to removal from chamber
• Unloads sterilizer contents and places in proper storage area
• Performs biological monitoring and recordkeeping of sterilization cycles (steam, eto, sterrad)
• Interprets and logs biological results in a timely manner
• If applicable, records information on Implantable Load Form and returns form to Department of Surgery
• Maintains Inventory Control (linen, supplies)
• Assures adequate stock is maintained
• Places increase/decrease orders to linen room staff
• Stocks re-usable linen in appropriate location
• Places orders for stock and non-stock supplies
• Retrieves soiled/used equipment and instruments per established schedule (minimum 3 times daily)
• Conducts Steris System I E diagnostic test daily as appropriate.
• Tests unit in SPD
• Completes and maintains record
• Prepares loan/consign instruments
• Receives/documents items
• Inspects/decontaminated instruments
• Assembles appropriate instrumentation
• Sterilizes/delivers to OR for use
• Delivers additional trays and supplies to O.R.
• Performs housekeeping functions - keeps area neat and organized
• Retrieves soiled carts/instruments following the procedures from the OR
• Uses proper etiquette when answering phones
• Cleans sterilizer chambers and carts on weekends

Specialty Essential Functions

• Assist Manager/supervisor with staff development.
• Assist in coordinating the functions of the Continuous Improvement Board.
• Assuring orientation and competency files are complete and organized.
• Educating staff on any new instrumentation or procedures.
• Maintains a collaborative relationship with physicians and other health care providers to achieve desired patient outcomes and assure a continuous flow of patient care.
• Communicates pertinent information for interdisciplinary patient care conferences, shift reports.
• Reports changes in the OR schedule, including the need to reassess the needs of the physicians & the OR staff, confers with the OR CNC when there is a need to alert the physician.
• Participates in the unit performance improvement activities designed to enhance the quality of patient care and customer services.
• Assists in data collection process as requested.
• Recommends modifications for performance improvement.
• Assist Manager with daily functions of the department.
• Review daily sterilization and biological logs for accuracy.
• Assign a staff member to be responsible for coordinating instrumentation for surgical cases daily.
• Assist in coordinating the staffing schedule including communication and posting of schedule.
• Work side by side with the Manager/supervisor of Central Service on developing policies and procedures.
• Assist manager/supervisor with related human resource functions as needed.
• Assist manager/supervisor by providing input on staff performance for periodic performance reviews.
• Be a liaison for the department in the manager’s/supervisor’s absence.
• Demonstrates leadership abilities by utilizing the concepts inherent to the practice of credo standards.
• Demonstrates an ability to solve problems independently and seeks assistance form immediate supervisor when appropriate.
• Maintains accountability for actions taken.
• Effectively functions as a resource person.
• Acts as a patient advocate.
• Performs effectively in the role of preceptor/mentor to new hires and/or students.
• Assists in the department's compliance with State, JCAHO, OSHA and other regulatory agencies.
• Participates in preparation for continuous survey readiness for inspections and surveys/
• Adheres to the infection control process, including universal precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections.
• Conducts Steris System I E diagnostic test daily as appropriate.
• Tests unit in SPD
• Completes and maintains records
• Prepares loan/consign instruments.
• Receives/documents items.
• Inspects/decontaminated instruments.
• Assembles appropriate instrumentation.
• Sterilizes/delivers to OR for use.
• Assumes staffing responsibility (add or reduce according to OR schedule)
• Create staff time schedules where applicable
• Delivers additional trays and supplies to O.R.
• Performs housekeeping functions - keeps area neat and organized
• Retrieves soiled carts/instruments following the procedures from the OR
• Uses proper etiquette when answering phones
• Cleans sterilizer chambers and carts on weekends
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED or higher level of education.
• One (1) to Three (3) years’ experience in Surgical/or Central Service.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

License, Certification & Clearances

• Must currently hold one of the following certifications: Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or International Association for HealthCare Central Service Materials Management (IAHCSMM).
• Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system
• Act 81 Compliance

Preferred Qualifications

These are job related enhancements that are preferred or would benefit the performance outcome of the job but are not essential or required for the job to exist.

• Expert knowledge in sterile processing, surgical instruments and sterile technique. Certified Registered Central Service Tech (CRCST) through the International Association for Healthcare Service Materials Management (IAHCSMM) or Certified Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

The above job descriptive information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, as an employee may be assigned other duties other than described in this document.