SPD Preceptor

Zohorecruit; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

SIPS in Chicago, IL seeks a dedicated SPD Preceptor to train new hires, students, and staff while serving as a fully qualified Sterile Processing Technician. You will support decontamination, assembly and sterilization across all shifts, maintaining training records and ensuring compliance with AAMI, AORN, OSHA standards.

You will mentor staff, assess gaps, and coordinate retraining with leadership, contributing to a culture of safety and continuous improvement in sterile processing.

Qualifications

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician or equivalent required.
• Minimum 2 years SPD experience with core areas proficiency.
• Strong knowledge of AAMI, AORN and OSHA standards.

Responsibilities

• Deliver structured training for new hires and student technicians.
• Orient staff to policies, procedures and safety standards.
• Provide hands-on guidance across decontamination, assembly and sterilization.
• Maintain training logs, sign-offs and competency records.
• Conduct retraining sessions and track outcomes for leadership feedback.

Skills

Mentoring

Documentation

Coaching

Communication

Leadership by example

Education

CRCST or equivalent

CIS or CHL preferred

Tools

SPD tracking software

Electronic documentation systems

Job description

The SPD Preceptor is a critical dual-role position responsible for providing structured, hands-on training to new hires, students, and existing SPD staff requiring retraining. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong interest in education, with aspirations to grow into an educator or trainer role within sterile processing. This individual must have the ability to effectively coach, train, and support staff while maintaining a positive, collaborative attitude that fosters teamwork, trust, and continuous learning across all levels of the department.

In addition to precepting duties, the Preceptor functions as a fully qualified Sterile Processing Technician, supporting all core SPD operations when not actively training. This position must remain flexible and adjust workload as needed to ensure all shifts (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) receive training and that competencies are updated on a consistent schedule. The role upholds AAMI, AORN, OSHA, and facility standards, contributes to ongoing quality assurance efforts, and helps ensure a highly competent and compliant SPD workforce.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: This position reports to the CSPD Manager (dotted line: Education & Events Specialist)

Job Functions

• Deliver structured training for new hires and student technicians.
• Orient new staff to departmental policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Provide consistent, hands‑on guidance and skill development across all SPD areas (decontamination, assembly, sterilization, case carts, etc.).
• Monitor progress, provide feedback, and elevate concerns to leadership as needed.
• Identify skill gaps or performance issues through observation or incident review.
• Offer focused one‑on‑one or small group retraining sessions as assigned.
• Track retraining outcomes and provide feedback to leadership on staff progress.
• Maintain accurate training logs, checklists, sign‑offs, and competency records.
• Ensure timely documentation of all precepting and retraining activities.
• Must remain flexible and adjust workload as needed to ensure all shifts (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) receive training and that competencies are updated on a consistent schedule.
• Collaborate with leadership to align training records with compliance audits and HR requirements.
• Perform random audits of SPD workstations, processes, and documentation.
• Reinforce adherence to AAMI, OSHA, and internal quality standards.
• Participate in error follow‑up processes, root cause analysis, and corrective training.
• Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, and patient safety.
• Actively participate in SPD functions when not assigned trainees.
• Perform routine duties including instrument decontamination, assembly, sterilization, cart building, inventory checks, and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain proficiency in all SPD workflows and equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Cognitive Demands

• Adaptability and flexibility in a fast‑paced, dynamic work environment.
• Collaborative mindset and strong teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Attention to detail
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Leadership through example
• Clear and respectful communication
• Commitment to continuous improvement and patient safety

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years of SPD experience with demonstrated expertise in all core areas.
• Strong understanding of AAMI, AORN, OSHA, and infection control standards.
• Proven communication, mentoring, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and maintain professionalism in high‑pressure environments.

Minimum Acceptable Training and Experience

• Prior experience in training, precepting, or supervisory roles.
• Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) or Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) preferred.
• Experience with electronic documentation systems and SPD tracking software.
• Basic computer hardware & network troubleshooting techniques
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers
• Ability to multi‑task between projects

Alignment Requirements

• Ethical Conduct
• Adherence to SIPS Values

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. A Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

This position requires frequent standing (6–8 hours), walking <4 hours>, and limited sitting (0–2 hours). Employees must be able to lift and carry 20–50 lbs and push/pull up to 20 lbs. The role involves various physical activities, including but not limited to squatting (0–1 hours), bending, twisting, reaching above the shoulders, reaching below the waist, kneeling, and grasping (each 1–5 hours).

This description is intended to provide a general overview of the physical demands and work environment and is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job‑related tasks and conditions. Additional responsibilities, demands, and conditions may be required as deemed necessary by the employer.

Why SIPS?