Sterile Processing Specialist

Boston Medical Center; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

GBMC HealthCare seeks a committed Sterile Processing Specialist to join our team. You will decontaminate, inspect, assemble, and sterilize instruments, ensuring accurate labeling and documentation for patient care across departments.

The role supports the operating room and clinical areas, requiring proficiency in sterilization methods, infection prevention, and instrument tracking systems. CRCST or CIS credentials enhance advancement within this growing program.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required; an associate degree is preferred.
• Completion of an accredited Central Sterile Processing Program is required.
• CRCST certification is required for Specialist I; CIS for Specialist II.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminate, inspect, assemble, and sterilize instruments and trays per standards.
• Select packaging materials, label, and document sterilized items accurately.
• Operate, monitor, clean, test, and troubleshoot sterilization equipment.
• Document chemical, biological, and mechanical sterilization monitoring results.
• Pick supplies and equipment for scheduled, add-on, and emergency procedures.
• Maintain department cleanliness and infection prevention practices; support workload.

Skills

Sterile processing

Instrumentation management

Decontamination

Sterilization

Packaging materials

Documentation

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate Degree preferred

Central Sterile Processing Program

Tools

SPM (instrument tracking)

Microsoft Office

Sterile processing equipment

Job description

Under direct supervision, cares, handles and stores instruments, supplies and equipment necessary for surgery and processed goods for redistribution throughout the Medical Center. Assists Sterile Processing Specialists with various team lead duties, such as maintaining competencies.GBMC HealthCare is seeking dedicated Sterile Processing Specialists to join our team. In this role, you will play a critical part in ensuring the safe processing, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instruments, endoscopes, and medical equipment that directly support patient care throughout the organization.Whether you are an experienced Sterile Processing professional or an emerging technician looking to advance your skills, we offer opportunities to grow within a collaborative and patient-focused environment.Position SummaryThe Sterile Processing Specialist is responsible for the decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instrumentation and medical supplies. This position supports the Operating Room, Woman’s outpatient center , many other clinical departments throughout the hospital by ensuring instruments are processed accurately in accordance with regulatory requirements, infection prevention standards, IFU’s, and departmental procedures.Sterile Processing Specialist II is advanced level position requiring demonstrated technical proficiency, independent decision making, and the ability to serve as a resource for their team members. Specialist II’s may assume additional responsibilities related to inventory, specialty trays, mentoring, troubleshooting, and helping the lead when applicable.EducationHigh School Diploma or GED requiredAssociate Degree preferredCompletion of an accredited Central Sterile Processing Program requiredExperienceSterile Processing Specialist ISterile Processing, healthcare, instrumentation, or related experience preferredSterile Processing Specialist IIMinimum of two (2) years of Sterile Processing or instrumentation experience requiredDemonstrated proficiency in decontamination, assembly, sterilization, instrumentation management, and workflow coordinationDemonstrated ability to independently identify and resolve routine instrumentation and workflow issuesLicensure & CertificationsRequiredCertified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certificationRequired for Specialist IICertified Instrument Specialist (CIS) certificationSkills & AbilitiesStrong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate and prioritize workloadAbility to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and changing prioritiesKnowledge of sterilization, decontamination, and infection prevention practicesAnalytical skills necessary to identify instrumentation issues and perform minor preventative maintenanceProficiency with computer systems and software applications including Microsoft Office and instrument tracking systems (i.e SPM)Effective verbal and written communication skillsAbility to work collaboratively with surgical teams and clinical staffAbility to demonstrate accountability for assigned responsibilities and workloadAbility to adapt to changing surgical schedules, staffing needs, and departmental prioritiesEssential Duties & ResponsibilitiesPerform decontamination, inspection, assembly, and sterilization of various instruments and trays according to the department standards.Select and prepare appropriate packaging materials; accurately label and document sterilized items.Operate, monitor, clean, test, and troubleshoot sterilization equipment.Perform and document chemical, biological, and mechanical sterilization monitoring.Accurately pick supplies, instruments, and equipment according to surgeon preference cards for scheduled, add-on, and emergency procedures.Deliver supplies, instruments, and case carts to procedural areas in a timely manner.Support cleanliness and infection prevention standards throughout the department.Ensure timely completion of workload and adapt to changing surgical schedules and departmental needs.Maintain required continuing education credits and professional certifications.Participate in departmental education, competency validation, and performance improvement activities.Additional Responsibilities for Specialist IITroubleshoot instrumentation and workflow issues impacting surgical readiness.Assemble specialty instrumentation.Identify process improvement opportunities and assist with implementation efforts.Assist with departmental projects, organization initiatives, and performance improvement activities.Assist the leads when needed.Demonstrate initiative by anticipating departmental needs and communicating potential issues before they impact workflow or patient care.Serve as a positive role model for professionalism, teamwork, accountability, communication, and department standards.Physical RequirementsAbility to stand and walk for up to 80% of the workdayFrequent handwashing and use of personal protective equipmentAbility to lift, push, and pull instruments and equipment weighing up to 40 poundsAbility to maintain concentration and attention to detail for extended periodsWorking ConditionsExposure to noise from sterilizers and processing equipmentExposure to water, detergents, disinfectants, and cleaning agentsExposure to contaminated instruments, sterilizing solutions, and high-pressure steam while utilizing appropriate safety measures and protective equipmentFrequent interaction with Operating Room and other clinical personnel in a fast-paced environmentConditions of EmploymentMaintain required certifications and continuing education credits in accordance with national certification standards and departmental requirements.Join our team and help ensure the highest standards of patient safety and surgical excellence.Pay Range$17.64 - $27.48Final salary offer will be based on the candidate's qualifications, education, experience and alignment with our organizational needs.Equal Employment OpportunityGBMC HealthCare and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.