Sterile Processing Specialist

University of Mississippi Medical Center; Jackson (MS); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Mississippi Medical Center is seeking a Sterile Processing Specialist to inspect, assemble, package and sterilize surgical instrument pans, trays and equipment for the OR and other units. You will operate sterilizers, prepare sterile items and ensure instruments are ready for use across departments and off-site agencies.

The role requires 5+ years in sterile processing, relevant certifications, and ability to mentor new staff while maintaining high quality and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Assicates degree preferred; HS diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 5 years of sterile processing experience.
• Knowledge of instrumentation maintenance in at least one surgical service-line preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure cleaning, decontamination, sterilization, maintenance and preparation of instruments and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies for sterilization and storage.
• Assess equipment and supply needs for procedures and ensure availability.
• Verify proper functioning of instruments and equipment before/during/after procedures.
• Collaborate with infection prevention policies and safety guidelines.

Skills

Leadership experience

Precepting/mentoring

Audit/compliance

Inventory coordination

Strong communication

Education

Associates degree preferred

HS diploma or GED required

Tools

Inventory management software

IUSS tracking system

Job description

Job Title:

Sterile Processing Specialist

Job Summary:

Inspects, assembles, packages and sterilizes surgical instrument pans, procedural trays, technical equipment, and surgical case carts for the OR and other areas. Operates sterilizers, prepares and dispenses sterile items; performs inspection, adjusting, cleaning and general servicing of instruments and equipment for the OR, internal hospital departments and off-site agencies to insure instruments and equipment are operating properly prior to issuing. Maintains accuracy of 98% or higher. Maintains productivity 90% or higher. Helps precept and mentor new employees. Conducts audits in collaboration with supervisor, to include trays, case carts, logs, tracking software, IUSS and inventory. Assist with development of in-services for staff members. Performs monitoring and inventorying supplies and ensures instrumentation is available for OR and clinical areas. Puts in requests for missing instrument orders and instrument par needed to maintain functioning instrument trays. Invests time, energy, and enthusiasm in developing self/others to help improve performance and gain knowledge in new areas. Maintains regular contact with key colleagues and stakeholders using formal and informal opportunities to expand and strengthen relationships. Engages regularly in formal and informal dialogue about quality and safety; directly addresses quality issues promptly. Facilitates the interactions between the SPD and OR. The decisions made by the Sterile Processing Service Specialist, and the interpersonal skills used to implement those decisions, must foster an environment of caring and dedication amongst the employees. This job profile may require call subject to the department's discretion.

Job Details

Job Requisition ID: R00053275 Job Category: Professional and Technical Organization: Children's Sterile Processing Location/s: Main Campus Jackson

Education & Experience

Associates Degree preferred, High School Diploma or GED required; Minimum 5 years of sterile processing experience; Knowledge and expertise in one or more specialty services preferred

Certifications, Licences or Registration Required

Any 2 (two) of the following certifications from either professional organization:

• Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)
• Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT)
• Certified Surgical Instrument Specialist (CSIS)
• Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER)
• Certified Sterile Processing Management (CSPM)
• International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM)
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
• Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS)
• Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER)
• Certified Healthcare Leadership (CHL)
• Other nationally recognized SPD certifications may be considered.
• National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy;
• Leadership experience preferred;
• Advanced preceptor skills and experience in mentoring and coaching preferred;
• Independently performs non-routine tasks that significantly impact team and other related teams;
• Strong knowledge of function and maintenance of instrumentation in at least one surgical service-line is preferred (Ortho; Neuro; Endoscopy; General/GYN/Robotics; ENT/Plastics/Ophthalmology/Dental; Cardiac/Vascular/Thoracic);
• Experience working in a large or Academic hospital setting preferred;
• Basic computer skills;

RESPONSIBILITIES

• ENSURES THE CLEANING, DECOMTAMINATION, STERILIZATION, MAINTENANCE AND PREPARATION OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES.
• ENSURES COMPLIANCE WITH HOSPITAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES PERTAINING TO THE CLEANING, STERILIZATION, ASSEMBLING, STORAGE, AND/OR VALIDATION OF MEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION, SUPPLIES, AND EQUIPMENT.
• ASSESSES THE EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENT, AND SUPPLY NEEDS FOR SURGICAL PROCEDURES AND ENSURES AVAILABILITY.
• ENSURES THE PROPER FUNCTIONING OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER SURGICAL PROCEDURES.
• FOLLOWS INFECTION PREVENTION POLICIES, AORN RECOMMENDATION PRACTICES, OSHA GUIDELINES, AMII GUIDELINES AND OTHER REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS IN THE DAILY PRACTICE IN ORDER TO ASSURE A SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT FOR SELF, COWORKERS, AND PATIENTS.
• DEMONSTRATES CORE STANDARDS OF EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE.
• OPERATES STERILIZATION EQUIPMENT AND WASHERS AND MAINTAINS QUALITY/SAFETY CONTROLS DOCUMENTATION.
• MANAGES DEPARTMENTAL REQUESTS FOR CENTRAL SERVICE SUPPLIES; SCHEDULES AND TRACKS EQUIPMENT USE.
• COLLABORATES AND MAINTAINS CONTROL AND MAINTENANCE OF INVENTORY; ORDERS SUPPLIES; DOCUMENTS EQUIPMENT USE AND CART SUPPLIES; MAINTAINS APPLICABLE RECORDS AND FILES.
• ASSISTS WITH THE MANANGEMENT OF DAILY ACTIVITIES AND SUPERVISION, SCHEDULING AND/OR EMPLOYEE TRAINING.
• The DUTIES LISTED ARE GENERAL IN NATURE AND ARE EXAMPLES OF THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES PERFORMED AND ARE NOT MEANT TO BE CONSTRUED AS EXCLUSIVE OR ALL-INCLUSIVE. MANAGEMENT RETAINS THE RIGHT TO ADD OR CHANGE DUTIES AT ANY TIME.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Requires occasional exposure to unpleasant or disagreeable physical environment such as high noise level and exposure to heat and cold, constant handling or working with potentially dangerous equipment, frequent exposure to biohazardous conditions such as risk of radiation exposure, blood borne pathogens, fumes or airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals which mandate attention to safety considerations, occasional working hours significantly beyond regularly scheduled hours, occasional travelling to offsite locations, occasional activities subject to significant volume changes of a seasonal/clinical nature, constant work produced subject to precise measures of quantity and quality, frequent bending, occasional lifting and carrying more than 25 pounds, occasional climbing, occasional crawling, occasional crouching/stooping, occasional driving, occasional kneeling, occasional pushing/pulling, constant reaching, occasional sitting, constant standing, frequent twisting, and frequent walking. (occasional-up to 20%, frequent-from 21% to 50%, constant-51% or more)

Time Type:

Full time FLSA Designation/Job Exempt: No Pay Class: Hourly FTE %: 100 Work Shift: Rotating

Benefits Eligibility:

Grant Funded: No

Job Posting & Closing Dates

Job Posting Date: 08/27/2026 Job Closing Date (open until filled if no date specified):

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