Sterile Processing Supervisor

musc; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sterile Processing Supervisor at MUHA provides operational and technical leadership for the SPD, ensuring safe, compliant reprocessing of instruments while supervising Lead Technicians and staff.

It coordinates daily workflow, maintains staff competency, and oversees quality assurance and regulatory compliance to support perioperative goals.

The role requires strong organization, communication, and the ability to lead a fast-paced team across shifts within a large health system.

Qualifications

• Must be certified in sterile processing (CRCST-HSPA or CBSPD)
• Minimum of three years sterile processing experience in a leadership role
• Knowledge of sterilization principles and infection prevention practices

Responsibilities

• Oversee SPD daily workflow and staff competency and development.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and productivity standards.
• Coordinate with perioperative services to support patient care goals.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Infection prevention

Sterile processing knowledge

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or GED

CRCST/HSPA or CBSPD certification

Advanced certification CIS/CER/CHL (preferred)

Tools

Electronic instrument tracking systems

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Sterile Processing Supervisor provides operational and technical leadership for the Sterile Processing Department (SPD), ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant reprocessing of surgical instruments and medical devices. This role directly supervises Lead Technicians, Sterile Processing Technicians I, II, III, and Non-Certified Technicians, and is responsible for daily workflow coordination, staff competency, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and customer service to perioperative and procedural areas.The Supervisor ensures adherence to regulatory standards, quality assurance measures, productivity expectations, and professional development of staff while supporting organizational and perioperative goals.

Entity

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)

Staffing Information

• Worker Type: Employee
• Worker Sub-Type: Regular
• Cost Center: CC000677 CHS - SPD (Sterile Processing) (Main)
• Pay Rate Type: Hourly
• Pay Grade: Health-27
• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
• Work Shift:

Job Description

The Sterile Processing Supervisor provides operational and technical leadership for the Sterile Processing Department (SPD), ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant reprocessing of surgical instruments and medical devices. This role directly supervises Lead Technicians, Sterile Processing Technicians I, II, III, and Non-Certified Technicians, and is responsible for daily workflow coordination, staff competency, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and customer service to perioperative and procedural areas.The Supervisor ensures adherence to regulatory standards, quality assurance measures, productivity expectations, and professional development of staff while supporting organizational and perioperative goals.

Education and Work Experience

• Graduate of high school or GED equivalency required.
• Must be certified and maintain a certification in sterile processing form CRCST - HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association) or CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution)
• Minimum of three (3) years of sterile processing experience in sterile processing and/or leadership role.
• Knowledge of sterilization principles, microbiology, and infection prevention practices.
• Knowledge of instrument names, functions, and specialty sets.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer proficiency for documentation and recordkeeping.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced certification (CIS, CER, CHL) preferred.
• Experience as a preceptor or trainer.
• Familiarity with electronic instrument tracking systems.

Additional Job Description

Graduate of high school or GED equivalency examination and must be certified and maintain a certification in sterile processing from HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association) or CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution) and have at least three (3) years of experience in sterile processing and/or leadership role. Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) and/or Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

Mobility & Posture

• Standing: Continuous
• Sitting: Continuous
• Walking: Continuous
• Climbing stairs: Infrequent
• Working indoors: Continuous
• Working outdoors (temperature extremes): Infrequent
• Working from elevated areas: Frequent
• Working in confined/cramped spaces: Frequent
• Kneeling: Infrequent
• Bending at the waist: Continuous
• Twisting at the waist: Frequent
• Squatting: Frequent

Manual Dexterity & Strength

• Pinching operations: Frequent
• Gross motor use (fingers/hands): Continuous
• Firm grasping (fingers/hands): Continuous
• Fine manipulation (fingers/hands): Continuous
• Reaching overhead: Frequent
• Reaching in all directions: Continuous
• Repetitive motion (hands/wrists/elbows/shoulders): Continuous
• Full use of both legs: Continuous
• Balance & coordination (lower extremities): Frequent

Lifting & Force Requirements

• Lift/carry 50 lbs. unassisted: Infrequent
• Lift/lower 50 lbs. from floor to 36": Infrequent
• Lift up to 25 lbs. overhead: Infrequent
• Exert up to 50 lbs. of force: Frequent

Examples

• Transfer 100 lb. non-ambulatory patient = 50 lbs. force
• Push 400 lb. patient in wheelchair on carpet = 20 lbs. force
• Push patient stretcher one-handed = 25 lbs. force

Vision & Sensory

• Maintain corrected vision 20/40 (one or both eyes): Continuous
• Recognize objects (near/far): Continuous
• Color discrimination: Continuous
• Depth perception : Continuous
• Peripheral vision: Continuous
• Hearing acuity (with correction): Continuous
• Tactile sensory function: Continuous
• Gross motor with fine motor coordination: Continuous

Selected Positions

• Olfactory (smell) function: Continuous
• Respirator use qualification: Continuous

Work Environment & Conditions

• Effective stress management: Continuous
• Rotating shifts: Frequent
• Overtime as required : Frequent
• Latex-safe environment: Continuous

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