Sterile Processing Tech II

Advocate Health Care; Park Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health Care in Illinois seeks a SPD Tech I to assemble instrument sets and support decontamination. The role requires ensuring cleanliness, proper assembly, and adherence to sterilization protocols to prevent cross-contamination.

The position includes preparing case carts, supervising workflow, and assisting in equipment maintenance. A High school diploma and SPD experience are preferred to ensure safe, efficient operations.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate and follow directions.
• Computer skills and familiarity with sterilization equipment.
• Experience operating sterilization equipment and understanding decontamination processes.
• Registered Central Service Tech credential or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Assembles general and specialty instrument sets following established lists.
• Maintains clean, organized decontamination area and handles infectious waste per protocol.
• Sets up decontamination equipment and ensures proper function and workflow.
• Performs SPD Tech I duties including assembling case carts and following sterilization protocol.
• Leads with behaviors to ensure quality control and effective operations.

Skills

Communication

Follow directions

Computer skills

Sterilization equipment

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Major Responsibilities

Assembles general and specialty instruments and sets

• Examines surgical instrumentation for cleanliness, proper assembly and proper performance.
• Assembles instrument set, ensuring that the correct number and type of instruments are present following established lists. Placing the instruments appropriately to ensure sterilization and ease of use by the user.
• Check instrument performance and identify repair needs.
• Acts as resource on instrument identification, appropriate use, location, and availability.

Decontamination of General and Specialty instruments and sets

• Maintains a neat and clean work area at all times.
• Reports improper equipment operation to person in charge.
• Handles infectious waste according to established hospital procedure.
• Demonstrates independent function in ensuring that soiled instrumentation is decontaminated in a manner that prevents cross-contamination.
• Follows PPE protocol when in decontam.
• Sets up decontamination equipment for operation and ensures proper function and continuous work flow throughout the shift.

Performs all SPD Tech I accountabilities when assigned.

• Assembles case carts for all areas SPD services.
• Follows sterilization protocol according to SPD Tech I job description

Demonstration of Leadership Behaviors

• When in charge assists with adjustment in daily work assignments to compensate for fluctuation to work flow.
• Observes employee activities throughout the shift to ensure that established procedures are being followed for quality control.
• Notifies manager of any problems that occur during the shift.
• Assists in ensuring that equipment is properly functioning by communicating equipment malfunctions to manager and/or Engineering/Biomed and completing appropriate work orders.
• Acts as liaison between SPD and other departments to interpret problems that occur and communicate back to them in a courteous and professional manner.
• Monitors the activities of employees in SPD, on weekends and holidays. Being accountable for an effective and efficient operation.

Implementation of Quality Improvement Ideas to Enhance Operation and Team Function

• Identifies, discusses with manager the problem/improvement opportunities that will be focused on for the year.
• Presents problem/improvement opportunities with an action plan.
• Assists in precepting and/or training of new technicians.

Education/Experience Required

• High school diploma.
• 2 years SPD experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Ability to communicate and follow directions.
• Computer skills.
• Experienced in operating sterilization equipment
• Registered Central Service Tech.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• ETO exposure.
• Exposure to blood/body fluids.
• Heavy lifting 30-40lbs.
• Hepatitis vacc. at hire.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergent situations.
• Strength/dexterity to handle surgical instruments/equipment
• Ability to access all areas of the department

Refer to job characteristics. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.