Sterile Processing Technician - GI Services

Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital; Libertyville (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan with company match

Educational assistance program

Job summary

Advocate Health is seeking a Sterile Processing Department technician for the 7:30 am to 4:00 pm day shift, Monday through Friday. This role involves decontamination, tray assembly, and sterilization validation in a high‑volume hospital SPD.

Requirements include a high school diploma and 1 year SPD experience, with certification as Central Service Tech within 90 days of hire. Strong communication and computer skills are essential to support soil, sterilization cycles, and inventory control.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate and follow directions.
• Computer skills.
• Experienced in operating sterilization equipment.
• Certified Central Service Tech within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Decontamination of instruments and equipment following procedures and safety rules.
• Assemble and wrap instrument trays for sterilization.
• Validate sterilization cycles and document results in tracking system.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and report equipment issues.
• Assist with inventory and storage of sterile supplies.
• Support team with quality improvement and daily workflow.

Skills

Communication

Follow directions

Computer skills

Sterilization equipment

Certified Central Service Tech within

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Department

36802 Advocate Condell Medical Center - Gastrointestinal Services

Status

Full time

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Hours Per Week

40

Schedule Details/Additional Information

Monday- Friday (5 days a week) 0730-4p, no holidays and no weekends.

Pay Range

$20.80 - $31.20

Scheduled Hours

Full Time; Day Shift Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, No holidays or weekends.

Education/Experience Required

High school diploma.

Experience

1 yr. SPD experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

Ability to communicate and follow directions.

Computer skills.

Experienced in operating sterilization equipment

Certified Central Service Tech within 90 days of hire

Major Responsibilities

Decontamination of Instruments and Equipment

• 1) Wears proper protective attire when performing decontamination.
• 2) Follows established procedures to ensure decontamination is complete and correct.
• 3) Sets up decontamination equipment for operation and ensures proper function and continuous work flow throughout the shift.
• 4) Maintains a neat and clean work area at all times.
• 5) Reports improper equipment operation to clinical engineers, red tags the equipment, and documents on the Shift report.
• 6) Cleans and disinfects equipment and work area at completion of shift as assigned.
• 7) Handles infectious waste according to established hospital procedure.

Performance of Assembly/Packaging/Wrapping

• 1) Examines and ensure that all the components of the surgical instrumentation is clean and properly function prior to tray assembly.
• 2) Test all instrumentation for correct function following established procedures each time the instrumentation is processed.
• 3) Electrical test all instrumentation that has an insulation coating each time the instrument is processed.
• 4) Assembles instrument sets, ensuring that the correct number and type of instruments are present following the tray count sheet created in the Censitrac Instrument Tracking system. Placing the instruments appropriately to ensure sterilization and ease of use by the user.
• 5) Follow all manufacture information for use sheets approved processes to package and/or wrap the trays/items for terminal sterilization.

Validation of Sterilization Equipment

• 1) Runs appropriate tests for sterilizers; biological, bowie dick.
• 2) Validates and document in Censitrac Instrument Tracking system each sterilization cycle utilizing biological, chemical and mechanical indicators.

Performance of Sterilization

• 1) Utilizing the Censitrac Instrument Tracking system, scan all items into each sterilizer load.
• 2) Labels each item processed in the sterilizer with correct load label.
• 3) Position each item on the sterilizer cart to ensure sterilization.
• 4) Include Biological Challenge pack on the second load for each Steam Sterilizer and any load containing Implantable.
• 5) Observes and assesses the operation of each sterilizer for every cycle by interpreting the recorded data strip provided. Scan the strip into Censitrac Instrument Tracking system and document results of chemical and biological test.
• 6) Initiate a recall should any load fail to meet specified parameter. Notify Manager immediately.

Performance of Inventory/Storage/Distribution Functions

• 1) Places sterile items in appropriate area for distribution, ensuring the items are accurately sorted by department.
• 2) Receives supplies from warehouse and outside vendors, ensuring that supplies entering SPD are devoid of external contaminants.
• 3) Completes case carts for OR following the standard work for loading the cart and ensuring items requested are ready for distribution to OR.
• 4) Complete case cart assembly log and Case Cart Communication form per Standard work for each case cart built.
• 5) Assists with cleaning of storage areas and work stations to maintain a contaminant‑free environment.

Performance of Low Temperature, Sterrad, Sterilization

• 1) Assure that all items are completely dry prior to assembly. Utilize Censitrac Instrument tracking system to assemble trays/instruments.
• 2) Wrap or containerize items for sterilization. Use Tyvek pouches for single instruments.
• 3) Run a biological test in the first load for each sterilizer daily.
• 4) Label each item placed in a sterilizer with a correct load label.
• 5) Position each item in the sterilizer cart to ensure sterilization.
• 6) Observes and assesses the operation of each sterilizer for every cycle by interpreting the recorded data strip provided. Scan the strip into Censitrac Instrument Tracking system and document results of chemical and biological test.

Demonstration of Leadership Behaviors

• 1) Assists with adjustment in daily work assignments to compensate for fluctuation to work flow.
• 2) Observes employee activities throughout the shift to ensure that established procedures are being followed for quality control.
• 3) Assists in ensuring that equipment is properly functioning by communicating equipment malfunctions to manager and/or Engineering/Biomed and filling out appropriate work orders.
• 4) Acts as liaison between SPD and other departments to interpret problems that occur and communicate back to them in a courteous and professional manner.
• 5) Assists in maintaining SPD inventory by periodically ordering and receiving supplies and maintaining the appropriate paperwork.

Implementation of Quality Improvement Ideas to Enhance Operation and Team Function

• 1) Presents problem/improvement opportunities with an A3 action plan.
• 2) Monitors process improvement indicators and reports to staff.
• 3) Assists in precepting new associates and sterile processing students.

Communication Skill to Support the Accomplishment of Team Outcome

• 1) Understands verbal instruction.
• 2) Communicates properly with co-workers and customers.
• 3) Comprehends written and verbal instructions.
• 4) Documents appropriately ie: Censitrac Instruments tracking system, Shift report.
• 5) Collaborates with co-workers to prioritize work load.
• 6) Cooperates with co-workers to produce productive outputs.
• 7) Works in all areas to accomplish daily work loads.
• 8) Gives and receives appropriate feedback to and from co-workers.

Maintenance of Effective Functions in the Department

• 1) Demonstrates independent function in performing related tasks as deemed necessary by team.
• 2) Reaches consensus with the team to perform unit operations in the most productive manner.
• 3) Supports team decision made by team outputs.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Exposure to blood/body fluids. Heavy lifting 30 to 35 lbs. 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 Rotation to all shifts to accommodate the departments scheduling needs Positions with patient contact lifting requirements should use the following standard lifting requirement: Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance.

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.

Our CommitmenttoYou

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well‑being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including:

• Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
• Incentive pay for select positions
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, andShort- and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.