Sterile Processing Technician I

Ellis Medicine; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) match

Flex spending

CDTA pass

Wellness program

Employee assistance

Life insurance

Job summary

Ellis Medicine is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to support infection prevention and ensure a safe care environment by decontaminating, sterilizing, assembling, and storing medical items for patient care across Ellis Medicine.

The role requires decontamination, sterilization, and storage of instruments, adherence to ANSI/AAMI ST79 standards, and collaboration with OR staff; high school diploma and sterile processing certification within 18 months are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; health care setting preferred.
• 0–18 months of sterile processing experience.
• Nationally accredited certification in sterile processing within 18 months of starting the role.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates independent functioning in the department, including decontamination, equipment testing, crash cart processing, and assembly/packaging/wrapping and steam sterilization.
• All department activities are undertaken in accordance with ANSI/AAMI Standards (ST79).
• Cleans and decontaminates instruments/equipment from Ellis Medicine and contracted physicians’ offices.
• Utilizes appropriate PPE consistently.
• Demonstrates understanding of department layout (Contaminated/clean).
• Maintains knowledge of decontamination/sterilization equipment operation.

Skills

Sterile processing

Infection prevention

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certification in sterile processing within 18 months

Job description

WHAT WILL YOU GET AT ELLIS MEDICINE?

• Comprehensive and affordable Health, Dental and Vision insurance that starts DAY ONE!
• Generous paid time off to support a work-life balance, including 6 paid holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Retirement plan in the form of a 401(3b) with company match after longevity
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Account—allowing you to set aside pretax dollars to better care for your health and the health of your loved ones
• Free yearlong unlimited CDTA Navigator Pass, including Free CDTA bike share program
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer paid for Life Insurance

Basic Function

The sterile processing technician plays an important role in infection prevention. The technician is accountable for performing tasks which contribute to a safe environment of care and minimize risk of injury to a patient from a reprocessed device. Relevant activities include decontamination, sterilization, assembly, and storage of medical and surgical materials and equipment, and related supplies, utilized in the care and treatment of patients at Ellis Medicine.

Education/Experience Requirements

High school graduate or equivalency. In a health care setting is preferred. 0 – 18 months of sterile processing experience. All Sterile Processing Technicians are required to successfully acquire a nationally accredited certification in sterile processing within 18 months of beginning in the role.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates independent functioning in the department, including, but not limited to, decontamination, equipment testing, emergency (crash cart) cart processing, and assembly/packaging/ wrapping and steam sterilization.
• All department activities are undertaken in accordance with ANSI/AAMI Standards (ST79)
• The Sterile Processing Technician cleans and decontaminates instruments and equipment received from departments within Ellis Medicine and contracted physicians’ offices.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment
• Demonstrate understanding of the layout and flow of department (Ex. Contaminated / clean).
• Maintains knowledge and expertise in the operation of decontamination and sterilization equipment
• Chooses and utilizes the appropriate method, or combination of methods, for cleaning contaminated instruments and equipment following all manufacturers’ recommendations for use (IFU)
• Inspects and maintains instruments and equipment for proper functioning before returning to service. Sends malfunctioning equipment for repair and documents appropriately
• Assembles and labels instrument sets completely and accurately, utilizing established inventory lists
• Instruments are labeled accurately to identify the contents, sterilization cycle and date.
• Utilizes appropriate internal and external sterilization indicators
• The manufacturers’ IFU are followed when choosing the method of sterilization.
• Daily biological monitoring of sterilizers is performed and documented.
• Assists operating room staff in the decontamination and sterilization of items needed for immediate use.
• Recognizes and prioritizes instrument / equipment needs outside the routine flow
• Instruments and equipment are received from manufacturer representatives for sterilization and use in the operating room.
• Items are inspected, inventoried, decontaminated and sterilized according to the manufacturers’ IFU.
• Items received and returned are accurately documented
• Emergency carts are maintained and resupplied
• Assembles and transports instruments and supplies to the operating room for surgical procedures as listed on the operative schedule as assigned
• Maintains competency in information technology applications as relevant to the position
• Able to communicate professionally both written and orally
• Demonstrates work performance associated with a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrated by productivity, accuracy, timeliness and communication
• Adheres to the policies and procedures as outlined in the exposure control manual: Universal Precautions, Blood-borne Pathogens, Disposal of Needles, Syringes and Sharps, Clean up procedure for blood and body fluid spills and storage, handling and disposal of medical waste.
• Adheres to hospital policies and procedures related to: o Mandatory education o Annual Health assessment o Departmental In-service Education.V

Ellis Medicine is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, prior arrest, or conviction record, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decisions, or domestic violence victim status.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $ 18.33-$26.58 /hour Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the state.