Sterile Processing Technician III - Sterile Processing - Full Time 10 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Union)

University of Southern California; California; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California's Keck Hospital of USC seeks a Sterile Processing Technician III to decontaminate, assemble, sterilize and distribute surgical instrumentation. Under supervision, you will operate autoclaves, hydrogen peroxide sterilizers and related equipment, ensuring items meet IFU guidelines and quality standards.

You will lead in workflow efficiency, train staff as needed, maintain documentation (Censitrac), and collaborate with the OR and other departments to resolve

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Specialized/technical training in Sterile Processing program or accredited Surgical Technician program.
• Preferred Associate's degree in a related field.
• 4 years Sterile Processing experience at Keck Hospital of USC or USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
• Leadership abilities and knowledge of department policies and regulatory requirements.
• Basic computer skills (Windows OS, keyboard, mouse).
• Certification: BRCST or CSPDT.
• Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) within 30 days of hire if not already.
• Certification: CHL or CSPM (HSPA/CBSPD) for current staff; grandfathering rules apply.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and package instrument sets per IFU.
• Disassemble and decontaminate instruments and load washers.
• Operate sterilization and disinfection equipment; maintain documentation.
• Dispense sterile instrumentation to OR and maintain inventory.
• Collaborate with OR and other departments to resolve issues.
• Train other Sterile Processing Technicians as needed.
• Prepare loads and monitor sterilization equipment.
• Ensure compliance with SPD policies and SOPs.
• Prepare OR case carts and check for missing items.

Skills

Leadership

Policies & Procedures

Windows OS

Equipment operation

Multi-tasking

Censitrac tracking

Troubleshooting

Education

Sterile Processing Program

Associate's degree preferred

Tools

Censitrac

Job description

Under general supervision of the Sterile Processing Supervisor or Sterile Processing Educator, the Sterile Processing Technician (SPT)III serve with basic knowledge of Sterile Processing techniques/skills and is responsible for decontaminating, operationally checking, assembling, sterilizing, and distributing reusable surgical/clinical instrumentation and implants throughout the organization. Operate Steam (autoclave) and H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) sterilizers, sonic equipment, automated washers and heat sealers. Store, date, rotate and distribute reusable surgical/clinical instrumentation. All in accordance with department and manufacturer IFU guidelines. The SPT III is also responsible for troubleshooting and resolving complex equipment, instrument, and customer issues.

Departmental Specific Summary

Essential Duties

• Assemble and package surgical/clinic procedure instrument sets following protocols established by electronic count sheets and manufacturer IFU. Operationally check instrumentation for functionality and cleanliness
• Disassemble instruments/equipment, remove gross contamination, manually wash instruments, decontaminate and load automated washers according to manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU).
• Operate and maintain sterilization and disinfection equipment according to established protocols and professional standards. Maintain sterilization documentation related to items processed, quality assurance, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Dispense sterile instrumentation to appropriate locations in the Sterile Storage and OR. Maintain sterile inventory through par level maintenance, stock rotation, and quality assurance. Proper distribution of sterile clinic instrumentation..
• Maintain timely and efficient process flows through communication with outside departments and sterile processing technicians in other assignments. Train and assist other Sterile Processing Technicians in the duties listed above.
• Troubleshoot and address routine equipment, instrument, and customer issues. Interface with OR, ancillary departments, and other customers to resolve issues. Receive loaner trays via Casechek and communicate with outside companies to help resolve instrument issues.
• Prepares loads, operates equipment involved in sterilization processes.
• Must be knowledgeable of and adhere to all SPD policies/procedures/SOPs in performance of duties.
• Prepares OR case carts and places any missing items on the OR shortage list. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization.
• Obtain knowledge of documentation and logging of information and use of the Censitrac tracking system
• May train or provide guidance or work direction to the Sterile Processing Technician I as needed.
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Req High school or equivalent
• Req Specialized/technical training Completion of a Sterile Processing Program or an accredited Surgical Technician program.
• Pref Associate's degree Degree in related field.
• If no completion of program, must have an additional three years of experience as a Sterile Processing Tech.
• Req 4 years Sterile Processing experience within Keck Hospital of USC or USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
• Req Proven leadership abilities.
• Req Detailed knowledge of department policies and procedures and outside regulatory requirements.
• Req Basic knowledge of computer systems including Windows OS, keyboard and mouse operation.
• Req Ability to operate complex machinery including washers, ultrasonic cleaners, and sterilizers.
• Req Demonstrated ability to competently perform multiple, complex tasks
• Req Sterile Processing Certification Current certification as a BRCST "Certified Registered Central Services Technician" or CSPDT "Certified Sterile Processing Department Technician" through an accredited organization (CBSPD).
• Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)
• Req Certification - Job Relevant Current certification as CHL "Certified Healthcare Leadership" or a CSPM "Certified Sterile Processing Management" through an accredited organization (HSPA,CBSPD). Current staff that are Technician III transferred or hired into the role prior to 2/1/2023 and do not have CHL or CSPM will be grandfathered into the role with the previous requirement.

Keck Hospital of USC, a 343-bed acute care hospital, provides exceptional and innovative care for complex medical and surgical conditions across a wide range of specialties. The hospital's world-renowned physicians deliver compassionate, customized, patient-centered care and treat the most acutely ill patients with highly innovative techniques and treatment plans. As a leading academic medical center, hundreds of clinical trials are currently taking place at Keck Hospital and its affiliated research institutions, giving patients access to novel and promising therapies that are generally not available else