Sterile Processing Technician, Per Diem Dental, Morristown, NJ

Atlantic Health; Morristown (NJ); On-site; USD 75,933,312 - 85,411,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

PTO & Paid Sick Leave

Tuition Assistance

On-Site Childcare

Well-Being Rewards

Job summary

Atlantic Health is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to perform cleaning, decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and distribution of patient care equipment and reusable devices. You will follow MIFU, infection control protocols, and maintain records of sterilization processes and QA monitoring.

The role covers decontamination, prep and pack, sterilization, storage, dispatch, and technical system usage (Microsystem SPM, AtlanticHub, and Epic EMR).

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Graduate of an Accredited Sterile Processing Program.
• Minimum 400 clinical hours completed in a Sterile Processing Department.
• CRCST or CSPDT certification required.
• Prior dental experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform decontamination, cleaning, packaging, and sterilization of instruments per procedures and MIFU.
• Maintain accurate records of sterilization processes and QA monitoring.
• Operate sterilizers and document BI results, cycles, time, temperature, and loads.
• Manage storage, distribution, and dispatch of sterile items and instrument sets.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Graduate of an Accredited Sterile Processing Program

Tools

Microsystem SPM

AtlanticHub Oracle

Epic EMR

AH Compass

Job description

Job Description

The Sterile Processing Technician performs cleaning, decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and distribution of patient care equipment, supplies, reusable medical devices, and instruments according to prescribed procedures, regulations, and manufacturer's instructions for use (MIFU), utilizing infection control and safety practices. Technicians keep accurate records of sterilization processes and quality assurance monitoring according to regulations, standards, and policies.

Job Responsibilities / Essential Functions

Sterile Processing Technicians comply with AAMI, OSHA, TJC, AORN, Manufacturer Instructions for Use (MIFU), Departmental Guidelines, and AHS policies. Job functions include, but are not limited to:

• 75% clinical tasks as assigned
• 15% education
• 10% answering emails/follow‑up on education

Maintaining Equipment (15%)

Knowledge of all Sterile Processing Department (SPD) equipment, including items used on inpatient units. Knowledge of equipment function sufficient to determine operational adequacy and distinguish between operator error and equipment malfunction. Operates all equipment and machinery accurately and safely. Compliant with policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and guidelines for properly cleaning, inspecting, and storing patient care equipment. Communicates any information pertaining to patient care equipment to facility and/or campus departments. Immediately alerts Lead Technician or Lead Clinician of any equipment malfunction.

Decontamination / Instrument Cleaning (15%)

Compliant with policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and guidelines for proper pre‑cleaning and cleaning of instruments. Accurately handles equipment and instruments with appropriate selection of personal protective equipment, cleaning agents, lubricants, water, and supplies used for the cleaning and disinfection of reusable instruments and devices. Accurately handles and disposes of infectious waste appropriately. Assures absolute cleanliness of all items leaving decontamination. Identifies any missing item and adheres to proper notification processes and procedures. Adheres to AH High Level Disinfection policy, process, and procedure.

Prep and Pack (15%)

Compliant with policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and guidelines for preparing and packaging instruments, trays, and reusable medical devices. Utilizes MIFU. Appropriately uses available resources to identify surgical instruments. Demonstrates knowledge of assembly materials, chemical indicators, wraps, pouches, and container systems. Ensures priority and one‑of‑a‑kind instruments are processed upon receipt. Demonstrates knowledge and skills in packaging and wrapping instrument sets according to standards. Correctly identifies and labels all assembled items in preparation for sterilization. Provides asset management and support for reusable medical devices belonging to or consigned to AH. Correctly replaces missing items to the appropriate location.

Sterilization (15%)

Compliant with policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and guidelines for sterilization. Knowledgeable in various methods of sterilization. Accurately records all items processed in each sterilizer (steam, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizer, and/or low‑temperature sterilization systems) for each load. Ensures biological test packs are run per established policy, promptly and correctly incubated, assessed, and documented. Completes daily quality assurance testing as the first load of the day and documents results. Documents quality assessment testing and results for each load, including biological indicator (BI), BI lot number, BI expiration date, sterilization date, cycle, time, temperature, sterilizer number, and control BI. Reviews sterilizer readout tape and verifies sterilization parameters. Places cooled sterilized items in proper storage locations.

Storage Clean/Sterile Distribution (15%)

Compliant with policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and guidelines for sterile storage. Visually inspects sterile packages for quality, integrity, and dates. Ensures supply and pan/instrument par levels. Replenishes specialty carts and supply bins after use (e.g., crash carts, orthopedic carts, GU carts, intubation bins). Records items requested for charging and credit.

Dispatch (15%)

Accurately sets up case carts according to EMR preference cards and seeks clarification as needed. Identifies daily needs and prioritizes reusable surgical devices. Ensures software applications (Microsystem SPM®, AtlanticHub (Oracle), and Epic® EMR) item numbers are correctly recorded. Demonstrates professional telephone etiquette and follows through on requests. Communicates instrument‑related issues to the Lead Technician and/or Lead Clinician. Restocks returned supplies and instruments to proper locations. Manages crash carts and verifies lock integrity. Greets visitors and monitors identification. Ensures loaner processes are completed and trays are documented in loaner software systems or logs according to departmental guidelines.

Technical (5%)

Demonstrates competency in computer systems related to instrument and loaner tracking and MIFU review (OneSource®). Maintains working knowledge of AH Compass, Employee Self Service, API, Epic MyChart, Safety Events, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Word. Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly work environment. Demonstrates ability to enter Engineering and Clinical Engineering requests.

Performance Improvement (5%)

Supports department‑based goals that contribute to organizational success. Performs special projects as assigned by the SPD Leadership Team. Completes other tasks and assignments required to meet department needs. Maintains satisfactory attendance and punctuality. Promotes professional growth through completion of mandatory education, Occupational Medicine requirements, continuing education, and competency assessments. Participates in the annual performance review process, including documentation of accomplishments and development of future goals.

Per Diem Rate: $26.50/ hour

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or Graduate Equivalent Diploma
• Graduate of an Accredited Sterile Processing Program

Experience

• Minimum 400 clinical hours completed in a Sterile Processing Department
• Prior dental experience preferred

Certificates

• CRCST or CSPDT required

Team Member Benefits

Atlantic Health offers a competitive and comprehensive Total Rewards package that supports the health, financial security, and well‑being of all team members.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Coverage (22.5 hours per week or above for full‑time and part‑time team members)
• Life & AD&D Insurance.
• Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability (with options to supplement)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan: Employer match, additional non‑elective contribution
• PTO & Paid Sick Leave
• Tuition Assistance, Advancement & Academic Advising
• Parental, Adoption, Surrogacy Leave
• Backup and On‑Site Childcare
• Well‑Being Rewards
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fertility Benefits, Healthy Pregnancy Program
• Flexible Spending & Commuter Accounts
• Pet, Home & Auto, Identity Theft and Legal Insurance

EEO STATEMENT

Atlantic Health, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and federal contractor or subcontractor and therefore abides by applicable laws to protect applicants and employees from discrimination in hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral, and other aspects of employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, genetics, or veteran status.