Sterile Services Lead

Community Health Systems; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Health Systems in Knoxville, TN seeks a Sterile Services Lead to oversee sterile processing, act as a liaison with the OR, and ensure instrument readiness for surgical cases. You will lead staff, audit quality, manage supplies, and drive process improvements to support patient safety and care standards.

The role emphasizes training, collaboration with risk and department leadership, and adherence to sterilization and regulatory guidelines to deliver high-quality outcomes.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of sterile processing experience or surgical services.
• 1-3 years of leadership or supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Provides day-to-day leadership and oversight of sterile processing staff.
• Monitors and manages supplies across Sterile Processing to maintain cost-effective inventory.
• Oversees collection, decontamination, processing, sterilization, storage and distribution of instruments.

Skills

Sterile processing

Leadership

Quality audits

Inventory management

Staff training

Regulatory compliance

Tools

Sterilization equipment

Job description

Job Summary

The Sterile Services Lead is responsible for serving as a liaison between Sterile Processing and the Operating Room (OR), ensuring efficient and accurate handling of surgical instrumentation and supplies. This role includes performing quality audits, monitoring instrument availability, resolving instrumentation issues, and supporting staff through training and process improvement. The Lead ensures adherence to sterilization standards and fosters a collaborative environment to achieve high-quality patient care and staff satisfaction.

Essential Functions

• Provides day-to-day leadership and oversight of sterile processing staff, supporting workflow coordination and ensuring adherence to departmental standards.
• Monitors and ensures the management of supplies in all areas of Sterile Processing, maintaining an adequate, cost-effective inventory.
• Oversees the collection, decontamination, processing, sterilization, storage, and distribution of non-disposable instruments and equipment.
• Conducts quality audits to ensure the accuracy of instrument assembly and preparation for surgical cases.
• Serves as a point of contact for Sterile Processing Technicians, providing technical support, guidance, and training to junior staff.
• Coordinates and ensures proper assembly, sterilization, and delivery of case carts, resolving instrumentation issues promptly.
• Monitors sterilization processes, including steam and hydrogen peroxide sterilizers, ensuring compliance with quality assurance standards.
• Collaborates with Supervisors and Managers to implement process improvements, address staffing needs, and support employee training initiatives.
• Evaluates and documents staff performance, providing constructive feedback and conducting timely performance appraisals.
• Responds to complaints and resolves issues in consultation with leadership and risk management as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in sterile processing or surgical services required
• 1-3 years of leadership or supervisory experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of sterilization techniques, equipment, and quality assurance standards.
• Effective communication and leadership skills to support and guide staff.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and resolve issues promptly in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with inventory management and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Proficient in using sterilization equipment and tracking software.

Licenses and Certifications

• CRCST - Certified and Registered Central Service Technician required or
• CSPDT - Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Tech required or
• Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) required or C I S - Certified Instrument Specialist required
• CHL - Certified Healthcare Leader preferred

INDSURGIMG

Job Info

• Job Identification 161333
• Job Category Supply Chain
• Posting Date 08/12/2026, 05:41 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Job Shift Day
• Locations 10820 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN, 37934, US