Sterile Services Lead Evenings

Tennova Healthcare- North Knoxville Medical Center; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Tennova Healthcare- North Knoxville Medical Center is seeking a Sterile Services Lead to bridge Sterile Processing and the Operating Room, ensuring safe handling of surgical instrumentation and consistently high-quality instrument preparation. The role oversees staff, inventory, and case-cart workflows while driving process improvements and staff development to meet QA standards and patient care goals.

Required experience includes 3-5 years in sterile processing and 1-3 years in leadership, with

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of sterile processing or surgical services experience.
• 1-3 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• CRCST/CSPDT/CER/CIS certifications required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day sterile processing staff and oversee workflow adherence.
• Monitor supplies and maintain cost-effective inventory across Sterile Processing.
• Coordinate assembly, sterilization, and delivery of case carts; resolve issues.
• Conduct quality audits to verify instrument assembly accuracy for surgeries.
• Provide guidance, training, and technical support to junior staff.
• Collaborate with Supervisors/Managers to implement process improvements and staffing plans.
• Evaluate staff performance and provide timely feedback and appraisals.

Skills

Sterile processing

Leadership

Quality audits

Inventory management

Regulatory compliance

Communication

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
• CIS - Certified Instrument Specialist required
• CHL - Certified Healthcare Leader preferred