Steriliizaton Technician

Defense Health Agency; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical benefits

Paid time off

Retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Tacoma, Washington is seeking an experienced Sterilization Technician to manage the processing and sterilization of medical supplies. The successful candidate will have at least one year of relevant experience, possess necessary certifications, and demonstrate expertise in sterilization procedures. The role involves inspecting, packaging, and distributing medical items while maintaining accurate inventory records and training other staff. Benefits include competitive compensation and various medical benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a health care environment.
• Must possess required certifications for duties.
• Familiarity with sterilization protocols.

Responsibilities

• Process, decontaminate, prepare, and distribute medical supplies.
• Perform inspection, packaging, and sterilization of medical items.
• Maintain inventory and respond to requests from clinics and wards.
• Train staff on sterilization procedures and equipment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Experience in medical supply processing

Knowledge of sterilization procedures

Ability to operate sterilization equipment

Education

Relevant healthcare certifications

Job description

Overview

Madigan Army Medical Center is seeking a Sterilization Technician to join our growing team!

About the Position

This is a Direct Hire Solicitation.

At Madigan you will practice alongside civilian and military health care experts and experience unique professional opportunities. Our staff serves by caring for our military but are not subject to military requirements. We operate within safe staffing standards - giving you time to provide exceptional care.

Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest on the Puget Sound, in Washington State, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) is near the city of Lakewood, 10 minutes from Tacoma and 20 minutes from Olympia, the state capital. JBLM is situated in a key location along Interstate 5, allowing easy access to Seattle, Tacoma, and the welcoming neighboring communities. Although the Army and Air Force missions have changed over the years, one thing has not changed—the natural setting of the base. Majestic Mount Rainier looms on the horizon, towering over the other peaks of the Cascade Range. From the mountains to the deep waters of Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean, the local areas abound in natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, boating and new sports are a way of life in Washington State.

Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid‑time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/

Responsibilities

Serves as primary medical supply technicians in Central Material Services (CMS). Performs the full range of duties to process, decontaminate, prepare, and distribute medical supplies and equipment used in all areas of the hospital.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Examines items and sets to be cleaned for completeness, damage, deterioration or imperfections, cracks, or pitting. Sorts all items and equipment processed by medical supply units, including instruments, needles, metal ware, and glassware according to cleaning procedure. Cleans items manually or by washer, sterilizes and ultrasonic units. Cleans medical equipment and all accessories such as tubing, mattresses, and bottles. Operates equipment to determine proper functioning and makes adjustments as needed. Reports malfunctions and need for repair including complex instructions for use (IFUs) on over 1700 instrument sets. Transfers information into an automated computer‑based system for tracking and auditing. Disassembles and reassembles equipment and complex instrumentation for proper decontamination and use. This complex instrumentation requires the ability to troubleshoot all equipment, to include sets and devices used for processing, such as washer‑sterilizers and ultrasonic cleaners. (25%)
• Assembles different trays and sets for treatments, diagnostic care, and the full range of surgical operations using appropriate chemical indicator strips. Suggests substitutes for unavailable items. Packages a variety of other supply items such as gauze, needles and scissors using established packaging procedures. Prepares a variety of single dressing items, dressing packs, small metalware and anesthesia packs for operating room, labor and delivery room, same day surgery, etc. Prepares individual surgical case carts with required surgical instrumentation for each scheduled and emergent operative procedures. Coordinates the resolution of recurring problems in the Operating Room such as special requests as needed. Determines correct method of sterilization for all items and encloses applicable strip of chemical indicator tape on package. Inventories, orders, pulls out date and picks up dirty instruments. Inventories and restocks unsterile supply shelves to established levels. Performs insulation testing, channel checks for residual bioburden, leak testing and water quality testing. (25%)
• Prepares linen packs and basin sets for operating room, labor and delivery room, same day surgery and specialty clinics. Determines correct method of folding a variety of linen supplies to minimize contamination. Inspects linen for soiled or worn areas, tears, and holes. (5%)
• Determines proper sterilization procedures for different types of items. Loads items and control tests on sterilization carriers, ensuring proper placement for thorough sterilization. Operates sterilizers and monitors equipment and control tests to determine whether sterilization was complete. Records and labels each sterilized item, and places in protective cover. Enters information into computer program system that effectively tracks sterilization methods and cycles. Trains new employees, students and OR nursing staff on Censitrac Instrument Tracking System. (25%)
• Fills requests for items from wards and clinics based on daily requirements. Accommodates physicians'/technicians' requests for variations, additional items, and special trays. Records all issues. Accesses computer database information to produce pick‑tickets and preference cards for the case cart system in the Operating Room (OR) and Labor & Delivery (L&D). Restocks crash carts used in cardiac resuscitation, ensuring proper and complete items. Suggests and provides substitute items when necessary. Distributes and maintains crash carts, oversees inventory and exchanges. (20%)

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens.

You must have 1‑year of experience and possess all certifications required to perform the duties listed above.