Sterilization Services Technician - Evenings

Tufts Medical Center; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 29,659 - 37,071; Full time

Job summary

Tufts Medical Center is seeking a Sterilization Technician responsible for decontaminating and sterilizing surgical instruments. This entry-level position ensures all instruments are treated according to established protocols and standards, conducting routine checks and documenting processes using specialized software.

The ideal candidate will hold a high school diploma and must obtain certification within 12 months. The position offers competitive compensation and a supportive work environment to thrive.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Certification in Central Services Technician is mandatory within one year of hiring.

Responsibilities

• Receives and processes contaminated surgical instruments and equipment.
• Performs inspection, cleaning, and sterilization of instruments.
• Documents work performed using instrument tracking software.

Skills

Efficient operation of department equipment

Knowledge of general and specialty instrumentation

Effective communication skills

Computer skills with Microsoft Office and tracking systems

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CRCST or CBSPD Certification within 12 months

Job description

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on activities related to the support services functions, including dietary and food services, environmental services, general facilities, repair and maintenance, parking, sterilization and transportation, to ensure all required support activities are completed in a timely manner and meet the organization's quality standards and expectations. In addition, the role performs sterilization services duties such as maintaining sterile equipment, assembling medical equipment, managing inventory, ordering supplies, and providing life‑saving instruments to those performing medical procedures. It requires specialized knowledge or skills gained through a combination of vocational education, training, and experience. The position is typically entry-level, requiring little or no prior knowledge or experience, with vocational or technical education. Work is routine or follows standard procedures, is closely supervised, and communicates information that requires little explanation or interpretation.

Job Overview

The position is responsible for decontamination, assembly, and sterilization of all instruments used throughout the hospital, including general surgical instrumentation. It includes receiving, sorting, and decontaminating surgical/clinic items and instrumentation; inspection and packaging of single instruments and instrument kits; identifying appropriate sterilization methods and cycle selection; documenting all sterile processes; and accurate inventory assignment related to the case cart build process.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Central Services Technician National Certification (CRCST) OR Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) within 12 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a certified program in Central Processing.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Receives soiled, used, and/or contaminated equipment, surgical instruments, scopes, and supplies from operating rooms, patient care units, and specialized areas.
• Disassembles items as needed before choosing appropriate cleaning method.
• Identifies items in need of repair upon receipt and ensures information is maintained during cleaning process.
• Selects and utilizes appropriate manual cleaning tools to achieve instrument decontamination, including instrument brushes, enzymatic detergent, flushing devices, ultrasonic bath, and leak testers.
• Selects and utilizes appropriate automated cleaning tools to achieve instrument decontamination; this includes loading and selecting appropriate cycles on automated washers.
• Documents all work performed utilizing instrument tracking software.
• Inspects and assembles all equipment, instruments, scopes, and instrument sets following product recipe, verifies items are functional, and free of debris.
• Documents items missing from instrument set; escalates set to SPD Supervisor or designee for further guidance.
• Selects appropriate packaging method, including sterilization accessories; ensures all external indicators and/or labels are securely affixed.
• Transports items to sterilization as needed.
• Interprets package labeling to select appropriate sterilization method and approved cycle, options include steam, hydrogen peroxide plasma, or other required methods.
• Inspects packages to ensure all external indicators, filters, and/or labels are securely affixed; returns non‑satisfactory products to instrument room.
• Loads sterilizer appropriately to ensure cycle completion; includes biological testing as appropriate.
• Performs routine sterilizer testing and maintenance, including biological monitoring, leak test, Bowen’s test, and daily/weekly sterilizer maintenance as appropriate.
• Utilizes patient‑specific pick lists to accurately gather surgical instruments and disposable supplies requested by attending surgeon or other peri‑operative representative.
• Documents case cart build process in instrument tracking software, continuously updating the record as items are fulfilled to maintain integrity of needs list.
• Inspects items during the pick process to ensure package integrity remains intact, package is within expiration date, and substitutions are appropriate.
• Communicates unmet surgical supply requests to leadership for resolution assistance.
• Returns supplies not used after surgical procedures to their proper stock location.
• Wears personal protective equipment (PPE) as required and at all times.
• Maintains a clean work area by wiping with antibacterial agent upon completion or as needed.
• Documents arrival and cleaning process utilizing asset tracking software.
• Interprets and documents results of sterilizer testing.
• Escalates positive results as appropriate for intervention.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to lift, reach, carry, push, and pull 40–50 lb or more.
• Tend to a stand/sit combination for eight hours or length of assignment.
• Noting attributes of objects such as size, temperature, or texture by touching with fingertips.
• Heard spoken words to communicate oral information to customers accurately, quickly, and loudly enough in English.
• Perceiving sounds such as phones ringing, beepers, alarms, and buzzers on equipment.
• Clarity of both near and far vision; able to distinguish color codes on instrumentation.

Skills & Abilities

• Efficient in the operation of all equipment within the department.
• Knowledgeable with general and specialty instrumentation.
• Ability to listen to instruction, translate it into an activity, and reproduce what is taught.
• Ability to be extremely conscientious with regard to procedures.
• Ability to follow guidelines, refraining from shortcuts where technique is involved.
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, and handle changing environment and assignments.
• Ability to speak and hear effectively and meet telephone and customer service standards.
• Computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office and instrument tracking systems.
• Knowledge of the hospital, infection control, and medical terminology.

At Tufts Medicine, we want every individual to feel valued for the skills and experience they bring. Our compensation philosophy is designed to offer fair, competitive pay that attracts, retains, and motivates highly talented individuals, while rewarding the important work you do every day.

The base pay ranges reflect the minimum qualifications for the role. Individual offers are determined using a comprehensive approach that considers relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity to ensure compensation is fair, consistent, and aligned with our business goals.

Beyond base pay, Tufts Medicine provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package that supports your health, financial security, and career growth—the many ways we invest in you so you can thrive both at work and outside of it.

Pay Range: $21.53 - $26.91