STERILIZATION TECHNICIAN

Franklin Primary Health Center, Inc.; Prichard (AL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Franklin Primary Health Center, Inc. seeks a Sterilization Technician to perform core sterile processing duties in a fast-paced environment. The role involves decontamination, preparation, packaging, and sterilization of instruments, with adherence to safety and privacy guidelines.

The technician will monitor cycles, document results, and support infection control efforts across departments. A high school diploma and CPR certification are required, with CRCST/CBSPD preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; CRCST/CBSPD certification preferred.
• CPR certification required; CDA/RDA preferred.
• Strong English communication and organizational skills.
• Proficient PC skills including Excel and Access.

Responsibilities

• Receive, decontaminate, and prepare reusable medical devices.
• Load and operate sterilizers; monitor cycles and biological indicators as needed.
• Document sterilization processes; maintain department records.
• Ensure infection control compliance and safety guidelines are followed.
• Provide sterilization training and support to departments as required.
• Collaborate to ensure timely processing and accuracy of case carts.

Skills

English communication

PC skills (Excel, Access)

Attention to detail

Strong organization

Education

High school diploma or GED

CRCST or CBSPD Certification preferred

CPR certification required

CDA or RDA preferred

Job description

JOB SUMMARY: Under the general guidance and direction of the Clinical Education & Accreditation Manager, the Sterilization Technician independently performs all core job responsibilities in the Sterile Processing Department.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITESReports to the Clinical Education & Accreditation Manager, cleans medical supplies, equipment, instruments and trays.Follows standard precautions for decontamination, monitors BI and chemical wash solutions that ensure consistent safety.Promotes Sterile Processing department goals by selecting, motivating, and training team members.Ensures proper care and handling of all instrumentation received through decontamination area.Monitors the use of proper techniques through the instrumentation processing, preparation and packaging areas, sterilization and Quality Assurance areas.Conducts daily spot checks during random site visits.Serves as a backup between dental/OB/GYN/Optometry sterilization and Infection Control departmentEnsures sterilization activities are properly documented and participates in the maintenance of department records for sterilization.Prepares for the Sterilization Exam internally at Franklin Primary Health Center, Inc. annually and as neededEnsures that Joint Commission standards are maintained and ensures that CDC, OSHA training and guidelines are maintained.Provides sterilization training in various departmentsAttends all sterilization and Infection control meetingsCore Sterile Processing functions include receiving, sorting and decontamination of surgical/clinic items and instrumentation; inspection and packaging of single instruments and instrument kits; identification of appropriate sterilization method and cycle selection, appropriate documentation for all sterile processes; and accurate inventory assignment relating to the case cart build process.COLLABORATIVE FUNCTIONSDevelops and maintains expert knowledge of service, sterile process, or instrument classification.Coordinates work flow and prioritizes work activities to meet department needs in an efficient manner.Performs Dental Assisting duties deemed necessary by immediate supervisor and/or Dental Director.DECONTAMINATION AND CLEANING REUSABLE MEDICAL DEVICESUtilizes approved PPE as appropriate.Receives soiled, used, and/or contaminated equipment, surgical instruments, and supplies from patient care areas; documents arrival and cleaning process.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.Utilizes appropriate manual cleaning tools to achieve instrument decontamination, including but not limited to instrument brushes, enzymatic detergent, flushing devices, ultrasonic bath, leak testedUtilizes appropriate automated cleaning tools to achieve instrument decontamination; this includes loading and selecting appropriate cycles on automated washers’ machinery according to manufacture guidelinesCleans work area by wiping area with antibacterial agent upon work completion or as needed.Other duties as assignedSTERILIZATION OF REUSABLE MEDICAL DEVICESInterprets package labeling to select appropriate sterilization method and approved cycle.Inspects packages to ensure all external indicators, filters, and/or labels are securely affixed to items, returns non satisfactory products to instrument room.Loads sterilizer as appropriate to ensure cycle completion.Performs routine sterilizer testing including biological monitoring, leak test, and bowie dick test as appropriate.Follows established policies interprets and appropriately document results of sterilizer testing. Escalates positive results as appropriate for intervention.Removes and inspects items from sterilizer utilizing approved methods to preserve package integrity.Follows established procedures and selects appropriate High Level Disinfection method.Utilizes approved PPE as appropriate.Performs daily maintenance in accordance with established policies and procedures, documents appropriately.Other duties as assigned.TRANSPORTATIONAdheres to policies and procedures of transporting duty & cleaning of instruments and bins.The preceding examples are representative of the assignments performed by this position and are not intended to be all-inclusiveCUSTOMER SATISFACTION: Must provide the very best customer satisfaction to patients, visitors, and co-worker at all time in a professional and courteous manner.Actively protects customer confidentialityActively keeps environment clean and safe with a professional and welcoming imageAlways treats customers as welcome guests and provides a warm and sincere greetingConsistently presents a professional appearance in dress and grooming by adherence to dress code policyEffectively and regularly demonstrates the values of the organizationEffectively involves customers in decisions that affect themFollows through in a timely manner of commitments made to customers and staffTaking ownership of your attitude toward Service Excellence.HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:Must adhere to safety policies and procedures.Must receive Safety and Hazardous Communication training annually.Must exercise universal precautions and comply with safety standards and procedures.Knowledgeable of OSHA and CDC guidelines, to Joint Commission compliance.PRIVACY RULE COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS:Adheres to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA Privacy Rule) policies and procedures.Must successfully complete Privacy Rule compliance training annually or as revisions are made to the policies and procedures.Must comply with Privacy Rule guidelines by learning to protect FPHC patient’s medical privacy.Must comply with Privacy Rule guidelines by appropriately maintaining our patient information in compliance with national standards.Must comply with Privacy Rule guidelines by providing appropriate security of FPHC patient recordsPROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI) ACCESS: RESTRICTED- For purposes of HIPAA Compliance there are 4 workforce categories, which define the level of access to PHI that is granted to the incumbent. This position is classified under ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF and therefore granted RESTRICTED access- to be defined according to the purpose for which use or disclosure is intended.PERFORMANCE STANDARDS: Performance will be evaluated by the Comptroller/Accounting Manager or designee annually wherein an overall satisfactory rating is considered as a minimum acceptable level of performance.QUALIFICATIONSEXPERIENCE: Prior sterilization training/experience in health care delivery system with knowledge of clinical services is preferred.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES: Should demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills with attention to detail and an ability to perform in a high-pressure deadline oriented environment. Strong PC skills in applications such as Excel and AccessEDUCATION: High school diploma, GED or equivalent. Degree preferred. CRCST or CBSPD Certification preferredCERTIFICATION, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: CPR Certification required; CDA or RDA preferred.OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Strong English communication skills are required. Bilingual and bicultural candidates are encouraged to apply.PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:1. Requires working under stressful conditions and/or working irregular hours.2. Must be able to express ideas clearly and concisely; and exercise balanced judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.3. Requires effective verbal and written communication skills, analytical skills, organizational skills, math and budgeting skills.