Central Processing Department Technical Educator

South Shore Health•Weymouth, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The CPD Technical Educator reflects South Shore Health’s mission, vision, and values and follows its Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, policies, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards. This role is responsible for staff training, orientation, competency assessment, compliance, safety, and policy development within the Central Processing Department. The educator develops and delivers orientation and ongoing education for Central Processing staff, assesses proficiency in disinfection, sterilization, and decontamination, and supports compliance with OSHA, AAMI, AORN, and Joint Commission standards. The role also helps develop and maintain department procedures, quality monitors, training programs, and staff development plans. The educator demonstrates and teaches the proper use of instrument tracking systems and department equipment, including sterilization, high-level disinfection, and decontamination equipment. The position includes preparing staff work schedules, collaborating with supervisors on staffing coverage, completing department rounds and quality documentation, auditing staff work, communicating with other departments and clinical teams, and taking on assigned projects. The role requires maintaining CRCST certification and continuing professional education.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 2 years in a teaching position; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
At least 2–4 years of supervisory, coordinator, or lead technician experience in Sterile Processing or a related field.
CRCST certification from HSPA or CBSPD Technician certification.
Valid driver’s license.
Experience and knowledge of surgical instrumentation.
In-depth knowledge and experience with sterilization processes, decontamination, assembly, packaging, shelf life, and aseptic techniques and their applications.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Basic computer skills.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree.
Experience in adult education, or willingness to enroll in or continue classes that support the development of educational plans and evaluation tools.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and complete orientation programs for new hires and ongoing education and certification classes for existing staff.
Assess staff competency in disinfection, sterilization, and decontamination procedures through observations and audits.
Ensure departmental compliance with OSHA, AAMI, AORN, and Joint Commission standards.
Assist with developing, implementing, reviewing, and updating policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures.
Demonstrate and teach the instrument tracking system and its use in staff members’ job duties.
Demonstrate and teach proper sterilization of instruments, equipment, and supplies using various sterilizers.
Teach staff to load sterilizers and set controls according to the materials and requirements of the items being sterilized.
Teach staff to complete required manual or electronic documentation and verify sterilization cycle printouts.
Ensure staff follow departmental policies and procedures.
Identify, follow, and teach proper equipment-use procedures; correctly operate and demonstrate sterilization, high-level disinfection, and decontamination equipment.
Place work orders for equipment failures.
Help establish and maintain quality monitors for sterilization, sterile technique, products requiring sterilization, and sterile handling and storage.
Educate staff on supplies and equipment specific to patient populations across the age span.
Apply regulatory requirements to training and follow up to ensure training assignments are completed.
Collaborate with supervisors on staffing needs for subsequent shifts and arrange coverage as needed.
Prepare work schedules for Sterile Processing staff.
Plan, design, conduct, and evaluate training programs, including sterile processing and sterile handling education.
Provide ongoing training and development for clinical competencies and mandatory education, and contribute to personnel development plans.
Integrate research and related literature into formal and informal education.
Develop, present, and evaluate educational programs and complete orientation documentation for new staff.
Provide regular feedback on employee progress.
Assist supervisors with rounds when needed and complete daily documentation rounds, entering quality assurance information into the computer system.
Communicate professionally and tactfully with departments, operating room staff, and surgeons; use established channels to resolve work-related problems.
Respond to email and Tiger Text communications in a timely manner.
Maintain CRCST certification and take responsibility for continuing education.
Recommend work-process or system changes based on regulatory requirements, industry trends, technological developments, and competitive challenges.
Complete assigned special projects and other duties as assigned by the Manager.
Audit staff work for accuracy and detail according to policy.
Schedule educational offerings with vendors.
Coordinate team development and implementation of standards of care consistent with the Operating Room philosophy, goals, and objectives.