Central Sterile Processing Associate

UPMC•Harrisburg, PA

About The Position

The Central Sterile Processing Associate is trained to perform duties necessary for the proper decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, distribution, and documentation of reusable surgical instruments and equipment according to established procedures. Employees are placed in appropriate job titles based on their experience and education. Eligible candidates may receive a sign-on bonus of up to $5,000 based on years of experience. The role follows department policies for decontamination, sterile processing, infection control, and safety. It includes cleaning and decontaminating reusable equipment, preparing and assembling surgical trays, monitoring sterilizer performance, troubleshooting processing equipment, and supporting inventory and case-cart preparation. The associate also contributes to quality improvement, patient safety, effective communication, professional development, mentoring, and cost-conscious work practices. Certification requirements vary by facility. Certification is required for Pennsylvania and New York facilities, but excluded for Maryland facilities. New employees in Pennsylvania and New York have 18 months from their hire date to obtain certification. Eligible staff who were active in a Central Sterile position at a healthcare facility on or before December 27, 2020, are grandfathered regarding certification unless they move to a position requiring it. Act 34 is listed among the clearances.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; no experience is required under this pathway.
Alternatively, currently enrolled in an accredited Surgical Technician or Sterile Processing program is preferred, or one year of experience within UPMC.
Ability to stand for all shift hours and lift, push, and pull up to 35 pounds.
For Pennsylvania and New York facilities, obtain required certification within 18 months of hire unless grandfathered; Maryland facilities are excluded from this requirement.
Certification from the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution or as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, where required.
Act 34 clearance.
Grandfathered technicians without certification must complete 10 hours of continuing education annually to remain qualified as a Central Sterile Technician.
Certified staff must complete 10–12 hours of continuing education as required by the certifying body; staff pending certification within 18 months of hire are not required to complete continuing education until certified.

Nice To Haves

Currently enrolled in an accredited Surgical Technician or Sterile Processing program.
One year of experience within UPMC.

Responsibilities

Follow department policies concerning decontamination, sterile processing, infection control, and safety.
Clean and decontaminate reusable equipment, instruments, and supplies manually and mechanically.
Prepare and assemble surgical trays and equipment according to established tray listings for issue, storage, or further processing.
Monitor, read, document, and interpret sterilizer parameters to ensure proper function.
Maintain working knowledge of and troubleshoot decontamination and sterilization equipment.
Assess supplies needed for standard surgical procedures and set up case carts.
Maintain inventory; collect, disassemble, inspect, clean, disinfect, and reassemble instrument trays and patient-care equipment.
Communicate appropriately using effective interpersonal skills and comprehensive documentation.
Use time, motion, and materials economically to support cost containment.
Apply performance-improvement tools and techniques and incorporate research and best practices into daily work.
Contribute to patient safety, quality, and patient satisfaction, and share learning from improvements with other units or business areas.
Build productive working relationships, mentor and educate colleagues, and share expertise with healthcare team members.
Support professional development and workplace improvement, participate in change initiatives, and set priorities.