Central Sterile Processing Associate

UPMC•Mechanicsburg, PA

About The Position

The Central Sterile Processing Associate is trained to perform the duties required for proper decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, distribution, and documentation of reusable surgical instruments and equipment according to established procedures. The position also performs other duties as assigned or required. The role follows department policies for decontamination, sterile processing, infection control, and safety. It cleans, inspects, assembles, and processes reusable instruments and equipment; monitors sterilizer parameters; troubleshoots processing equipment; prepares supplies and case carts; and maintains inventory. The associate is expected to communicate effectively, contribute to quality improvement and patient safety, support colleagues through mentoring and knowledge sharing, and use time and materials economically. Eligible candidates may be offered a sign-on bonus of up to $5,000 based on years of experience. Applicants will be placed in appropriate job titles based on their experience and education.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; no experience is required under this qualification 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 to lift, push, and pull up to 35 pounds.
For staff grandfathered as technicians without certification, completion of 10 hours of continuing education annually is required to remain qualified as a Central Sterile Technician.
Certified staff must complete 10–12 hours of continuing education to maintain certification, as determined by the certifying body.
For new employees in Pennsylvania and New York facilities, required certification must be obtained within 18 months of hire; Maryland facilities are excluded.
Certification through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution or as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association is required for Pennsylvania and New York facilities, with the stated grandfathering and Maryland exceptions.
Act 34 clearance.

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 required for standard surgical procedures and set up case carts.
Maintain inventory; collect, disassemble, inspect, clean, disinfect, and reassemble instrument trays and patient care equipment.
Document work comprehensively to promote communication between caregivers.
Communicate appropriately with good interpersonal skills, and articulate recommendations or changes in unit practices to other care providers.
Apply performance improvement tools and techniques and incorporate research and best practices into daily work.
Support patient safety, quality, and patient experience goals in daily work.
Build productive working relationships and teams, and support colleagues through mentoring, coaching, education, and knowledge sharing.
Demonstrate accountability for professional development and participate in change initiatives and recommendations to improve clinical care and the workplace.
Set priorities and demonstrate accountability for safe work hours and time management.
Use time, motion, and materials economically to support cost containment.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.