Central Sterile Processing Associate

UPMC•Pittsburgh, PA

2h•Onsite

About The Position

At UPMC St. Margaret Hospital, the Central Sterile Processing Associate supports the surgical team by preparing and sterilizing instruments used in procedures. The position trains employees to decontaminate, clean, inspect, assemble, package, sterilize, store, distribute, and document reusable surgical instruments and equipment according to established procedures. No prior experience is required for entry-level roles, and the role is described as a career-ladder step with opportunities for advancement within Central Sterile Processing and Surgical Services. The final title and salary depend on the candidate’s experience. The position works eight-hour shifts Monday through Friday, with on-call weekend and holiday coverage as needed. Training is on a mid-shift beginning at either 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.; shift details will be discussed with the hiring manager. The role requires standing throughout the shift and handling items weighing up to 35 pounds.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; no experience required, or currently enrolled in an accredited Surgical Technician or Sterile Processing program (preferred), or one year of experience within UPMC.
Ability to stand throughout all shift hours and lift, push, or pull up to 35 pounds.
For Pennsylvania and New York facilities, new employees must obtain the required certification within 18 months of hire; Maryland facilities are excluded from this requirement.
Certification may be through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution or as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association.
Employees 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 certification.
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 their certifying body. Staff with certification pending within 18 months of hire are not required to complete continuing education until certified.
Act 34 clearance.

Nice To Haves

Currently enrolled in an accredited Surgical Technician or Sterile Processing program.

Responsibilities

Follow department policies for decontamination, sterile processing, infection control, and safety.
Manually and mechanically clean and decontaminate reusable equipment, instruments, and supplies.
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 operation.
Maintain working knowledge of and troubleshoot decontamination and sterilization equipment.
Assess supplies needed for standard surgical procedures and set up case carts.
Maintain inventory and collect, disassemble, inspect, clean, disinfect, and reassemble instrument trays and patient-care equipment.
Communicate appropriately and use effective interpersonal skills.
Use time, motion, and materials economically to support cost containment.
Participate in performance-improvement activities and help improve quality, safety, and the work environment.
Develop skills through initiative and participation in educational programs.
Work as a team member and remain accountable for assigned responsibilities.
Support UPMC's Core Values by responding to the needs of patients, families, physicians, and coworkers responsibly, sensitively, accurately, promptly, and thoroughly.
Perform other assigned duties, including duties required in emergency situations.