Central Sterile Processing Associate

UPMC•Harrisburg, PA

About The Position

The Central Sterile Processing Associate is trained to perform the duties needed to decontaminate, clean, inspect, assemble, package, sterilize, store, distribute, and document reusable surgical instruments and equipment according to established procedures. Candidates 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 supports safe, high-quality patient care by following department procedures for decontamination, sterile processing, infection control, and safety; maintaining and troubleshooting processing equipment; and communicating effectively with colleagues and other care providers. The associate is also expected to contribute to continuous improvement, professional development, teamwork, mentoring, and cost-conscious work practices.

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.
For employees grandfathered as technicians without certification, 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 to maintain certification, as determined by the certifying body.
Staff pending certification within 18 months of hire are not required to complete continuing education until certified.
Ability to stand for all shift hours and lift, push, or pull up to 35 pounds.
Certification from 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; Maryland facilities are excluded.
New employees at Pennsylvania and New York facilities have 18 months from their hire date to obtain the required certification; Maryland facilities are excluded.
Act 34 clearance.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Follow department policies and procedures 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.
Use effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication, and maintain comprehensive documentation that supports communication between caregivers.
Use performance-improvement tools and techniques, contribute to ongoing quality improvement, and share improvement learnings with other units or across the business unit or system.
Apply critical thinking to clinical, social, safety, psychological, and spiritual issues, and incorporate organizational and professional goals into daily work to improve patient safety, quality, and patient experience.
Build positive working relationships and teams through mentoring and constructive communication; coach colleagues on cultural diversity and address workplace horizontal violence and impairment.
Support the development of colleagues through mentoring, education, and knowledge sharing, and share expertise within and beyond the department.
Maintain accountability for professional development, recommend improvements to clinical care and workplace health, participate in change initiatives, and set priorities.
Demonstrate accountability for safe work hours, time management, and healthy lifestyles.
Share new knowledge and innovations through presentations, posters, and publications.
Use time, motion, and materials economically to support cost containment.