Certified Central Sterile Supply Technician

Middlesex Health System•Middletown, CT

About The Position

The Certified Central Sterile Supply Technician collects, cleans, decontaminates, sterilizes, and prepares surgical instruments, trays and packs, reusable medical devices, and patient care equipment according to established standards and procedures. The role ensures sterile, functioning supplies and equipment and requires understanding of microbiology and infection-control standards. The technician works under the direction of the Central Sterile Supply Manager and Central Sterile Supply Lead Tech, and supports Central Sterile Services for 36 hours per week on a day shift, with an every-other-weekend or every-third-weekend requirement. The position includes processing instruments and equipment, testing and operating washers and sterilizers, assembling and packaging instrument sets, documenting and tracking loads, and maintaining department cleanliness. The technician also picks cases using preference cards and the surgical schedule, serves as a liaison to designated external customers, may run the MH Surgical Center independently, and trains or proctors new employees during orientation.

Requirements

IAHCSMM or CBSPDT technician certification is required and must be maintained.
Two years of central sterile processing experience.
High school diploma or GED.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Basic computer skills for tracking-system interface.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting.

Nice To Haves

Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Ability to make independent decisions.
Ability to react and perform under strict timelines or emergency situations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
Qualities that support professionalism and teamwork.

Responsibilities

Decontaminate surgical instruments according to manufacturer instructions or guidance from the CSS Manager.
Operate decontamination equipment, including washer disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners, cart washers, and washer automation.
Inspect instruments after decontamination to ensure items are clean, intact, functional, and accounted for.
Assemble instrument trays to maintain device sterility and make instruments accessible to end users; use count sheets to ensure accurate assembly.
Package or containerize instrument sets according to manufacturer guidelines and AAMI standards, using a technique that supports aseptic opening in the operating room.
Load sterilizer carts, containers, and wrapped items as recommended and in a manner that avoids puncturing or compromising packages.
Run daily tests on steam and H2O2 sterilizers and daily washer tests for cleaning efficacy and thermal disinfection.
Operate sterilizers according to manufacturer instructions and ensure biological indicator monitoring for every load.
Document load contents, interface loads with the tracking system, confirm cycle parameters, monitor sterilizer-to-tracking-system information, and record pertinent biological, mechanical, and chemical information.
Unload sterilizers without compromising items and store items in the correct locations according to the tracking system.
Maintain cleanliness of the department and processing equipment.
Pick cases according to preference cards and review of the surgical schedule.
Use the T-DOC asset management system to perform job functions.
Follow established Standard Operating Procedures.
Act as a liaison to designated external customers, such as the off-site OR.
Run the MH Surgical Center independently.
Train or proctor new employees through the orientation process.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.