CSS Educator

University of Iowa • Iowa City, IA

1d

About The Position

The CSS Educator supports clinical education for sterile processing department (SPD) staff and other health professionals. The role applies medical device reprocessing expertise, educational resources, interventions, and informatics to improve health care outcomes. As a member of a growing team, the CSS Educator helps align medical device reprocessing education and best practices across UI Health Care Central Sterilizing locations, including the Integrated Service Center, Turn Center, Iowa River Landing, FERC, North Liberty, and Medical Center Downtown. Schedule and location flexibility are expected; primary working hours are during the day at the Integrated Service Center in Coralville.

The position provides specialized clinical and technical education concerning sterile processing and high-level disinfection. It supports staff competency, onboarding, training documentation, and the review and updating of training materials, competencies, procedures, and policies. The educator collaborates with department educators, administration, operations leaders, HR, instrument specialists, quality specialists, external company representatives, and other health care professionals to support safe and effective reprocessing practices, evaluate new products, and implement changes consistently across CSS sites.

The CSS Educator is expected to keep staff education records current and compliant, provide guidance and coaching, communicate effectively amid changing team needs, and model professionalism. Applicants must submit a resume marked as required. Successful candidates must disclose conviction history and undergo a criminal background check. The position is not eligible for University employment-authorization sponsorship.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a health-related field or equivalent education and CSS experience.
• Possess and maintain certification through a nationally recognized central sterilizing service training program, such as HSPA or CBSPD.
• Obtain and maintain endoscope reprocessing certification from CBSPD or HSPA within the first two years of employment.
• At least 2 years of related experience working in a medical field that includes sterile processing and medical device reprocessing.
• At least 2 years of related experience training or precepting others, including documentation of training and competency.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with computer software applications such as Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Demonstrated commitment to Service Excellence principles.
• Experience working independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate and develop effective interpersonal relationships with nursing staff, medical staff, the CSS department, interdisciplinary teams, and other hospital departments.

Nice To Haves

• Previous knowledge of or experience with university policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized clinical and technical education related to sterile processing and high-level disinfection.
• Provide subject matter expertise on complex surgical instrumentation and interpret manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs) to assess compliance with facility equipment and procedures.
• Complete observation-based employee skill assessments for accuracy and completion.
• Conduct reprocessing observations to identify training gaps and process drift, and recommend and participate in training and re-education solutions.
• Perform or coordinate in-services with external company representatives in partnership with Operations leaders and Instrument Specialists.
• Collaborate with the health care team on clinical and technical specifications to support safe and effective cleaning, high-level disinfection, and sterilization of instruments, equipment, and supplies.
• Work with HR, Administration, and Operations leadership to support orientation for new UI and agency staff, and coordinate with Operations leaders on new hires' transitions to their shifts and locations.
• Collaborate with department Educators, Administration, Operations leadership, and HR to monitor timely and accurate completion of training and competency records.
• Collaborate with department Educators, Administration, Operations leadership, and Quality Specialists to review and revise competencies, training materials, SOPs, policies, and procedures in line with evolving industry standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with department Educators, Instrument Specialists, Operations leadership, and Quality Specialists to review new product IFUs for compatibility with available equipment, processes, policies, and procedures.
• Work with the team to plan change management, including standardized communication and implementation of new processes, techniques, and products across CSS sites.
• Maintain compliant and current staff education records and document training and competency.
• Stay current with applicable regulatory requirements and professional standards.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and counseling to staff to support achievement of outcomes.
• Model professionalism and adapt to changing team needs with flexibility and effective communication.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time