D&S Tech Lead

EvergreenHealth Monroe • Monroe, WA

4d

About The Position

EvergreenHealth Monroe is seeking an experienced Decontamination and Sterilization Technician for its Decontamination and Sterilization Unit. The role is responsible for cleaning, decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, sterilizing, maintaining, and distributing reusable instruments, sets, linen packs, and other supplies. It helps ensure appropriate sterile-supply inventory for the operating room and other hospital units, and supports staffing and performance evaluations for other Decontamination and Sterilization technicians. The position follows hospital policies, professional conduct standards, and state and federal regulations related to hazardous materials. The work includes exposure risks from communicable diseases and potential physical injury from lifting pans and operating equipment. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between EvergreenHealth Monroe and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.

Requirements

• High school graduation.
• At least two years of previous work experience in Sterile Processing and Distribution, or completion of a comparable training program.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and ability to communicate in English.
• Ability to use a steam autoclave washer-sterilizer and an ultrasonic washer.
• Knowledge of instruments and sets, medical supplies, and equipment.
• Ability to stand for long periods, assist with moving patients, and lift instrument trays and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Visual, tactile, and manual dexterity capabilities.
• Required use of personal protective equipment, documentation of hepatitis B immunization or immunity, and bloodborne-pathogen training.

Nice To Haves

• Sterile Processing and Distribution (SPD) certification.
• Bilingual ability.

Responsibilities

• Clean, decontaminate, inspect, assemble, sterilize, maintain, and distribute reusable instruments, sets, linen packs, and supplies.
• Maintain adequate sterile supplies and inventory for operating-room schedules and other hospital units.
• Maintain the monthly staff schedule, arrange coverage for sick calls and vacations, and assist the Clinical Nurse Manager with staff performance evaluations and orientation.
• Verify with operating-room staff that required instruments, sets, and equipment are available and functioning.
• Track and organize refurbishment of one instrument tray each month; report instruments needing repair or replacement.
• Maintain and update inventory lists to ensure instrument sets contain the correct instruments and quantities; order supplies weekly.
• Respond immediately to urgent requests for sterile instruments or sets.
• Monitor and document biological and Bowie-Dick testing, temperature, and time cycles; report malfunctions and remove questionable sterile supplies from use.
• Operate steam sterilizers, decontamination washers, washer-sterilizers, and heat-seal equipment; reprocess reusable instruments through decontamination, identification, preparation, sterilization, distribution, and rotation.
• Clean, inspect, and sterilize reprocessed nursing-unit supply items; manually clean and disinfect flexible scopes before, between, and after endoscopy procedures.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and ready for the next shift or procedure schedule, and maintain a safe sterile-processing environment.
• Participate in continuing education, hospital in-service programs, quality improvement, and department quality-assurance programs; document education credits and quality data as appropriate.
• Communicate pertinent information through the communication book and answer telephone calls professionally.
• Identify service-related problems and suggest improvements to quality and productivity.
• Use personal protective equipment and follow infection-control, bloodborne-pathogen, and other applicable safety requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental coverage, with premiums as low as $0.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Retirement plans (457(b) and 401(a)) with employer contribution.
• Paid time off, vacation, and holidays.
• Paid sick leave.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Cafeteria discounts.
• Free parking.
• Additional compensation, such as a per diem stipend in lieu of benefits, may be available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED