Dental Sterilization Technician Trainee (HCS Trainee I)

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Colorado, School of Dental Medicine (SDM) is looking for a full-time Sterilization Technician Trainee. Under the direction of the Clinical Support Services department leadership, our Sterilization Technicians support clinical operations for the entire SDM. These positions are integral to dental education clinical operations, focusing on sterilization and sterile processing with the opportunity for training and career growth in a healthcare industry. This trainee position at SDM is designed for individuals interested in building a career in the dental or healthcare field. The Sterilization Technician Trainee will receive hands-on training in sterilization, sterile processing, and infection prevention practices that are essential to SDM’s clinical operations. This role provides a strong foundation for professional development, with opportunities to gain valuable experience in a fast-paced academic healthcare environment.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
Colorado law requires that candidates for state government jobs be residents of Colorado at the time of application.
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of 6 months of work experience in a fast-paced environment such as food service, retail stores, hotels, gas stations, healthcare or related experience.
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent communication (written and verbal); ability to interact with sterilization staff and supervisor on a daily basis to meet the demands of clinical and educational operations.
In-depth understanding and demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in proper decontamination, sterilization, and instrument preparation.

Responsibilities

Perform cleaning and decontamination of all instruments and equipment according to established procedures and techniques.
Ensure proper cleaning of sanitizing machines and related equipment.
Sterilize instruments and maintain adequate levels of sterilized items for distribution.
Inventory cassettes and instruments for precise disbursement to operatories and clinical units.
Monitor the sterilization cycle to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
Conduct routine checks to ensure all equipment is functioning properly.
Report and document malfunctions or needed repairs to maintain operational standards.
Perform minor repairs or adjustments to sanitizing machines as required.
Oversee the collection of used instruments and equipment to initiate the sterilization process.
Maintain accurate records of collected items to support tracking and compliance.
Coordinate with staff to ensure timely and efficient collection practices.
Prepare specialized instrument set-ups for use by undergraduate students, residents, and faculty.
Collaborate with academic and clinical staff to identify specific set-up needs.
Ensure that specialized instruments are sterilized and ready for patient treatment sessions.
Issue sterile reusable instruments to operatories and clinical units.
Collect and resterilize used instruments.

Benefits

Medical: Multiple plan options
Dental: Multiple plan options
Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
Retirement Plans: State pension (PERA Defined Benefit) or 401(a) - Employer contributes between 10% and 21.5% of your gross pay
Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
Vacation Days: Between 12/year and 24/year (maximum accrual between 192 hours and 384 hours) – specific amount depends on length of total State of Colorado service
Sick Days: 10/year (360 hour maximum accrual)
Holiday Days: 15/year
Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service