Lead Registered Sterile Processing Technician

Mosaic Life Care•Saint Joseph, MO

About The Position

The certified Lead Sterile Processing Technician reports to the OR/SPD Manager and is responsible for the daily operations of the Sterile Processing Department, including decontamination, instrument processing, sterilization, and distribution. The role monitors cost, quality, and service issues and makes recommendations for improvement. The technician maintains current Sterile Processing registry or certification and must be able to perform the duties of a Registered Sterile Processing Technician. The lead oversees departmental scheduling, records, reports, resources, equipment service requests, case cart operations, and aspects of training and orientation. The role also participates in the department’s daily work routine as needed and must be able to travel between system facilities and off-site locations when required. The position requires a high school diploma, at least one year of sterile processing experience, and CRCST certification upon hire. Specialty technician or leadership experience is preferred. The work involves handling surgical instruments and equipment, standing for extended periods, lifting and carrying items weighing up to 60 pounds, and exposure to blood and body fluids, chemicals, sharps, wet floors, and pathogens. Mosaic Life Care describes itself as a health care system in northwest Missouri focused on community health and holistic patient needs. The organization offers a range of benefits and perks, including concierge services, an employee lounge, wellness programs, free covered parking, and free on-site and virtual health clinics.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent is required.
One year of sterile processing experience is required.
CRCST certification is required upon hire.
Maintain current Sterile Processing registry or certification.
Be able to perform the duties of a Registered Sterile Processing Technician.
Be able to travel between system facilities and off-site locations as needed.
Communicate clearly by voice with coworkers, representatives, and customers.
Calibrate equipment and use precise hand-eye coordination with surgical instruments.
Assemble surgical instruments, manipulate small items and micro-instruments, and use an SPD microscope.
Answer telephones and be able to learn keyboard skills.
Demonstrate a strong work ethic, teamwork, supportiveness, flexibility, focus, a positive attitude, and the ability to work under pressure and independently.
Move carts, instruments, equipment, and supplies; assemble instrumentation and supplies; and operate instrumentation and equipment.
Stand for long periods, including up to four or more hours at a stretch; walk and fill case carts; and push and pull carts and other equipment.
Lift and carry instrument sets and other equipment weighing up to 60 pounds; reach overhead; safely remove instrument sets from shelves; and reach, climb on a stool, stoop, and kneel.
Be able to take departmental calls with a 20-minute response time.
Manipulate numbers, differentiate and count instruments, interpret departmental data, and comprehend surgical procedures, instrumentation, and sequences of events.
Maintain short- and long-term memory, concentration, and alertness for extended periods; follow instructions and departmental policies and procedures with minimal to no supervision; move between situations or areas; and demonstrate organizational skills.
Have visual skills to distinguish instruments, tactile ability to feel and distinguish colors, and hearing ability to understand a person wearing a mask.
Work around blood and body fluids, SPD chemical compounds, ETO, toxic disinfecting chemicals, sharps, wet floors, and pathogens.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a Specialty Technician or in a leadership role.

Responsibilities

Perform the job duties of a Registered Sterile Processing Technician.
Establish caregiver work schedules, departmental call and holiday schedules, and payroll.
Maintain records of departmental activities, including instrument repairs, quality improvement, and staffing.
Generate and maintain departmental reports and provide information to the SPD Support Manager Director.
Serve as a resource for departmental issues, including troubleshooting, instrumentation questions, interpretation of interdepartmental standards, and customer concerns.
Participate in orientation and training for new hires and transfers.
Meet with company representatives about instrument replacement and repair; make small equipment purchases to replace instruments with Director approval; and replenish implants.
Monitor and oversee the case cart system, including its completeness, cleanliness, and modification.
Call for and monitor service requests from contracted equipment services according to established guidelines and initiate routine maintenance requests.
Participate in the daily work routine as needed.
Travel between system facilities and off-site locations as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.