Lead Sterile Processing Tech

Wellstar Health System • Griffin, GA

2d

About The Position

The Lead Sterile Processing Technician works under the direction of the Sterile Processing Supervisor or Manager to help coordinate surgical instrument processing and workflow. The role performs the direct duties of a Sterile Processing Technician while also serving as a resource and liaison for sterile processing staff and other operating room team members. The Lead Technician supports designated service lines, communicates regularly with management and clinical staff, helps resolve operational issues, participates in performance improvement initiatives, and assists with staff orientation. The position helps ensure operating rooms have the equipment and supplies needed for surgical cases to proceed efficiently and on time.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 2 years of previous sterile processing experience.
• CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) or CSPDT (Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician) certification required upon hire.
• Expert knowledge of surgical supply processing, surgical instruments, and sterile technique.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to understand, speak, and write English well enough to communicate with the surgical services team.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to set priorities and adjust to daily demands.
• Ability to work with all levels of care providers.
• Self-directed and self-motivated, with strong customer service skills.

Nice To Haves

• An associate degree in a general or related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collect, receive, disinfect, decontaminate, clean, inspect, assemble, wrap, containerize, sterilize, and appropriately store instruments, supplies, and equipment in accordance with hospital policies and applicable standards.
• Operate sonic washers, washer decontaminators, steam sterilizers, and Steris sterilizers; monitor equipment condition and report equipment problems or maintenance needs.
• Handle and store instruments, equipment, and supplies appropriately, including scanning barcodes and placing sterile items in designated locations.
• Inspect surgical instruments and medical equipment for cleanliness, repair, or replacement needs, and maintain equipment in good working condition and available around the clock.
• Maintain accurate and legible sterilization records, quality-control logs, and other required regulatory documentation.
• Follow departmental policies and procedures for safety, quality improvement, infection control, and sterile processing.
• Respond to nursing staff and other requests by locating surgical instruments and supplies.
• Check and stock supplies, rotate stock by expiration date, coordinate with supply-ordering personnel, deliver and unload supplies, and restock as needed.
• Coordinate instrument turnaround activities with the Manager and retrieve equipment for scheduled and emergent cases; assist in emergencies by assembling and returning needed equipment.
• Communicate relevant instrumentation and supply information to management, physicians, staff, sales representatives, and other appropriate team members.
• Report unusual occurrences, problems, accidents, safety issues, quality concerns, and patient-experience concerns to leadership.
• Promote a positive patient experience and protect patients' privacy, comfort, and safety during supply or equipment delivery and setup.
• Communicate frequently with Sterile Processing Technicians and surgical services leaders to support workflow and ensure supplies meet operational demands.
• Assist the Sterile Processing Supervisor or Manager with staff meetings and attend required departmental and Surgical Services meetings.
• Serve as a liaison between Sterile Processing Technicians and other surgical services team members, orient staff, participate in performance improvement initiatives, troubleshoot workflow issues, and monitor productivity and process effectiveness.
• Comply with WellStar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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