Staff Education Specialist, Sterile Processing
About The Position
The Staff Education Specialist in Sterile Processing is responsible for overseeing the orientation and training of all new employees, as well as providing continuing education for all existing employees. This role requires expert skill and knowledge in central sterile processing, incorporating developmental, cultural, and ethical considerations. The specialist acts as a resource for staff, educates on regulatory standards, compliance, clinical practices, and safety. They maintain and update orientation manuals and skills checklists, create individualized training plans, and conduct regular assessments of new employees. Additionally, they assess preceptor competency, provide re-education for performance issues, coordinate in-service schedules for new instruments and continuing education, and ensure all staff receive necessary information. The role requires flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and evenings, and involves travel to multiple Advocate Health hospital locations. The specialist also liaisons with the OR Clinical Education Resource Team and assists with OR staff education as needed, while prioritizing safety and infection control protocols.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Certification as a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT), or Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), or other sterile processing certification required
- Five years' experience in Sterile Processing or completion of an accredited Sterile Processing certificate program with three years' experience in Sterile Processing.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Demonstrates ability to assess the need for, plan, implement and evaluate high-quality, cost-effective educational programs for staff.
- Ability to operate equipment such as the steam sterilizer, low temperature sterilizers, ultrasonic washers, and washer decontaminators
Responsibilities
- Oversees orientation and training of all new employees and continuing education for all employees.
- Demonstrates expert skill and knowledge in central sterile processing, incorporating developmental, cultural and ethical considerations.
- Acts as a resource for staff members.
- Provides education to staff on regulatory standards and compliance, current clinical practice issues, and safety standards.
- Maintains and updates all orientation manuals and skills checklists.
- Creates individualized training plan for all new employees.
- Conducts weekly assessments of new employees and adjusts orientation training schedule as needed.
- Assesses competency of preceptors to ensure they have the knowledge and skill to assist with orientation of new employees.
- Provides re-education to employees as performance issues arise.
- Coordinates in-service schedule for new instruments, continuing education, etc.
- Maintains the in-service records and ensures that all staff receive the necessary information.
- Adjusts schedule to work with all employees on all shifts to ensure training needs are met and supported.
- Demonstrates ability to work pre-arranged weekend, night, and evening hours.
- Communicates with SPD Manager regarding any educational needs or issues.
- Liaisons with OR Clinical Education Resource Team and assists with OR staff education as needed.
- Protects self, co-workers and facility by following approved policies and procedures to prevent the spread of bloodborne and/or airborne disease(s).
Benefits
- Comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs
- Competitive compensation
- Generous retirement offerings
- Programs that invest in your career development
- Paid Time Off programs
- Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
- Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
- Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
- Educational Assistance Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
