Staff Education Specialist, Sterile Processing
About The Position
The Staff Education Specialist oversees orientation, training, and continuing education for Sterile Processing Services employees. The role provides expert sterile processing guidance, develops individualized training plans, assesses employee and preceptor competency, and maintains educational materials and records. The specialist coordinates in-services, provides re-education when performance issues arise, and works with staff across shifts to address training needs. The position is based at the Winston Salem Campus and includes travel to other AHWFB hospital locations. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with shifts that may vary to meet departmental and teammate needs; prearranged weekend, evening, and night hours may be required. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and a sterile processing certification. Candidates must have five years of sterile processing experience, or an accredited Sterile Processing certificate program and three years of sterile processing experience. The role requires strong communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, the ability to design and evaluate staff education programs, and the ability to operate sterilization and decontamination equipment. The work involves exposure to bodily fluids and tissue, bloodborne disease risks, cleaning chemicals, steam and heat, and a loud, demanding environment with interruptions and variable situations. Advocate Health lists paid time off; medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits; flexible spending accounts; adoption assistance and paid parental leave; retirement plans with employer match; and educational assistance. Program eligibility may depend on employment status or FTE.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Certification as a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT), Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), or another sterile processing certification.
- Five years of sterile processing experience, or completion of an accredited Sterile Processing certificate program with three years of sterile processing experience.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Ability to assess the need for, plan, implement, and evaluate high-quality, cost-effective educational programs for staff.
- Ability to operate steam sterilizers, low-temperature sterilizers, ultrasonic washers, and washer decontaminators.
- Ability to work prearranged weekend, evening, and night hours and adjust schedules to meet training needs.
Responsibilities
- Oversee orientation and training for new employees and continuing education for all employees.
- Demonstrate expert sterile processing skills and knowledge, accounting for developmental, cultural, and ethical considerations, and serve as a staff resource.
- Educate staff on regulatory standards and compliance, current clinical practice issues, and safety standards.
- Maintain and update orientation manuals and skills checklists.
- Create individualized training plans for new employees, conduct weekly assessments, and adjust orientation schedules as needed.
- Assess preceptor competency to ensure preceptors can support new employee orientation.
- Provide employee re-education when performance issues arise.
- Coordinate in-services for new instruments and continuing education.
- Maintain in-service records and ensure staff receive necessary information.
- Adjust the schedule to support training across all shifts and work prearranged weekend, night, and evening hours.
- Communicate educational needs or issues to the SPD Manager.
- Liaise with the OR Clinical Education Resource Team and assist with OR staff education as needed.
- Follow approved policies and procedures to help prevent the spread of bloodborne and airborne diseases and protect self, coworkers, and the facility.
- Travel to other AHWFB hospital locations as needed.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off programs
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits
- Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
- Adoption assistance and paid parental leave
- Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
- Educational Assistance Program
- Premium pay such as shift and on-call pay, based on the teammate's job
- Incentive pay for select positions
- Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
