Sterile Process Tech

Community Health Systems•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

The Sterile Process Technician II prepares and assembles medical and surgical supplies, instruments, and equipment with an advanced level of skill and expertise. The role ensures compliance with sterilization and decontamination protocols and helps maintain sterile processing areas. The technician supports department operations through quality assurance tasks, guidance for junior staff, and contributions to process improvements. The position follows established protocols for cleaning, decontaminating, preparing, packaging, disinfecting or sterilizing, and storing supplies and equipment. It also involves assembling complex instrument trays, distributing supplies, monitoring and documenting sterilization indicators, operating and maintaining sterile processing equipment, conducting quality checks, managing inventory, and following infection-control and confidentiality requirements. The technician must complete at least 10 hours of continuing education annually and maintain regular, reliable attendance. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Requirements

2–4 years of experience in sterile processing or a related role.
Proficiency in cleaning, decontaminating, and sterilizing medical instruments and equipment.
Ability to operate and maintain sterilization and decontamination equipment.
Strong attention to detail for quality control and documentation tasks.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills for training and collaboration.
Knowledge of regulatory standards and infection control protocols.
Ability to identify and resolve issues with sterilization processes or equipment.
CRCST – Certified and Registered Central Service Technician, or CSPDT – Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Tech, required if hired into the role on or after July 1, 2026.

Responsibilities

Clean, decontaminate, prepare, package, disinfect or sterilize, and store medical and surgical supplies and equipment according to established protocols and regulatory standards.
Assemble complex or specialized instrument trays and sets accurately for surgical procedures.
Distribute supplies to appropriate facility areas in a timely manner and document distribution.
Monitor, interpret, and document physical, chemical, and biological sterilization indicators, addressing potential issues.
Operate sterile processing equipment, including sterilizers and decontamination units, and perform routine maintenance as needed.
Identify process gaps and contribute to corrective actions or workflow improvements.
Guide and support Sterile Process Technician I staff and provide on-the-job training when needed.
Conduct quality control checks on sterilized instruments and equipment, address deficiencies, and escalate issues to leadership.
Restock and replenish supplies and maintain accurate inventory, usage, expiration-date, and testing-result logs.
Follow standard precautions and use appropriate personal protective equipment to maintain workplace safety and prevent infection spread.
Protect the privacy and confidentiality of health information in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.
Complete at least 10 hours of continuing education annually.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and comply with policies and standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.