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 by performing quality assurance tasks, guiding junior staff, and contributing to process improvements in sterile processing services. The position follows established procedures for cleaning, decontaminating, preparing, packaging, disinfecting or sterilizing, and storing supplies and equipment; assembles complex or specialized instrument trays; distributes supplies; monitors and documents sterilization indicators; operates and maintains processing equipment; and performs quality control and inventory tasks. It also includes following safety, infection-control, and confidentiality requirements, completing at least 10 hours of continuing education annually, maintaining regular and reliable attendance, and complying with policies and standards.

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 effectively.
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) certification is required if hired on or after July 1, 2026, or CSPDT (Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Tech) certification is required if hired on or after July 1, 2026.

Responsibilities

Clean, decontaminate, prepare, package, disinfect or sterilize, and store medical and surgical supplies and equipment according to protocols and regulatory standards.
Assemble complex or specialized instrument trays and sets accurately for surgical procedures.
Distribute medical and surgical supplies to appropriate facility areas in a timely manner and document distribution.
Monitor, interpret, and document physical, chemical, and biological sterilization indicators, identifying and 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 to improve service quality.
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, addressing deficiencies or escalating issues to leadership.
Restock and replenish supplies and maintain accurate logs for usage, expiration dates, and testing results.
Follow standard precautions and use appropriate personal protective equipment to maintain safety and prevent infection spread.
Protect the privacy and confidentiality of health information according to hospital policies and procedures.
Complete at least 10 hours of continuing education annually to remain current on sterile processing practices and technologies.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and comply with all policies and standards.