Sterile Processing Assistant - Stone - Compliance and Innovation

El Rio Community Health Center•Tucson, AZ

3d•$17 - $24

About The Position

A Sterile Processing Assistant supports daily operations and the sterilization processing of reusable medical or dental instruments and equipment, ensuring that processing meets professional standards and requirements. The position performs decontamination, cleaning, assembly, packing, sterilization, storage, and distribution of submitted instruments and equipment. It may also involve administrative or clerical duties supporting departmental operations. Work is performed with general supervision and review; problems involving departures from standard policies, interpretations, or procedures are referred to the supervisor for direction and resolution. Duties are performed at the direction of management and at a location assigned by management. The role includes handling and processing instruments according to established protocols and manufacturers’ instructions, operating and monitoring sterilization equipment, documenting loads, checking sterilization indicators, maintaining inventory and the work environment, and meeting applicable organizational and regulatory standards. The position also supports El Rio Health’s mission through professional conduct, community health activities, cost-effective use of resources, and adapting to changes in organizational systems and software.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
Six months of experience in a related role or a position requiring similar skills, preferably in a healthcare environment. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered if directly related to the job’s functions and responsibilities.
Current, valid Level I fingerprint clearance card in good standing, or application for one within seven working days after beginning employment; the posting also states that a Level One Non-IVP card must be received within 30 days after hire or transfer.
Reliable transportation capable of meeting organizational operational reassignments during the workday.
If driving during work hours, a valid driver’s license and compliance with Arizona vehicle insurance requirements.
Undergo drug testing before employment and comply with applicable post-accident, reasonable-suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing.
Meet applicable workplace vaccination requirements or recommendations, subject to legal exemptions and accommodations.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency, including the ability to speak, read, and write in both languages.
Experience in a healthcare environment.

Responsibilities

Perform assigned duties and departmental tasks within established time frames and quality and productivity standards.
Distribute sterile instruments to the correct locations.
Perform environmental maintenance in the sterile processing area in accordance with CDC, OSHA, and AAMI guidelines, and maintain inventory levels.
Pick up, wash, decontaminate, sterilize, assemble, pack, store, and distribute medical or dental instruments and equipment according to established protocols and procedures.
Maintain accurate and timely records of autoclave loads and verify complete sterilization.
Clean and prepare instruments and equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions for sterilization.
Inspect instruments for damage or defects, verify proper function and tray completeness, and arrange items in appropriate trays.
Position items correctly in sterilizers and select the proper wash cycle.
Operate sterilizers, ultrasonic washers, and other processing equipment; monitor sterilizers and report equipment deficiencies to the supervisor.
Assemble, wrap, label, and sterilize instrument trays in accordance with El Rio Sterilization policies and procedures and applicable CDC, OSHA, and AAMI guidelines.
Label each item with its name and expiration date.
Monitor and respond to biological, physical, and chemical indicators to support sterilization quality and consistency.
Clean sterilizers and conduct required biological monitoring tests according to established procedures.
Maintain compliance with local, state, federal, and accrediting-agency requirements for sterilization activities, including applicable Joint Commission Certification standards and reporting requirements.
Support established policies and procedures, performance objectives, quality improvement, safety, environmental, and infection-prevention standards.
Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic work environment, including work areas, workstations, examination rooms, and handwashing and infection-control practices.
Represent El Rio Health professionally and serve as a positive informational resource for community members.
Participate in community events promoting good health and awareness of El Rio Health and its services, and in appropriate healthcare activities at local, state, and national levels.
Use materials, supplies, and equipment cost-effectively and limit waste.
Maintain proficiency with El Rio Health operating systems and software and learn new skills in response to system or program changes and upgrades.
Perform other duties as assigned.