Sterile Processing Assistant(Elk Ridge) - Flagstaff Fourth St - General Dentistry

El Rio Health•Flagstaff, AZ

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Assistant supports daily operations by decontaminating, cleaning, assembling, packing, sterilizing, storing, and distributing reusable dental instruments and equipment in accordance with professional standards and requirements. The role may also include administrative or clerical work in support of departmental operations. Work is performed under general supervision and review; issues involving departures from standard policies or procedures are referred to a supervisor. Duties are performed at the direction of management and at an assigned location. The position supports Elk Ridge Community Health’s mission of providing comprehensive, quality, affordable, and accessible health care. The assistant processes instruments and equipment according to established protocols and manufacturer instructions, monitors sterilization quality, maintains the processing area and inventory, and follows applicable CDC, OSHA, AAMI, local, state, federal, and accrediting-agency requirements, including Joint Commission standards. The role also includes professional community representation, cost-effective use of organizational resources, accurate time documentation, and maintaining proficiency with organizational systems and software.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
One year of experience in a related role or a position requiring similar skills, preferably in a healthcare environment.
A current, valid Level I fingerprint clearance card in good standing, or an application for one within seven working days after beginning employment.
Reliable transportation capable of meeting organizational reassignments during the workday.
If driving during work hours, a valid driver’s license and compliance with Arizona vehicle insurance requirements.
Employees must undergo drug testing before employment and may be subject to post-accident, reasonable-suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing.
Employees responsible for the safety and welfare of others will be classified as safety sensitive.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency, including the ability to speak, read, and write in both languages.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered if directly related to the job’s functions and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Complete assigned duties and departmental work within established time frames and quality and quantity standards.
Distribute sterile instruments to the correct locations.
Maintain the sterile processing area and inventory, including environmental maintenance in accordance with CDC, OSHA, and AAMI guidelines.
Decontaminate, clean, assemble, pack, sterilize, store, and distribute medical instruments and equipment according to protocols, policies, procedures, and manufacturer instructions.
Pick up, wash, and sterilize instruments from dental clinics; maintain an accurate, timely log of autoclaved loads and verify sterilization completion.
Operate sterilizers, ultrasonic washers, and other processing equipment; select appropriate cycles and position items correctly.
Monitor sterilizers and conduct required biological monitoring tests according to established procedures.
Inspect instruments for damage or defects, verify proper function and tray completion, and report equipment deficiencies promptly to a supervisor.
Sort instruments into appropriate trays; assemble, wrap, sterilize, and accurately label items with names and expiration dates.
Monitor and respond to biological, physical, and chemical indicators to ensure sterilization quality and consistency.
Clean sterilizers according to established policies and procedures.
Maintain compliance with applicable local, state, federal, accrediting-agency, and Joint Commission requirements.
Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic work environment and comply with infection prevention and control policies.
Support established policies, performance objectives, quality improvement, safety, environmental, and infection prevention standards.
Represent Elk Ridge Community Health professionally and participate in community events and appropriate health care activities that support its mission and public image.
Use materials, supplies, and equipment cost-effectively and limit waste.
Accurately document hours worked and complete required approval in a timely manner.
Maintain proficiency with organizational operating systems and software and learn new skills as systems and programs change.
Perform other duties as assigned.