Sterile Processing Specialist

GBMC HealthCare•Towson, MD

5d•$18 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, cares, handles and stores instruments, supplies and equipment necessary for surgery and processed goods for redistribution throughout the Medical Center. Assists Sterile Processing Specialists with various team lead duties, such as maintaining competencies. GBMC HealthCare is seeking dedicated Sterile Processing Specialists to join our team. In this role, you will play a critical part in ensuring the safe processing, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instruments, endoscopes, and medical equipment that directly support patient care throughout the organization. Whether you are an experienced Sterile Processing professional or an emerging technician looking to advance your skills, we offer opportunities to grow within a collaborative and patient-focused environment. Position Summary The Sterile Processing Specialist is responsible for the decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instrumentation and medical supplies. This position supports the Operating Room, Woman’s outpatient center , many other clinical departments throughout the hospital by ensuring instruments are processed accurately in accordance with regulatory requirements, infection prevention standards, IFU’s, and departmental procedures. Sterile Processing Specialist II is advanced level position requiring demonstrated technical proficiency, independent decision making, and the ability to serve as a resource for their team members. Specialist II’s may assume additional responsibilities related to inventory, specialty trays, mentoring, troubleshooting, and helping the lead when applicable.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required
Completion of an accredited Central Sterile Processing Program required
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification
Minimum of two (2) years of Sterile Processing or instrumentation experience required (for Specialist II)
Demonstrated proficiency in decontamination, assembly, sterilization, instrumentation management, and workflow coordination (for Specialist II)
Demonstrated ability to independently identify and resolve routine instrumentation and workflow issues (for Specialist II)
Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate and prioritize workload
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities
Knowledge of sterilization, decontamination, and infection prevention practices
Analytical skills necessary to identify instrumentation issues and perform minor preventative maintenance
Proficiency with computer systems and software applications including Microsoft Office and instrument tracking systems (i.e SPM)
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively with surgical teams and clinical staff
Ability to demonstrate accountability for assigned responsibilities and workload
Ability to adapt to changing surgical schedules, staffing needs, and departmental priorities

Nice To Haves

Associate Degree preferred
Sterile Processing, healthcare, instrumentation, or related experience preferred (for Specialist I)
Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) certification (Required for Specialist II)

Responsibilities

Perform decontamination, inspection, assembly, and sterilization of various instruments and trays according to the department standards.
Select and prepare appropriate packaging materials; accurately label and document sterilized items.
Operate, monitor, clean, test, and troubleshoot sterilization equipment.
Perform and document chemical, biological, and mechanical sterilization monitoring.
Accurately pick supplies, instruments, and equipment according to surgeon preference cards for scheduled, add-on, and emergency procedures.
Deliver supplies, instruments, and case carts to procedural areas in a timely manner.
Support cleanliness and infection prevention standards throughout the department.
Ensure timely completion of workload and adapt to changing surgical schedules and departmental needs.
Maintain required continuing education credits and professional certifications.
Participate in departmental education, competency validation, and performance improvement activities.
Troubleshoot instrumentation and workflow issues impacting surgical readiness.
Assemble specialty instrumentation.
Identify process improvement opportunities and assist with implementation efforts.
Assist with departmental projects, organization initiatives, and performance improvement activities.
Assist the leads when needed.
Demonstrate initiative by anticipating departmental needs and communicating potential issues before they impact workflow or patient care.
Serve as a positive role model for professionalism, teamwork, accountability, communication, and department standards.