Sterile Processing Tech 1

Inova Health System•Falls Church, VA

7d•$20 - $33

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Tech 1 accurately and efficiently assembles instrumentation, ensures processed items are sterile, safely decontaminates instruments, manages instrument inventory, and distributes instruments to customers in a timely manner. The role uses basic computer functions and instrument-tracking software to document work and track inventory. In the instrument assembly area, the technician inspects instruments for bio-burden and proper working condition, assembles sets according to count sheets, locates missing instruments, replaces repaired or ordered items, and maintains stock. The technician prepares and records sterilization loads, adds a biological test to each load, selects the appropriate sterilization mode, checks for required chemical and biological indicators, and operates Steam, Sterrad, and Steris equipment. They validate sterilization processes by reading, interpreting, and documenting indicators. In decontamination, the technician unloads case carts and checks items for red tags, sorts instruments, and selects appropriate manual or mechanical processing methods to protect item integrity. They prepare instruments by flushing lumens, exposing surfaces, and loading washers, then operate washers, cart washers, sonic washers, and other equipment in the decontamination area. This is a full-time day position at Inova Fairfax, scheduled Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and every other weekend. For candidates without experience, 10–12 weeks of day-shift training is required and non-negotiable.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
No certification required.
No licensure required.
No prior experience required; candidates without experience must complete 10–12 weeks of day-shift training.

Responsibilities

Inspect instruments for bio-burden and proper working condition before assembling sets according to count sheets.
Locate missing instrumentation and replace repaired or ordered instruments in sets.
Maintain stock levels in the assembly area.
Load items for sterilization onto loading carts, record items on load cards, and add a biological test to each load.
Select the proper sterilization mode and ensure required chemical and biological indicators are present.
Operate Steam, Sterrad, and Steris sterilization equipment; validate processes by reading, interpreting, and documenting chemical and biological indicators.
Use instrument-tracking computer software to document assembly, sterilization, and decontamination functions and track inventory.
Safely and appropriately decontaminate instruments.
Unload case carts and check all items for red tags.
Sort instrumentation and select appropriate manual or mechanical processing methods to protect items from damage and preserve their integrity.
Prepare instruments for decontamination by flushing lumens, exposing all surfaces, and loading washers properly.
Operate washers, cart washers, sonic washers, and other decontamination-area equipment.
Distribute instruments to customers in a timely manner.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Team member wellness program.
Retirement plan with Inova matching the first 5% of eligible contributions, starting on the first day.
Education assistance up to $5,250 per year.
Student loan assistance up to $10,000.
Up to 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions per person per year at no cost for team members, their spouses or partners, and their children.
Paid time off.
Paid parental leave.
Flexible work schedules.
Remote and hybrid career opportunities.